"Chief Operations Officer - ARC Centre of Excellence QPI"

Chief Operations Officer - ARC Centre of Excellence QPI

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Job no: 537912
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Professional Leadership

The Opportunity

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration, based at UNSW, is a recently established national research centre positioned to drive the next wave of quantum technology innovation in Australia. As Chief Operations Officer (COO), you will play a foundational role in shaping the Centre’s operational framework, building its professional capability, and ensuring the successful delivery of its mission across multiple university nodes, government partners and industry collaborators.

Working closely with the Centre Director, Executive team and Advisory Boards, you will lead the development of the Centre’s operational strategy, establish high‑performing teams, and implement the systems and partnerships that enable world‑class research and impactful translation. This is a rare opportunity to help build a major national research initiative from the ground up and contribute to a transformative agenda at the forefront of quantum computing.

The role of Chief Operating Officer reports to the Centre Director and is guided by the Centre Executive team and Advisory Boards.

• Salary, Level 10 TRP
• Full time
• Fixed term – 3 years
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

About QPI

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration (QPI) is a newly established national research initiative uniting leading scientists, engineers, and industry partners to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum computing. Through cutting‑edge research, collaborative innovation and real‑world technology integration, the Centre is driving Australia’s leadership in the global quantum ecosystem and shaping the future of high‑performance quantum systems. The Centre is directed by Prof Andrea Morello, a pioneer of spin-based quantum computer technologies, and world-renowned for his efforts in public science outreach. The Centre Executive includes Prof Maja Cassidy (UNSW), Prof Andrew Doherty (U. Sydney) and Prof Rose Ahlefeldt (ANU), leading portfolios in innovation & translation, research excellence, and people & culture. For more information on the Centre, visit: https://www.arc.gov.au/arc-centre-excellence-quantum-computer-performance-and-integration

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of QPI’s strategic and operational plans in partnership with the Centre Director and Executive
• Oversee all operational functions including financial management, budgeting, infrastructure, regulatory compliance and contractual obligations
• Build, lead and develop a high‑performing professional team, fostering operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Manage major strategic projects, policy development, risk, quality assurance and compliance with ARC, university and legislative requirements
• Strengthen and maintain partnerships across UNSW, other university nodes, government agencies and industry, representing the Centre at senior levels nationally and internationally
• Provide high‑level advice and oversee the preparation of key research documentation including reports, grant applications and impact materials

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

About You

You are an experienced and strategic operations leader with the capability to guide a complex, multi‑institutional research centre. You bring:

• Extensive experience in a complex research environment and strong knowledge of national research operations
• Proven ability to lead high‑performing teams and manage complex projects in large, dynamic organisations
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across academia, government and industry
• Strong financial and organisational management skills, including experience developing business plans and overseeing budgets
• Outstanding analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a track record of developing innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and build strategic relationships at senior levels nationally and internationally

Benefits and Culture

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to apply

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contacts listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries, please contact Prof Andrea Morello (Centre Director)
E: a.morello@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close:

11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 1 March 2026

Position Description