Senior Operations Coordinator

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land sea and waters of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View ourvision towards reconciliation.

Role highlights

• Lead critical operations at Australias most advanced high-containment science facility to help strengthen national biosecurity and disease preparedness
• Drive complex high-impact projects that directly support world-leading infectious disease research
• Shape and grow a high-performing operational team in a world-class research / laboratory environment

About CSIRO

As Australias national science agency CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone just like you joined us and took on the challenge.

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The opportunity

CSIROs Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong is Australias national animal health laboratory and home to the countrys highest-level biocontainment facility. Our work protects Australias multi-billion-dollar livestock and aquaculture industriesand the publicfrom emerging animal and zoonotic disease threats with world-class secure facilities that keep our teams and community safe.

The Senior Operations Coordinator plays a pivotal role in enabling the scientific mission of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong. Leading a cross-functional team spanning Operations Glasswash and Project staff you will oversee the daily operational functions that keep ACDP running safely smoothly and this influential role you will anticipate and resolve complex operational challenges manage competing stakeholder needs and drive continuous improvement across secure and non-secure laboratory environments. You will guide operational planning asset and equipment management quality documentation and regulatory compliance while building team capability and supporting major facility and infrastructure initiatives. This is an opportunity to lead essential scientific operations in a high-containment environment that safeguards Australias health and biosecurity.

Please note: the successful candidate must meet ACDPs microbiological security and security assessment requirements.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Lead and coordinate daily operational functions across secure and non-secure laboratory environments glasswash services and facility accommodation proactively identifying challenges and applying critical thinking to resolve complex issues.
• Drive operational improvements by scoping prioritising and delivering projects managing team resources and influencing stakeholders to support change including in sensitive or contentious contexts.
• Oversee key operational systems including asset management equipment calibration consumable inventories and quality assurance processes ensuring alignment with regulatory accreditation and ISO requirements.
• Develop and strengthen team capability through performance management staff development clear documentation and creation of redundant skillsets (cross-skilled teams) to ensure operational continuity.
• Develop and maintain clear robust operational documentation and frameworks ensuring accessibility for staff across experience levels.
• Integrate quality assurance systems into daily operations and support broader facility infrastructure and strategic projects while maintaining uninterrupted site operations.
• Collaborate effectively across the organisation contributing to strategic and infrastructure projects supporting CSIRO values and HSE standards and communicating professionally with staff clients and suppliers.

Role particulars

• Location and office arrangements: Geelong - AustralianCentre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) Victoria. On-site 4 days per week minimum.
• Salary: AU$118k AU$127k per annum (pro rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite / Full Time
• Reference: 102017

As the successful candidate you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience demonstrating operational leadership within a scientific or regulated environment.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing teams and fostering staff development.
• Demonstrated experience identifying implementing and delivering operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong systems thinking critical analysis and problem-solving skills including in ambiguous or contentious situations.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment build strong relationships and collaborate widely with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working in a PC2/3/4 laboratory environment is highly desirable.

For full details about this role and other criteria please review the Position Description.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria there are many ways to demonstrate this. Dont let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process however please note that this role is predominantly site-based. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australias greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages abilities cultures faiths levels of education genders sexualities diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First Further Together Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA inclusion and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only and the successful candidate will be required to obtain an Australian Government Security Clearance at Negative Vetting 1 level.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close

18th January 2026 11:59pm AEDT