Vacancy Details

Position: Director, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research (MMIHR)

Organisation Unit: Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Package:

Tenure:

Closing: Tuesday 14 July 2026

Synopsis:

Campus Location: Melbourne, Australia

Job No: APTAV101331#072

• Lead a nationally recognised health research institute
• Drive major partnerships and secure transformational funding
• Shape the future of health and wellbeing research at ACU

Hoffmann Reed has been exclusively engaged by the Australian Catholic University (ACU), one of Australia's leading universities, ranked among the top two per cent of universities worldwide and one of the world's leading Catholic universities. Guided by a strong commitment to research excellence, social impact and the common good, ACU is recognised for producing research that delivers meaningful outcomes for individuals, communities and society.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is home to more than 14,000 students and over 500 staff across seven campuses. Within the Faculty, the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research (MMIHR) brings together world-class researchers and research infrastructure to address some of society's most significant health challenges. Through its four research centres, MMIHR advances innovative, evidence-based research that improves health, wellbeing and human potential across the lifespan.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

Reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, the Director will provide strategic and operational leadership of MMIHR and play a critical role in advancing ACU's research strategy and national and international reputation.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished research leader to shape the future direction of one of Australia's leading health research institutes. The successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of the Institute's strategic agenda, foster a culture of research excellence, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and build high-value partnerships across government, industry, healthcare, community and university sectors.

The Director will also be responsible for growing research impact and external funding, supporting the development of future research leaders, driving innovation across the research-teaching-engagement nexus, and ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability and growth of the Institute.

ABOUT YOU:

We are seeking motivated professionals with:

• A PhD in a relevant health, medical, behavioural or related discipline.
• A distinguished record of research leadership, research excellence and competitive grant success.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex research institutes, centres, faculties or equivalent organisations.
• A proven ability to develop and sustain strategic partnerships across government, industry, healthcare, community and academic sectors.
• Experience driving research growth, impact, commercialisation opportunities and funding outcomes.
• A strong track record of mentoring researchers, supervising higher degree research candidates and building research capability.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills.
• The ability to lead organisational change, inspire high-performing teams and foster a collaborative research culture.
• An understanding of the Australian higher education and research landscape, including emerging opportunities and challenges.
• A commitment to research that delivers meaningful outcomes and contributes to the common good.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing research institute and help shape the future of health research, policy and practice while delivering real-world impact for communities across Australia and beyond.

TO LEARN MORE:

For a confidential conversation, please contact Hoffmann Reed's Senior Associate, Jodee on:

Phone: +61 421 447 407

Email: jodee@hoffmannreed.com.au

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please email your completed application (PDF format preferred) to confidential@hoffmannreed.com.au

Your submission should include:

• Cover Letter
• A written response (maximum two pages) addressing the selection criteria to outline your interest and suitability
• Comprehensive CV

Applications will close on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

ACU is not accepting applications through this recruitment portal.

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