Job Description
Executive Level 2
$144,738 - $171,363 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
Canberra or Melbourne
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking experienced and high performing candidates to fill Director roles in the Ideas Grants and Research Collaboration sections. Director roles operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability, providing strategic leadership, managing significant risk and contributing to agency wide outcomes consistent with the APS Executive Level 2 Work Level Standards.
A merit pool will also be established to fill future vacancies.
About the Branches
Research Foundations
The Research Foundations Branch develops strategies for investing in health and medical research, leads on NHMRC's grant application and peer review processes for large-scale schemes and post-award management for all NHMRC and MRFF schemes managed by NHMRC. Our work includes the continuous review and improvement of research policy, grant guidelines, peer review processes, monitoring and compliance along with evaluating the impacts of NHMRC funded research. The branch also leads NHMRC’s engagement in national and international networks aiming to improve research assessment, research data quality and open access to outputs of NHMRC-funded research.
Research Partnerships
The Research Partnerships Branch is responsible for driving the translation of evidence into health policy and clinical practice through partnerships and strategic engagement. We manage grant schemes focused on translating research into policy and practice through the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies, Development Grants, Targeted Calls for Research, Partnership Projects and Centres of Research Excellence grant scheme. We implement priority-driven health and medical research initiatives and bilateral and multilateral funding opportunities with international funders and manage grant opportunities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) working closely with the Department of Health and Aged Care. The Branch is also responsible for NHMRC’s International Engagement Strategy, Research Translation Strategy, our strategic and health priorities, consumer and community involvement and manage a range of advisory committees.
Job specific duties
As a Director, you will:
Provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to senior executives, committees and external stakeholders including whole of government and cross-agency forums.
Lead and manage teams to deliver NHMRC grant programs, develop complex strategy, research policy and reform initiatives in line with NHMRC priorities.
Oversee the administration and performance of NHMRC grant programs, including eligibility assessment, grant variations, reporting, audit processes and associated compliance activities.
Exercise sound judgement in managing risk, balancing competing priorities and identifying emerging issues.
Build and maintain strong relationships across NHMRC, government, research institutions and the broader community.
Drive branch and agency wide strategic planning, performance monitoring, continuous alignment and process improvements.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, funding agreements and governance requirements.
Support national and international research collaboration and engagement activities.
Core capabilities
To be successful you will need to be able to demonstrate:
Experience leading and empowering diverse and geographically dispersed teams, building a positive work culture and psychologically safe environment.
Delivering complex programs or policy work in a government or research related dynamic environment.
Strong strategic thinking and judgement, analytical and problem solving skills.
Proven ability to engage with risk, value others’ expertise, make sound decisions and deliver outcomes under pressure.
Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Highly desirable
Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in public policy, research administration, health, science, or a related field are desirable.
Further information
For further information contact Julie Glover on 02 6217 9379 or email [email protected]
Location of roles
The roles are available in either Canberra or Melbourne.
How to apply
You must submit a completed online application form with your Resume prior to the closing date and time.
NHMRC is an inclusive and diverse employer that supports gender equity and diversity in leadership. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including People with Disability, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, mature age people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a position at NHMRC, you must be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
Mandatory requirement
Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.
Applications close
11:30 PM AEST Sunday, 19 April 2026.
Job Description Opens in new window
$144,738 - $171,363 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
Canberra or Melbourne
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking experienced and high performing candidates to fill Director roles in the Ideas Grants and Research Collaboration sections. Director roles operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability, providing strategic leadership, managing significant risk and contributing to agency wide outcomes consistent with the APS Executive Level 2 Work Level Standards.
A merit pool will also be established to fill future vacancies.
About the Branches
Research Foundations
The Research Foundations Branch develops strategies for investing in health and medical research, leads on NHMRC's grant application and peer review processes for large-scale schemes and post-award management for all NHMRC and MRFF schemes managed by NHMRC. Our work includes the continuous review and improvement of research policy, grant guidelines, peer review processes, monitoring and compliance along with evaluating the impacts of NHMRC funded research. The branch also leads NHMRC’s engagement in national and international networks aiming to improve research assessment, research data quality and open access to outputs of NHMRC-funded research.
Research Partnerships
The Research Partnerships Branch is responsible for driving the translation of evidence into health policy and clinical practice through partnerships and strategic engagement. We manage grant schemes focused on translating research into policy and practice through the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies, Development Grants, Targeted Calls for Research, Partnership Projects and Centres of Research Excellence grant scheme. We implement priority-driven health and medical research initiatives and bilateral and multilateral funding opportunities with international funders and manage grant opportunities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) working closely with the Department of Health and Aged Care. The Branch is also responsible for NHMRC’s International Engagement Strategy, Research Translation Strategy, our strategic and health priorities, consumer and community involvement and manage a range of advisory committees.
Job specific duties
As a Director, you will:
Provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to senior executives, committees and external stakeholders including whole of government and cross-agency forums.
Lead and manage teams to deliver NHMRC grant programs, develop complex strategy, research policy and reform initiatives in line with NHMRC priorities.
Oversee the administration and performance of NHMRC grant programs, including eligibility assessment, grant variations, reporting, audit processes and associated compliance activities.
Exercise sound judgement in managing risk, balancing competing priorities and identifying emerging issues.
Build and maintain strong relationships across NHMRC, government, research institutions and the broader community.
Drive branch and agency wide strategic planning, performance monitoring, continuous alignment and process improvements.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, funding agreements and governance requirements.
Support national and international research collaboration and engagement activities.
Core capabilities
To be successful you will need to be able to demonstrate:
Experience leading and empowering diverse and geographically dispersed teams, building a positive work culture and psychologically safe environment.
Delivering complex programs or policy work in a government or research related dynamic environment.
Strong strategic thinking and judgement, analytical and problem solving skills.
Proven ability to engage with risk, value others’ expertise, make sound decisions and deliver outcomes under pressure.
Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Highly desirable
Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in public policy, research administration, health, science, or a related field are desirable.
Further information
For further information contact Julie Glover on 02 6217 9379 or email [email protected]
Location of roles
The roles are available in either Canberra or Melbourne.
How to apply
You must submit a completed online application form with your Resume prior to the closing date and time.
NHMRC is an inclusive and diverse employer that supports gender equity and diversity in leadership. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including People with Disability, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, mature age people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a position at NHMRC, you must be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
Mandatory requirement
Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.
Applications close
11:30 PM AEST Sunday, 19 April 2026.
Job Description Opens in new window
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Director position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Melbourne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
