Careers at UniSC

• UniSC Clinical Trials | Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast (NEW CLINIC)
• Level 10, $148,551 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time (36.25 hours per week), 2 year fixed-term appointment

The Opportunity

UniSC has established a world‑class clinical trials operation that strengthens regional clinical research capability and delivers innovative, industry‑engaged research with real‑world impact. As our Clinical Trials Operations Manager you will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring effective, efficient and complaint delivery of early phase health volunteer clinical trials at our flagship location at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, this role combines senior operational leadership with hands‑on oversight of complex clinical trial activity. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage high‑value stakeholder relationships, and ensure trials are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest regulatory and quality standards. This is a rare opportunity to shape operations, build capability, and contribute directly to the strategic growth of UniSC’s clinical trials portfolio.

Please note, this role requires flexibility to travel to different clinical trial sites as needed, and to work outside standard business hours to support confinement studies and other time-sensitive trial activities. You may also be required to participate in a 24/7 on-call or confinement roster.

For more information, please visit us online: UniSC Clinical Trials

You will

• Lead day-to-day operations of UniSC Clinical Trials (Southbank), ensuring compliance with regulatory, ethical and quality standards;
• Oversee full clinical trial lifecycle from feasibility and set-up through to close-out;
• Provide expert guidance to investigators, sponsors and study teams across multiple trials;
• Lead and support multidisciplinary teams, including coordinators and support staff; and
• Manage resources, vendors and safety reporting, and contribute to strategic and financial planning.

About you

You are an experienced clinical trials leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced research environments. You bring a strong operational mindset, calm and confident leadership, and the ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining exceptional standards. Comfortable working through ambiguity, you engage effectively with senior stakeholders and guide teams through growth and change. Above all, you are driven by impact and take pride in delivering clinical research that makes a meaningful difference.

You will possess:

• Completion of a degree in a Health or Science discipline and relevant postgraduate training, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training, with at least 5 years’ experience in the successful management and conduct of clinical trials;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate people and promote a positive team environment;
• Versatility and capable of coping with ambiguity and change; can maintain high level of professionalism when working under pressure;
• Detailed working knowledge of ICH/GCP;
• Ability to train, motivate and mentor staff to ensure operational outcomes are met;
• Demonstrated experience with clinical trial project management including proficiency in resource planning;
• Exceptional ability to work under multiple, competing deadlines;
• Able to delegate responsibilities effectively to team members; and
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external vendors.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description:  494459_Clinical Trials Operations Manager.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 19 May 2026.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Jessica Baird
Deputy Director - UniSC Clinical Trials Centre
Telephone: 07 5456 3556
Email: jbaird@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 fields ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, demonstrating outstanding performance across key disciplines. At UniSC, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape and contribute to shaping the future for generations to come.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.