Rna Production Facility Manager

• Level 8, full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 12 months
• Base salary range: $106,775 - $116,709 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia's top university.
About the team
The Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer is launching in 2024. The Centre will build meaningful connections and collaborations between RNA innovators to work with oncologists, consumers and patient advocates to design, synthesise, test and improve RNA products for cancer treatment. A dedicated mRNA Production Facility for pre-clinical grade RNA is a key pillar of the Centre. The facility is funded through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme (NCRIS) to TIA. As the WA-node of a National network of TIA-supported RNA production facilities, the Facility and the Centre will form a critical role in the National RNA ecosystem. The Centre aims to improve patient outcomes, give West Australian researchers a powerful competitive edge by harnessing RNA technology for cancer treatment, and develop the burgeoning biotechnology and life sciences sector in WA. The Centre is funded by the Cancer Research Trust (CRT) in collaboration with UWA, Therapeutics Innovation Australia (TIA), the WA Government, Cancer Council of WA, Harry Perkins Institute, Telethon Kids Institute and Curtin University.
The Centre is hosted by the UWA School of Human Sciences.
About the opportunity
As the appointee, under limited direction, you will help establish and lead operations of the UWA RNA Production Facility. The Facility will produce mRNA and other forms of long RNA, using enzymatic processes, to be used for pre-clinical testing in a research setting. The Facility Manager is a pivotal and high-value role responsible for overseeing operations and ensuring efficient functionality and engendering a supportive culture. You will promote collaboration with industry and University partners to grow the user base. As part of the leadership team the appointee will hire and train technical staff in mRNA production, quality control and analysis and help implement quality management systems. The Facility Manager will be encouraged to innovate in RNA production and biotechnology by engaging in research, and/or collaboration with key stakeholders.
To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent competency in molecular biology
• Experience in effective laboratory management in the Biotechnology or life sciences setting, with the ability to identify gaps and implement effective technical systems and practices, ideally including quality management systems
• Familiarity with RNA production (or bioprocessing), or biotechnology industry operations, for production of research-grade material.
• Familiarity with medium to high-throughput sample processing in a molecular biology lab setting
• Ability to contribute in a collaborative setting to long-term planning and strategic direction at an influential level

About your application
Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:
The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.
You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.
Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 7 January 2024
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Archa Fox at
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution. We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity.

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.