Biosafety Officer

About The Team

This role sits within the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), which supports ethical, compliant, and high-quality research at Murdoch University. RIO helps researchers meet legislative and institutional requirements, manage risk, and uphold research integrity.

The position ensures compliance with biosafety, export controls, and biodiversity legislation, providing services to research, teaching, and external users. Operating within the Ethics and Integrity function but independently, it works closely with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Chair to oversee biosafety matters and support safe research practices
 

Your New Role!  

The Biosafety Officer ensures the safe use of biological materials across the university by overseeing compliance with legislation, codes, and policies. The role provides expert guidance on biosafety practices, training, inspections, and reporting, while serving as Executive Officer and Secretary to the Institutional Biosafety Committee, maintaining effective governance and accurate records.
 

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Develop strategies to reduce risks in work involving biological materials and ensure all activities comply with legislation, codes, and university policies
• Act as Executive Officer and Secretary to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), maintain accurate records, delivery biosafety advice, training, and inspections, and keep staff informed of legislative changes
• Maintain central compliance databases for training, audits, licenses, permits, and regulatory documentation, and support related duties including Defence Export Controls
   

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $89,396.00 – $96,594 .00 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.   

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling an 6% increase!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in science, biotechnology, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience
• Strong knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity legislation, codes, and regulatory frameworks, with proven risk management and compliance skills
• Ability to provide clear advice, develop and deliver training programs, and communicate effectively with staff, students, and committees
• Skilled in maintaining records, coordinating inspections, supporting committees, and meeting reporting obligations, including acting as Executive Officer to the IBC
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams, Lists, and PowerBI.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
 

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Alasdair MacDonald, Director Research and Innovation, a.macdonald@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104710 as the reference.
 

Applications Close on 12 January 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

 Please note that the University will be operating under a Limited-Service-Period from 19 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. During this time, recruitment activity will pause, and candidates may experience delays in communication. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.