Project Lead

Full time, 3 years fixed term position. Located on the Camperdown Campus

Lead the planning, governance, and delivery of the high-profile Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA) project, driving impact across a landmark scientific initiative

Base Salary HEO9, $146,197 - $154,260 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for an experienced and motivated Project Lead to join the Safety team to oversee the planning, governance, and delivery of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA) project, ensuring all spaces and teams meet required health, safety, and biosafety standards in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements.

The Project Lead oversees planning, governance, and delivery of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, ensuring biosafety, WHS, and operational readiness across all SBA spaces and projects. The role sits within the biosafety/gene technology and Health, Safety & Wellbeing context, working closely with infrastructure, research, and compliance teams across the University. By coordinating stakeholders and leading change management, the position has significant impact on certification, risk management, and the successful transition of SBA into a safe, compliant research hub.

The Project Lead is also responsible for developing and communicating the project charter, establishing project management methodologies, and designing robust project processes.

The successful candidate may also represent the University on cross-functional committees and working groups, contributing to strategic planning initiatives and compliance oversight. This role supports a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

lead the end-to-end planning, governance, and delivery of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA), ensuring project milestones and operational readiness are achieved across all SBA spaces

provide program-level oversight of biosafety and WHS, so that SBA facilities remain compliant with OGTR and Australian Standards 2243.3 requirements and University standards

maintain a broad understanding of other key hazards in medical and health research environments (e.g. chemicals, gases, animal work, radiation) and know when and how to engage the appropriate subject-matter experts or safety teams where specialist advice is required

prepare clear, evidence-based reports and briefings for senior leadership and governance committees on SBA progress, risks, and readiness

drive effective cross-functional collaboration with research, infrastructure, HSW, and compliance stakeholders, representing the SBA in working groups and advisory forums

apply structured change management approaches to support a smooth transition from construction to operational use, including onboarding, training, and communications

advise on biosafety systems, facility design and infrastructure planning, and the digital tools needed to support SBA operations and compliance.

About you

postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field (e.g. biosafety, WHS, biomedical science, project management or health sciences), or an equivalent combination of education and experience

advanced knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to the SBA (e.g. OGTR, PC2/PC3, quarantine/biosecurity, WHS), with a sound working understanding of safe laboratory practice and hazardous chemicals management

high-level stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead, influence and align diverse groups - including researchers, technical staff, infrastructure, and senior leaders - where interests or priorities may compete

extensive experience leading complex infrastructure or research facility programs and projects, with a strong track record of delivering outcomes on time, within scope, and to budget

proven experience designing and implementing improvements in capability (e.g. new procedures, governance frameworks, digital systems, or operating models) that deliver measurable business, safety and compliance benefits

demonstrated experience applying specialist safety and biosafety management strategies in complex scientific or medical research environments, ideally including laboratory and/or animal facility settings.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kevin Lim, Recruitment Operations by email to .

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications CloseSunday 11 January 2026 11:59 PM

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