Operations Officer

• $100,582 Base Salary + superannuation + generous salary packaging options
• Based in Melbourne
• Full time, 3-Year contract

About the Baker Institute

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is an independent, internationally renowned medical research facility. Our work extends from the laboratory to wide-scale community studies with a focus on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

About the Role 

We have an opportunity for an Operations Officer to join our Facilities, Operations and HSSE (Health, Safety, Security & Environment) team.  The position holder will be primarily responsible for assisting in the day to day activities to ensure laboratory and clinical operations are running effectively. 

The Facilities, Operations and HSSE Department provides specialist advice, direction, and support to management, staff, and students to ensure compliance with the Institute’s OHS policies and procedures, and applicable legislation (including maintenance of permits and licences), and to promote and encourage awareness of health and safety standards. 

Key Duties

In this role you will be expected to:

• Manage the lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including inventory tracking, maintenance scheduling, and disposal procedures.
• Provide support in the procurement process for scientific equipment, including researching vendors, obtaining quotes, and coordinating purchases within budgetary constraints.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for communal laboratory and clinical equipment, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with the space manager to strategize and plan the layout and allocation of space for new laboratory facilities, considering equipment needs and workflow optimization.
• Negotiate and manage service contracts for laboratory and clinical equipment.
• Oversee the safe handling and storage of liquid nitrogen, liaising with Facilities Management (FM) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) teams to maintain compliance with safety protocols.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of cold rooms and ultra-low temperature (ULT) cold storage units.
• Facilitate laboratory and clinical inductions for new staff members, providing comprehensive training on safety protocols, equipment usage, and facility procedures.
• Manage media preparation and autoclaving services, ensuring the availability of sterile supplies and equipment for laboratory operations, as well as overseeing asset tagging and departure formalities for laboratory personnel and equipment.

Skills and Experience

You will have:

• A degree in a Science related discipline/equivalent qualification or relevant experience
• Experience within a research laboratory with working knowledge of laboratory safety standards, biosafety, radiation safety, and/or gene technology-related legislation preferred.
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, and practices governing workplace health and safety, and the ability to translate compliance requirements into suitable processes.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a small team and handle sensitive and confidential issues discreetly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders in a positive and productive manner.
• Proven organisational skills that demonstrate the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and respond to requests in a timely manner while paying careful attention to detail.
• Demonstrated initiative to develop solutions to problems or challenges that emerge.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently and exercise sound judgement.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to take initiative and to improve and enhance existing systems and procedures (quality assurance). 
• Ensure all activities are managed to agreed costs and timelines.

Please note as part of the role there may be the requirement for occasional travel (locally).

Benefits

Working at the Baker Institute offers flexibility, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to a research centre of world renown. Benefits include generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, as well as modern offices and laboratories adjacent to the Alfred Hospital and walking distance to St Kilda Road, Chapel Street, and Fawkner Park.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Applications should include a current resume and cover letter, quoting reference (NP03) and state why you are interested in this role.  We are reviewing applications as they are received so if you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. For a position description or further information, please visit our website at: https://www.baker.edu.au/career

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be immunised with the COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions (No 4) and in accordance with Mandatory vaccination of health care workers (influenza vaccine) directions – Health services establishments.

We will close this job ad as soon as we have enough applicants so, please apply without delay.

Contact Details

Niro Pathirage

Manager - OHS, Clinical & Laboratory Operations

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

**************@baker.edu.au

The Baker Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the Institute. We value diversity, inclusivity, gender equity and we promote family friendly practices. We are a proud recipient of an inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).