Job Title
Insectary Lead
Job Description
An exciting opportunity is available for an Insectary Lead to join the Immunity Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.
About the Position
The Insectary Lead is responsible for leading the safe, compliant and efficient operation of WEHI’s Arthropod Containment Facility in order to deliver reliable, high-quality support for mosquito-borne infectious disease research, preclinical transmission studies and clinical trial-associated activities. The role provides operational and technical leadership across insectary service delivery, staff supervision, colony management, training, documentation, project coordination and continuous improvement, while ensuring work is conducted in line with WEHI policies and relevant legislative, regulatory and safety requirements.
The Insectary Lead is a key partner to Bioservices and works in close collaboration with Bioservices leadership, veterinarians, compliance and safety stakeholders, and researchers to assure alignment of insectary practices with WEHI’s broader institutional approach to safety, compliance, animal welfare, training, governance and continuous improvement.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
Relevant tertiary qualification in science or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge in managing or coordinating complex laboratory, insectary, containment, animal-related or comparable specialist research support operations.
Demonstrated experience applying and adapting policies, standards, procedures and technical practices in a complex operating environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of compliance obligations relevant to the operation of a specialist containment or research support facility.
Experience developing and maintaining compliance documentation to support safe, compliant and audit-ready operations.
Demonstrated ability to work in partnership across professional services and scientific teams.
Personal Qualities:
Strong operational and stakeholder management capability
Well-developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
Sound judgement, initiative, discretion and a proactive approach
Strong organisational skills and attention to details
Commitment to WEHI values, including integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect and pursuit of excellence.
Terms of Appointment
This position is ongoing in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Support Employee Level 7 ($108,119 - $117,039). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.
General enquiries can be directed to [email protected]
A position description is available here.
How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.
Application Closing Date: The closing date for applications is Tuesday 18 August 2026, however, we will be reviewing applications as they are received, and WEHI reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing this opportunity.
