Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Science & Research

Australian Institute of Marine Science – Canberra ACT

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is seeking an outstanding executive leader to take on the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Science and Research). This is a unique opportunity to shape the research future of one of Australia's most respected scientific institutions at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

As Australia's leading tropical marine research agency, AIMS delivers the science that supports the sustainable management and protection of our marine environment. From Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, across northern Australia, to the Great Barrier Reef, AIMS' research addresses some of the most complex environmental challenges facing tropical marine ecosystems, helping governments, industries and communities make informed decisions for the future.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy CEO (Science & Research) will champion a positive research culture and set the standards for research quality that is integral to enhancing AIMS’ reputation as a world-leader in marine science. They will ensure the continuous improvement and success of Australia’s marine tropical science and research initiatives, core research facilities, research ethics and integrity. They will lead prioritisation of research to inform evidence-based decision-making on allocation of resources to support scientific excellence.

Being a collaborative member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will combine strong governance, financial and risk management capability with the ability to foster multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research collaboration across institutions and sectors.



You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of marine science, strengthen AIMS' global research standing, and help deliver the ambitions of Strategy 2040.

Location: There is preference for the Deputy CEO (Science & Research) position to be located in Townsville (QLD), but applications will be considered for candidates based in Perth (WA), Darwin (NT) or Canberra (ACT).

The successful candidate will be a distinguished research leader with a PhD or equivalent qualification and a track record of leading complex, high-performing research organisations. You will bring credibility as a respected researcher and scholar, combined with experience leading multidisciplinary teams across complex and geographically dispersed environments. As a strategic and values-led leader, you will have demonstrated success in setting organisational direction, driving research performance, enabling innovation and fostering inclusive, team-oriented cultures where people and ideas can thrive.

Eligibility

The successful candidate will be a distinguished research leader with a PhD or equivalent qualification and a track record of leading complex, high-performing research organisations. You will bring credibility as a respected researcher and scholar,



combined with experience leading multidisciplinary teams across complex and geographically dispersed environments. As a strategic and values-led leader, you will have demonstrated success in setting organisational direction, driving research performance, enabling innovation and fostering inclusive, collaborative cultures where people and ideas can thrive.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.

Getting to know the Australian Institute Of Marine Science

AIMS is a world leader in tropical marine science and conducts research supporting environmental sustainability and economic growth in Australia’s tropical oceans. Through our highly skilled and innovative staff, state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong national and international collaborative relationships and valued technical support, we are helping to build Australia’s national marine science capability so that together we can meet the challenges facing our marine estate. The Institute operates from facilities in Townsville Queensland, Darwin Northern Territory and Perth Western Australia.

Applications close 11:59pm AEST Friday 7th August 2026.

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📌 Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Science & Research (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Institute of Marine Science
📍 Canberra