- APS 5
- $89,489 - $96,829 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
- Canberra or Melbourne

Are you ready to make a real impact on the future of Australian health and medical research?

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is on the lookout for dynamic and passionate professionals to assist with shaping policy and delivering innovative programs in a fast paced, collaborative environment.

You will have the opportunity to assist with ground-breaking initiatives, work with passionate experts and contribute to meaningful change across the nation. If you are seeking a role where your expertise and enthusiasm will drive impactful outcomes, apply to be considered for current and future vacancies.

We have Policy Officer & Project Officer vacancies in the following branches.

Research Foundations
The Research Foundations Branch develops strategies for investing in health and medical research, leads on NHMRC's grant application and peer review processes for large-scale schemes and post-award management for all NHMRC and MRFF schemes managed by NHMRC. Our work includes the continuous review and improvement of research policy, grant guidelines, peer review processes, monitoring and compliance along with evaluating the impacts of NHMRC funded research. The branch also leads NHMRC’s engagement in national and international networks aiming to improve research assessment, research data quality and open access to outputs of NHMRC funded research.

The Branch is comprised of the Ideas Grants, Investigator Grants, Research Administration and Research Policy and Evaluation sections.

Research Partnerships
The Research Partnerships Branch is responsible for driving the translation of evidence into health policy and clinical practice through partnerships and strategic engagement. The branch manages grant schemes focused on translating research into policy and practice through the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies, Development Grants, Targeted Calls for Research, Partnership Projects and Centres of Research Excellence grant scheme. We implement priority-driven health and medical research initiatives and bilateral and multilateral funding opportunities with international funders and manage grant opportunities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) working closely with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The Branch is also responsible for NHMRC’s International Engagement Strategy, Research Translation Strategy, our strategic and health priorities, consumer and community involvement and managing a range of advisory committees.

The Branch is comprised of the Research Strategy and Engagement, Research Strategy - National Strategy, MRFF A & B, Translation Programs, Research Security and Research Collaborations sections.

Research Quality and Advice
The Research Quality and Advice Branch is responsible for a range of clinical practice, public health and environmental health guidelines (and associated products and methods) that support the translation of research into health service delivery for the Australian community. The branch leads NHMRC’s work to increase equity in health research,



including gender and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The Branch also works with experts and the community to develop frameworks that support quality, integrity and ethics in health and medical research in Australia. This includes oversight of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, the development of ethical guidelines for research involving humans and animals, and the regulation of research involving human embryos.

The Branch is comprised of the Clinical Practice and Guidelines, Environmental Health, Ethics and Integrity, Indigenous Advice, Public Health Guidelines and Research Quality and Equity sections.

Why work with us?
What truly makes us a great place to work? It is our people and the culture we have built together. With an 87% response rate in the 2026 APS Employee Census, NHMRC employees reported high levels of pride (90%), commitment (94%) and connection to our purpose (95%). NHMRC scored above the APS average across key employee experience measures, including wellbeing, innovation, communication and speak up culture. At NHMRC, you will find meaningful work, supportive leadership, flexible ways of working, and a collaborative environment where people can thrive and make a difference.

Our roles come with broad responsibilities and minimal hierarchy, making it easier to get things done. You will be part of a small, inclusive, and high performing team with a strong, supportive culture.

We offer:
• A truly flexible workplace culture.
• A agile, diverse and supportive team across Melbourne and Canberra.
• Wellbeing programs including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year and a workplace that genuinely cares.
• Generous recreational leave, personal leave, cultural leave, parental leave and paid end-of-year shutdown.
• Study assistance and professional development opportunities that align with your career goals.
• Opportunities to be trusted to lead high value projects with the freedom to innovate and the support to grow.
• Strategic exposure where you can engage directly with senior leaders and contribute to decisions that shape our future direction.

Your duties
As a Policy Officer or Project Officer your duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting with the design and the implementation of policy, guidelines, projects and programs.
• Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across NHMRC and externally.
• Drafting high quality briefings, correspondence and reports for the Executive, Minister and committees.
• Planning, monitoring and reporting on project milestones to ensure deliverables and timeframes are met within available resources.




• Supervising staff where required.

Core capabilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate the following capabilities:
Teamwork and Adaptability
• Ability to work effectively in small teams with limited direction
• Flexibility across diverse projects and changing priorities
Stakeholder and Relationship Management
• Stakeholder management
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Secretariat support for panels and committees, including administrative, governance, policy, and financial coordination
Communication
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Strategic and Analytical Capabilities
• Strategic thinking and critical analysis
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to analyse and interpret scientific or health literature, legislation, regulations, policies, and guidelines

Specialist capabilities
In addition to the Core Capabilities, successful candidates will need to demonstrate one or more of the following:
Policy and Planning
• Policy development and implementation
• Planning and organisational skills
Project Management
• Project management across multiple priorities
Grant Management
• Grant management, including oversight and coordination
Research Translation
• Analysis and synthesis of complex scientific information
• Science communication to translate complex scientific advice into consumer-focused content for NHMRC websites and guideline platforms.

Mandatory requirement
The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.

Further information
For further information contact Sadia Breeze on 02 6217 9*** or email ************@nhmrc.gov.au.

NHMRC is an inclusive and diverse employer that supports gender equity and diversity in leadership. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including People with Disability, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, mature age people and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

Location of roles
The roles are available in either Canberra or Melbourne.

How to apply
You must address the four core capabilities and the specialist capabilities of the areas you wish to be considered for and submit a completed online application form prior to the closing date and time.

Applications close
11:30 PM AEST Sunday, 4 October 2026

Eligibility
To be eligible for a position at NHMRC, you must be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment
Candidates should familiarise themselves with the as they guide the ethical, responsible and transparent use of AI tools by candidates engaging in APS recruitment processes. These principles are designed to ensure that the use of AI tools by candidates aligns with the expectations outlined in the and maintains the integrity of recruitment decisions and outcomes.

Job Description Opens in new window

📌 Policy Officer & Project Officer Bulk Round (Melbourne)
🏢 National Health and Medical Research Council
📍 Melbourne