National Imaging Facility (NIF), Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 5 years Based At our St Lucia Campus.
About This Chance
National Imaging Facility (NIF) is Australia's advanced imaging network, connecting researchers with world-class imaging technology, expertise, data and analysis to drive discoveries that improve lives. From advancing medical research and healthcare to supporting innovation across science and industry, NIF plays a critical role in tackling some of Australia's most significant challenges. This is a rare opportunity to lead the operational delivery of a nationally significant research infrastructure capability and help shape outcomes that have a lasting impact across Australia.
As Chief Operating Officer, known locally as Director of Operations, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board, Partner Organisations and the University of Queensland to translate strategy into coordinated national action.
Leading a talented operational team and collaborating across 14 national nodes in 5 states, you will oversee significant national investments, drive governance and operational excellence, and ensure accountable delivery of NIF's ambitious program.
At NIF, our collaborative and inclusive team culture is one of our greatest strengths.
As COO, you will empower and lead a high‐performing central operations team, fostering an environment of trust, open communication and shared success.
You'll help create the conditions for talented people to do their best work while delivering outcomes that enable cutting‐edge research and innovation across Australia.
This is a visionary and influential leadership opportunity for an accomplished executive who thrives in complex environments, builds trusted partnerships and is motivated by creating meaningful impact through collaboration.
Key responsibilities
Translate NIF's strategic vision into coordinated national delivery, overseeing operations, investments and organisational performance across the network.
Lead governance, financial stewardship, risk management and organisational capability, ensuring effective and accountable use of public investment.
Drive strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement and transformation initiatives that enhance NIF's long-term sustainability and impact.
Provide trusted advice to the CEO and Board while leading a high-performing operations function committed to continuous improvement and service excellence.
Enable world-class research outcomes through the successful delivery of Australia's national imaging infrastructure capability.
This position will be located at UQ's St Lucia Campus. For more information about this opportunity, please view the information booklet.
About You




You are an accomplished operational leader with significant experience navigating large and complex organisations such as universities, research institutes, government agencies or national infrastructure environments. You bring exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to balance strategic priorities with rigorous operational delivery. You excel at influencing diverse stakeholders, building trusted relationships and driving outcomes across multiple organisations and competing priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate substantial experience in senior organisational leadership, including governance, financial management, human resources, contractual matters and organisational change. You will have a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, strong commercial and strategic acumen, and a proven ability to lead high‐performing teams through complexity. Experience within the Australian research, government or research infrastructure sectors will be highly regarded, as will a genuine commitment to enabling research excellence and creating positive national impact.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‐campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.
Other Information
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment. Pre‐employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender‐based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing or calling ***************.




Applications close Monday the 14th AEST (R-*****).
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📌 Chief Operating Officer - National Imaging Facility (Australia)
🏢 University Of Queensland
📍 Australia