Requisition ID43806-Posted -Operations-People and Culture-MCRI-Parkville-Australia-VIC- Job Function (1)
Role Type: 12 month full time parental leave cover contractSalary: $140,000 - $144,745 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging benefits
Join the People & Culture team at Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and help shape a thriving, values-driven culture that empowers world-leading research! The opportunity: We're seeking a Senior People Partner to provide strategic and operational HR leadership across three innovative research themes.
In this pivotal role, you'll partner with people leaders, researchers, and professional staff to deliver responsive, high-quality people and culture services aligned with MCRI's mission. You'll lead a small, agile team—including a People & Culture Advisor and a Recruitment Coordinator—while balancing strategic thinking with hands‐on delivery. This role is offered on a 12 month full time parental leave cover.
If you are passionate about building capability, enabling high performance, and fostering an inclusive and positive employee experience, this is your opportunity to make meaningful impact in a globally recognised research environment.
Your responsibilities include:
* Partner with leaders to understand workforce needs and deliver aligned people strategies
* Provide guidance across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, performance, capability, and organisational change
* Lead and mentor a small P&C team to deliver responsive, high-quality HR services
* Manage employee relations matters, ensure compliance with awards and legislation, and oversee case management
* Oversee workforce processes such as position descriptions, contracts, onboarding and offboarding
* Support employee engagement and drive diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing initiatives
What we need from you:
* Significant HR generalist or HR Business Partner experience with strong ER/IR knowledge
* Ability to coach, influence and build capability in leaders
* Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and problem‐solving skills
* A growth mindset and commitment to high-quality, inclusive people practice
* Experience leading or mentoring team members in a collaborative environment
* Tertiary qualifications and experience in research, healthcare or NFP settings (desirable)
* Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
* Play a strategic role in shaping culture and workforce practices within large research themes
* Lead and mentor a small, high-performing people and culture team
* Work in a mission-driven organisation committed to improving child health and global wellbeing
* Be part of a P&C team that values innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement
* Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support work–life balance (2 days WFH, 2 days onsite)
Who we are
Murdoch Children's Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem‐solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.
We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision‐making at all levels of the Institute. Apply now! If you're ready to lead with integrity, partner with purpose, and contribute to meaningful global impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply by submitting:
* Your resume
* A cover letter addressing why you would be a good fit for this role
Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.
We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier‐free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.
For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at recruitment@mcri.edu.au. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.
Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. No recruitment agencies please. Applications close: 20 February 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight time
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