About MARS-FEED

MARS-FEED, which stands for Mars Food Ecosystem Engineering Design, is a multidisciplinary research and innovation initiative exploring the food systems required to support human life in future Mars habitats and other extreme environments. Our work spans space nutrition, astronaut health, food preservation, long-duration missions, engineering design and food infrastructure.

MARS-FEED brings together expertise across science, engineering, nutrition, molecular biosciences, design, business strategy, marketing and space related research. Through research, publication oriented projects, collaboration and public engagement, we aim to advance knowledge of human sustainability beyond Earth while creating opportunities for emerging researchers and professionals to develop practical skills and experience.

About the Role

MARS-FEED is seeking a capable and people focused Head of Human Resources (HR) to establish and lead our human resources function.

Reporting to Business Strategy and Operations, you will manage recruitment, onboarding, people policies, team engagement and workforce planning across the initiative. You will also lead three Human Resources Officers and work closely with project leaders to support a professional, inclusive and well organised team environment.

This is a hands on leadership opportunity for an emerging HR skilled seeking meaningful responsibility and practical experience within a growing multidisciplinary initiative.

MARS-FEED is recruiting one Head of Human Resources and three Human Resources Officers. Applicants who perform strongly but are not selected for the Head position may be offered a Human Resources Officer position, subject to their suitability and agreement.

Key Responsibilities





- Lead recruitment, candidate selection, onboarding and offboarding across MARS-FEED
- Manage and mentor three Human Resources Officers, allocate responsibilities and monitor deliverables
- Develop practical HR policies covering conduct, confidentiality, privacy, inclusion and team wellbeing
- Support project leaders with workforce planning, role design, performance feedback and conflict resolution
- Maintain accurate people records and report on recruitment, participation, engagement and capability requirements

About You We are looking for an organised, discreet and people focused applicant with strong communication skills, sound judgement and demonstrated leadership potential.

Preference will be given to applicants who meet at least one of the following criteria:

- Currently completing the third year or later of an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, OR
- Currently undertaking postgraduate study, including an Honours degree, Master’s degree or PhD, in a relevant discipline, OR
- Graduated from a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate program within the past four years

Relevant Degrees and Disciplines

- Human Resource Management
- People and Culture
- Industrial Relations
- Employment Relations
- Business or Commerce with a Human Resources major
- Organisational Psychology
- Organisational Development




- Management or Leadership
- Law with an employment or workplace relations focus

Skills and Experience The successful applicant will ideally demonstrate:

- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Leadership capability and confidence coordinating a team
- Professional judgement, discretion and integrity
- The ability to manage confidential information responsibly
- Strong organisation and attention to detail
- An understanding of recruitment, onboarding and people management principles
- The ability to manage priorities and meet agreed timelines
- A fair, respectful and solutions focused approach
- Confidence collaborating with people from different disciplines and backgrounds

Experience in recruitment, administration, team leadership, student societies, volunteering, people operations or policy development will be highly regarded. Knowledge of Australian workplace relations, privacy, equal opportunity, health and safety, or internship management principles will also be valued.

What We Offer

- Executive-level responsibility for establishing and leading the MARS-FEED human resources function
- A highly flexible commitment designed to work around university timetables, assessments and other responsibilities
- Strategic experience across workforce planning, recruitment, governance and organisational culture
- High-value leadership experience to strengthen your resume and future career opportunities
- Access to professional connections across aerospace, technology, space and rocketry, research, and business
- A Knowledge Angels certificate formally recognising your leadership and contributions

📌 Head of Human Resources (Melbourne)
🏢 MARS-FEED
📍 Melbourne