"Scientific Director"

Job Description:

About the Sax Institute

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services. We have an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and nearly 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 50 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

Building on the success of the flagship 45 and Up study, the Institute is now launching 18 and Up; a groundbreaking national effort to establish the largest multigenerational cohort in Australia to uncover the drivers of Australia's declining mental health and rapidly translate findings to drive meaningful policy and practice change for current and future generations.

Funded by the NHMRC and delivered by the Sax Institute in collaboration with Australia’s leading mental health researchers and policy partners, the study is supported by dedicated governance and advisory structures to drive engagement, co-design, and impact.

About the role

Joining 18 and Up at its very inception, the Scientific Director will provide the strategic and academic leadership that underpins this landmark national study. This is the most senior research role on the project - a unique opportunity to set the scientific direction and ensure excellence across all stages, from study design to the delivery of high-impact outputs.

Reporting directly to the Chief Investigator A (CEO of the Sax Institute), and working in collaboration with the broader Chief Investigator Group, the Scientific Director will drive the study’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with the project’s governance and strategic priorities.

As leader of the Research Stream, you will drive innovation in mental health and population research, ensuring methodological rigour and shaping new approaches that will define the study’s success. You will work in close partnership with the Head of Programs and Operations Director to align research priorities with operational delivery and NHMRC milestones.

In this highly visible role, you will chair and contribute to governance committees, forge national and international research collaborations and secure additional funding to expand the scope and reach of the study. As an ambassador for 18 and Up, you will represent the study to government, funders, the mental health sector, and the wider community - ensuring its findings are translated into policy, practice, and public understanding.

Job Requirements:

About you

Working with a team of dedicated professionals, this exciting opportunity will suit an accomplished research leader with a national or international reputation in mental health, population health or related fields. You will bring strategic vision and deep methodological expertise, along with proven experience leading large-scale, multi-institutional studies. With a track record of securing competitive funding, you will also excel at building partnerships across government, academia, and the community, and have a passion for ensuring research makes a tangible difference.

This role will appeal to someone motivated by the opportunity to shape a landmark Australian research platform with the potential to influence health, policy and practice for decades.

Specifically, we are looking for an accomplished research leader with the following experience and current skill set:

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. public health, epidemiology, mental health, social sciences) with a strong track record as a mid–senior career researcher.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, leadership, and management of large-scale, multi-institutional cohort or longitudinal studies.
• Evidence of success in leading multi-institutional research collaborations and partnerships.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop research staff and early-career researchers.
• Strong record of high-quality publications and demonstrated impact through research translation into policy and practice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, including experience working with policymakers, community groups, and sector partners.

Experience in mental health or intergenerational research and familiarity with NHMRC-funded research requirements would be highly regarded.

Further details

If you are wanting to join the Institute to shape this significant research initiative, please go to the Careers Opportunities page of our website to read more about the position: https://www.saxinstitute.org.au/about-us/career-opportunities/. To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Scientific Director – 18 and Up. Please contact Martin McNamara at Martin.McNamara@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.