Flinders University is seeking an outstanding research leader to join us as the Deputy Director of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute. This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to help shape a growing, world-class research institute and drive impactful health and medical research across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

About Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute

Established in 2019, FHMRI brings together approximately 800 researchers and Higher Degree Research students working across the full spectrum of health and medical research, from discovery science to translation and implementation. Structured around three core themes: Molecular Biosciences, Clinical Translation, and Healthy Communities, the Institute delivers multidisciplinary research with real-world impact for our community

The Role

Reporting to the Dean of Research and FHMRI Director, the Deputy Director will work closely with College leadership, University stakeholders and external partners, leading work across four key meaningful areas:

1. Research excellence and performance: Drive a high-performing research culture, lifting quality, outputs and global competitiveness while strengthening a sustainable funding pipeline.
2. Capacity building and talent development: Support and mentor early and mid-career researchers, building leadership capability and fostering an inclusive, high-achieving environment.
3. Partnerships, engagement and collaboration: Develop and deepen strategic collaborations across health, government, industry, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities.
4. Translation, impact and governance: Accelerate the translation of research into real-world outcomes, maximise impact across diverse communities, and ensuring strong governance and compliance.

You will also contribute to the strategic direction of the Institute, deputise for the Director as required, and maintain an active research program.

About you

You are an accomplished research leader with a strong national or international profile and a track record of achievement and impact in the health and medical research space. You bring:

1. A PhD (or equivalent) and recognised standing in your field.
2. A distinguished research track record, including high-quality publications and success in securing competitive funding.
3. Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and lead high-performing teams.
4. Experience overseeing research infrastructure, facilities and laboratory environments.
5. Strong knowledge of research governance, quality assurance and regulatory requirements.
6. A track record of successful HDR supervision.
7. Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to engage across sectors.
8. A collaborative, collegiate approach and commitment to inclusion.
9. A clear commitment to research integrity, safety and ethical practice.

Why Join Flinders

1. Unmatched experience working in a senior leadership role in a growing, high-impact research institute.
2. Competitive Level E salary with 17% superannuation.
3. Access to leading facilities, including the iconic, state of the art Health and Medical Research Building.
4. Generous staff benefits, including salary packaging, wellbeing support and on-campus childcare.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a dynamic research institute and contribute to improving health outcomes across diverse and often underserved communities.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. 

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

See below for further information and to apply.

Reference 8417.

The deadline for applications is 9am ACST Monday 8th June.

For a conversation in confidence please contact Samuel Twitchin on Sam.Twitchin@perrettlaver.com

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