About the Role
The Institute Manager plays a pivotal role in strategic and business planning, spearheading the collection and analysis of information to formulate key strategies and operational plans. This position provides essential operational and strategic support to the Bio21 Director, fostering collaboration both internally within the University of Melbourne and externally with partners.
Additionally, the Institute Manager leads, supports, and mentors administrative staff, ensuring high-quality support across all aspects of the Institute's activities, including the development of an Engagement and Communications Strategy for Bio21 in accord with the Bio21 Strategic Plan. Working closely with the Bio21 Director, this role aims to achieve the Institute's strategic, operational, and financial goals in collaboration with Bio21's schools, departments, and platforms.
The position of Institute Manager will be located within the Bio21 Institute (Bio21) at the University of Melbourne (UoM). Bio21 is a flagship UoM interdisciplinary institute and a leading life sciences institute in Australia, with an international reputation for fundamental discovery science.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Leadership of the administrative and operational functions of the Bio21 Institute.
2. Responsibility for the overall financial management of the Bio21 in partnership with the Bio21 Director and Deputy Director.
3. Manage in conjunction with the central communications and marketing team and in accord with the Bio21 strategic plan, all digital communications, media management, event design, resource allocation and external and internal communications.
4. Work closely with Faculties, School and Departmental colleagues, in particular the Bio21 Operations Committee and operations support teams, to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of activities within Bio21, including working with academic leads and managers of the research infrastructure platforms within Bio21.
5. Liaison with the industry tenants and partners of Bio21 to facilitate effective collaboration with Bio21-based researchers and platforms.
Who We Are Looking For
You will possess a proven ability to exercise initiative, solve problems, and apply sound judgment effectively in a highly autonomous role, coupled with experience navigating interactions between Research, Industry, and Government, including familiarity with government research funding processes.
You will also have:
6. Tertiary qualifications and extensive relevant work experience, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
7. Demonstrated experience in successful management and operational planning for a small, research-focussed or laboratory centre with familiarity in OH&S.
8. Demonstrated financial and/or accountancy skills and experience including the ability to prepare financial summaries and project/resource budgets.
9. Demonstrated capacity in stakeholder management and relationship building, including influencing, and negotiating effectively with people (, industry, government, and community).
10. Demonstrated sound judgement and high-level organisational skills, including responding to changing priorities and deadlines.
For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.
Your New Team – “Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute“
The University of Melbourne's Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (Bio21 Institute) is a multidisciplinary research centre, specialising in biomolecular science and medical biotechnology. Bio21 was the first cross-faculty institute of the University with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences being the major academic occupant.
Opened in 2005, the Bio21 Institute improves human health and the environment through innovation in biotechnology and related areas, driven by multidisciplinary research and dynamic interactions with industry. The Institute embraces commercialisation as a facilitator of innovation, skills development and economic outcomes. A key driver of innovation is the Institute's commitment to intellectual property protection, technology transfer and business incubation.
Accommodating more than 800 research scientists, students, industry participants and administrative staff, the Bio21 Institute is one of the largest biotechnology research centres in Australia.
What We Offer You! In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!
About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.