"Chief Research and Innovation Officer"

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is seeking an exceptional Chief Research and Innovation Officer to lead one of Australia’s most dynamic and impactful health research portfolios. As Victoria’s first public hospital and a cornerstone of the Parkville biomedical precinct, the RMH has a proud legacy of advancing health for everyone, every day. Today, with more than 1,400 active research projects spanning laboratory science, translational research, clinical trials, digital innovation and health services improvement, we are poised for the next phase of growth. As such we are looking for a visionary leader to guide it.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Team, the Chief Research and Innovation Officer will shape and drive a long‑term research and innovation strategy that positions the RMH as a national and international leader. This role oversees a diverse, high‑performing research ecosystem, including laboratory and clinical programs, nursing and allied health research, and the Research Operations Centre. It also offers the unique opportunity for an academic appointment with the University of Melbourne, strengthening the RMH’s significant partnerships across the Parkville precinct.

The successful candidate will bring an outstanding international research profile, a strong track record of securing competitive funding, and proven leadership experience within a complex health or research environment. They will champion excellence in clinical trials, research governance and translation, while fostering commercialisation, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. A key element of this role is representing the RMH to government, universities, research institutes, philanthropic partners and global collaborators, positioning the organisation at the forefront of discovery and impact. The incoming leader will also have the benefit of recommendations from a recent independent research review, providing an evidence‑based roadmap for strengthening the RMH’s future research agenda.

This role requires an inspiring leader who embodies The Melbourne Way, putting people first, leading with kindness and achieving excellence together. The Chief Research and Innovation Officer will mentor emerging research leaders, cultivate multidisciplinary collaboration, and build an environment where creativity, curiosity and scientific rigour thrive. They will play a central role in translating research into improved patient outcomes, driving innovation in care, and ensuring the RMH continues to make a profound difference to the health of our community.

If you are driven by purpose, excited by possibility and ready to lead research that shapes the future of health, we invite you to join us at one of Australia’s most respected and ambitious public hospitals.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. For further information and to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/09c2ec62-93c3-1b8c-e53e-3a1f5dc16951 quoting reference 8239.

For a conversation in confidence please contact: Claudia Roth Claudia.Roth@perrettlaver.com

The deadline for applications is 9am AEDT, Monday 16th March.