James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

Are you an experienced technical professional with expertise in biological sciences, laboratory operations or technical service environments? Join JCU in Cairns and play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality practical learning and teaching across Education, Life and Environmental Sciences in Cairns.

We are seeking a capable and experienced Senior Technical Advisor to provide campus coordination, advanced technical advice, hands-on delivery support of practical learning activities across laboratory and technical service environments.

• Laboratory and Technical Services, Education Division
• Full-time, continuing | 36.25 hours per week
• Successful candidate must be based in Cairns or willing to relocate before commencement
• Based at the Cairns Nguma-bada campus, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical North Queensland
• HEWL 7: $99,878.44 - $110,446.52 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Senior Technical Advisor (Education, Life and Environmental Sciences), you will coordinate and deliver high-quality technical services supporting practical learning and teaching activities. The portfolio spans practical teaching delivery across Education, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Zoology and Ecology disciplines. 

The role also contributes to the effective delivery of Laboratory and Technical Services by the Education, Life and Environmental Sciences team in Cairns, by providing technical leadership and on-the-job guidance, building staff capability and supporting effective local work and campus coordination. You will coordinate key safety and compliance activities, including risk assessments, audits, inspections, incident and hazard reporting, training and safe work procedures, while providing high-level technical and operational advice to support service planning, quality assurance, problem-solving and continuous improvement.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

You will bring relevant qualifications and advanced technical experience gained in complex biological, earth and/or environmental science laboratories, or similar technical service environments, ideally in a higher education environment. 

You will bring a demonstrated ability to train, guide and support others, with a sound understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements and experience in risk management and safe work practices. Your strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills will enable you to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and build effective working relationships.

SELECTION CRITERIA

In addition to the Key Requirements for Success outlined in the Role Profile, the successful applicant must have:

1. Advanced technical experience within biological, earth and/or environmental science laboratories, or related scientific and technical environments, with demonstrated ability to coordinate and support the safe and effective delivery of practical learning and teaching activities across diverse disciplines.
2. Demonstrated experience providing day-to-day technical leadership and operational coordination, including guiding and supporting technical staff, coordinating local work and campus priorities, providing on-the-job training and contributing to staff capability development.
3. Significant experience coordinating laboratory and technical operations, including oversight of the operational readiness of specialised laboratories, equipment and instrumentation, and the coordination of facilities, resources and practical activities to support teaching and service requirements.
4. Demonstrated experience coordinating safety and compliance activities within laboratory and technical environments, with sound knowledge of WHS requirements, risk management, chemical and biological safety, dangerous goods, scheduled medicines and positions, Australian laboratory standards and related regulatory requirements.
5. Demonstrated ability to coordinate competing technical and operational requirements with advanced communication skills, and strong organisational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to exercise judgement and initiative, provide high-level technical advice, and support consistent service delivery in a complex multidisciplinary environment.
6. It is a requirement of this position to hold and maintain a current C Class Queensland driver’s license, First Aid and CPR certification and a Working with Children Blue Card.

WHY JCU

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare and medical services at our Cairns’ campus

HOW TO APPLY

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant account and follow the steps below:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the (1) key requirements for success as outlined in the role profile and (2) the selection criteria listed in this advertisement, outlining how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Amanda Norton at [email protected]   

Applications close Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at 11:55pm.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet the role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning and working environment.