- Executive Level 1
- $121,755 - $138,410 per annum plus 15.4% Superannuation
- Canberra and Melbourne

The Research Strategy and Engagement section is seeking a current Executive Level 1 or high performing APS 6 to fill the role of Assistant Director. Our ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in stakeholder management with proficient written and verbal communication skills. The role is available for a temporary move at level or higher duties for a period from mid-October 2026 to August 2027 with the possibility of an extension.

About the Section The Research Strategy and Engagement section leads NHMRC’s engagement with key stakeholders and provides strategic oversight of national and international policies and strategies shaping Australia's health and medical research landscape. We collaborate with research funders, policymakers, consumers, and the community to support the agency's strategic direction and produce high-level evidence for critical decision-making in health and medical research.

Working with teams across the agency we shape NHMRC’s health priorities, international engagement and research translation strategies, consumer and community involvement in research and facilitate collaboration with the Department of Health and Aged Care on a range of matters including the National Strategy for Health and Medical Research.

We lead a range of initiatives that support Research Translation Centres, dementia research, and partnering with NHMRC. We also manage NHMRC-MRFF advisory groups including the Consumer Advisory Group, Industry,



Philanthropy and Commercialisation Committee, Public Health and Health Services Committee and MRFF-NHMRC alignment working groups.

Job specific duties

As the Assistant Director, your duties will include:

- Manage NHMRC's international engagement activities, in accordance with NHMRC's International Engagement Strategy.
- Lead the refresh of NHMRC’s health priorities, including environmental scanning, analysis and leading consultations.
- Manage investment approaches for dementia research funding.
- Develop high level input including briefs and committee papers.
- Manage and mentor staff, valuing diversity and flexibility to deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Core capabilities The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

- Stakeholder engagement: Demonstrated skills in engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Policy Development: Evidence of contributions to policies across the agency and wider sector.
- Program and Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects.
- Communication and Representation: Highly developed written and verbal communication skills for ministerial briefs, reports, and external representation.
- Cultural Competence, Inclusion and Diversity:



Modelling leadership that provides a secure, inclusive and respectful workplace culture that supports and develops diverse staff, working collaboratively to achieve outcomes.

Highly desirable The following demonstrated knowledge, experience and qualifications will be highly regarded:

- Tertiary qualifications in a health-related degree.

Location The role is available in either Canberra or Melbourne. Further information For further information contact Lina Gubhaju on 0412 480 521 or email [email protected].

How to apply

You will need to complete the online application form and provide:

- a short pitch (no more than 550 words)
- a current Resume
- contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current supervisor or manager.

Access the application form below.

Applications close

11.30 PM AEDT Thursday, 8 October 2026.

Eligibility To be eligible for this role, you must be an ongoing or non-ongoing NHMRC employee.

Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Australian Public Service Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment 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 APS Values and Employment Principles and maintains the integrity of recruitment decisions and outcomes.

📌 Assistant Director - Research Strategy and Engagement (Melbourne)
🏢 National Health and Medical Research Council
📍 Melbourne