"Executive Director"

St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (SVI) stands at a significant moment of transition. Under Professor Tom Kay's leadership over more than two decades, SVI has established itself as a distinctive presence within Australian and international medical research: 250 researchers operating at the intersection of discovery and translation, strategically positioned within the Parkville Precinct in Melbourne - one of the world's leading biomedical research clusters - and deeply integrated with St Vincent's Health Australia and the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery. As Professor Kay prepares to step down, we seek a successor able to build on what has been achieved while realising SVI’s ambition for its future.

The Executive Director will lead an exceptional community of scientists and professional staff while defining SVI's strategic direction for the next decade. You will determine how the Institute can most effectively pursue research excellence, accelerate clinical translation of discoveries, and navigate an increasingly collaborative ecosystem to amplify scientific impact and institutional influence. This requires the intellectual authority to command respect from accomplished researchers, strategic imagination coupled with operational capability, and communication skills that engage audiences from laboratory to boardroom to government. You will drive fundraising and partnership development alongside the Board and Foundation, shape institutional culture, and create the conditions in which exceptional science flourishes.

We seek a scientist of demonstrable achievement and international standing who has already left their signature as a leader in complex research organisations. Following a long-serving director requires particular qualities: respect for institutional culture combined with willingness and vision to evolve it, and judgment to discern what to preserve and what to reimagine.

How to Apply

All inquiries and applications should be directed in confidence to SVI’s search partner, Perrett Laver who will manage this process.

Written applications should include a full curriculum vitae and a vision statement relating the applicant's experience and achievements to the implementation and further development of SVI's objectives as outlined in this document.

The preferred candidate(s) will be required to meet with several SVI Board members and a representative from St Vincent's Health Australia (SVHA).

The successful candidate will be paid a competitive compensation package commensurate with the critical responsibilities of the role, consistent with medical research institutes and other like organizations in Australia.

If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact Dr Jolin Lai at jolin.lai@perrettlaver.com.

Closing date for applications is 2nd December 2025 (AEST).