A senior research leadership opportunity to drive health research excellence in Australia's northFull-time, fixed-term position based in Darwin, Northern TerritoryLead research strategy and inspire the next generation of health researchers
About Menzies School Of Health Research
Menzies School of Health Research is a national leader in research and education, working to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and populations across the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in Darwin with offices in Alice Springs and Dili, Timor-Leste, Menzies conducts world-leading research into life-threatening illnesses while translating knowledge into practical solutions for healthier communities.
The institute operates at the forefront of First Nations, global and tropical health research, addressing critical challenges from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. With a strong commitment to partnerships and collaborations that create meaningful change, Menzies has established itself as an organisation where research excellence meets genuine community impact, and drives real-world health outcomes.
About The Position
Reporting to the Director of the Menzies School of Health Research, the Deputy Director, Research, is a pivotal leadership role within Menzies' Senior Executive Team. With responsibility for providing institutional research leadership and shaping the organisation's research strategy, this position supports research Division and Centre Leads to drive impactful research and foster a supportive, opportunities focussed culture.
The role involves championing strategies to diversify funding, attracting and retaining academic talent, and enhancing both internal and external collaborations. The role provides oversight and strategic level guidance of research support, governance and integrity functions, senior leadership for a vibrant EMCR support program, and makes significant contributions to income generation activities.
The position also enables the continued pursuit and capable combining of own research with institute leadership duties, leading by example to encourage high quality and impactive research practices, and foster collaborative relationships across Menzies' research community.
The Successful Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess a PhD qualification in a relevant health-related discipline with an outstanding research track record evidenced by high-impact publications, successful mentoring, and demonstrated research translation. Proven excellence in academic and organisational leadership will be essential, along with experience in securing competitive research funding and managing people, finances, and resources within complex research environments.
The successful candidate will demonstrate research expertise aligned with Menzies' strategic priorities and possess the communication skills to represent the institute to government, funding bodies, and the wider community. The ability to build productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and motivate research teams to achieve excellence will be key to success in the role.
Importantly, candidates will embrace Menzies' commitment to culturally inclusive research practice and demonstrate alignment with the organisation's mission to create healthier, more equitable communities.
Contact and further information
Devereaux Consulting is supporting Menzies School of Health Research with the search for their next Deputy Director, Research. For a confidential conversation or to request further information, please contact Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting on +61 413 633 195 or email DeputyDirector@devereauxconsulting.com
Advertising closing date
Applications close on Sunday 8 March, 2026