Project Officer

An exciting opportunity to work for a growing and innovative team that supports and enables cutting-edge synthetic biology research and translation.

• Annual base salary from $102,136 to $112,741 per annum (Level 6), plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading (salary commensurate with experience)
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term contract
• Based on site at Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

The Role

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking an experienced administrator to provide practical and efficient support for the leadership team, key stakeholders and projects of the Australian Genome Foundry (AGF).

In this role, you will provide efficient administrative support for the leadership team, staff, stakeholders and projects of the Australian Genome Foundry. Alongside day-to-day operational support and stakeholder management, the successful applicant will contribute to initiatives and improvement projects by maintaining accurate records and documentation, supporting knowledge management activities, and assisting with process and system enhancements. In this role there will be some consistent elements and some that vary with operational demands, such as events and projects, so your ability to stay organised, adaptable and team-oriented will be highly valued.

Reporting to the Business Manager, you will:

• Act as the primary contact for key internal and external stakeholders, maintaining effective channels of communication, analysing requests and correspondence to prioritise priorities as well as urgent and sensitive matters
• Triage emails, correspond with stakeholders, undertake diary management, and organise meetings for the AGF Chief Scientist
• Provide financial, purchasing, and travel administrative support to AGF staff as required
• Assist in the implementation of policies, guidelines and procedures and play a leading role in their application to ensure the effective operation of the AGF
• Plan and provide support for individual and collaborative projects and initiatives, including planning, implementation of systems and processes, review, data collection and analysis, including preparing reports
• Coordinate project administration including coordination of meetings, minute taking, manage assigned actions and follow-ups and project status reporting
• Coordinate workshops and events for AGF, including catering, room bookings, liaison with stakeholders, routine correspondence, venue bookings, management of registrations, venue set-up and pack-down, coordination of feedback surveys and other duties as required

About Us

Located at Macquarie University and within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Australian Genome Foundry is a high-throughput strain engineering facility with modular robotic platforms capable and highly automated workflows. The AGF provides research support, expertise and services to the Australian and international research community across four streams: strain design and engineering, high-throughput fermentation, analytical chemistry and flow cytometry. The AGF also provides incubation space for start-ups, including PC2 lab access, highly specialised equipment access and full-service lab management.

The AGF provides high quality national and international synthetic biology and analytical chemistry services through multiple engagement models for both academic and industry clients. The AGF has a mixed portfolio of activities including contract, collaborative and fundamental research, and technology development for industry, government and the research community. We are a rapidly expanding team of approximately 20 molecular biologists, analytical chemists, flow cytometry specialists, automation engineers, post-doctoral researchers, and support staff. The AGF is supported by Bioplatforms Australia through funding from the Australian Government National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, the NSW Government and Macquarie University.

About You

You will be a motivated and proactive administrator with excellent communication skills and a strong track record of working in business operations, administration, or in project roles. You will possess an operational background, ideally in a research context and have an interest in further developing your business acumen and skills in liaising with key stakeholders, finance, reporting, and providing administrative support. You will have experience successfully working across a diverse range of stakeholders and be comfortable in complex, service-oriented environments. Your strong relationship management skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, time management, organisational skills, and excellent attention to detail will ensure success in this role.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that outlines how you meet the selection criteria below:

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced
• The ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders, including delivering outcomes within tight timeframes while managing the expectations of numerous stakeholders
• The ability to quickly adopt and understand new systems, processes and technology
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Office 365, database management systems, online booking systems, and financial systems
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands

Desirable:

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or an equivalent discipline
• Knowledge and experience in working in a complex administrative environment, preferably within Higher Education
• Sound understanding of NCRIS funded infrastructure facilities, their needs and reporting requirements

The successful applicant will be required to undergo a criminal history check.

Specific role enquiries: Belinda Fabian, Business Manager at ••••@mq.edu.au

Applications Close: 31 July 2026

***To be considered for this role, applicants must have full working rights in Australia and currently residing in Australia.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.