Non Executive Director – Independent Chair
About TRI
The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is one of Australia’s leading medical research and translation institutes, bringing together world‑class researchers, clinicians and industry partners to accelerate breakthroughs in human health. Located within the Princess Alexandra Hospital precinct, TRI is a collaboration between Queensland Health, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Mater Research. With more than 1,000 researchers and scientists on site, TRI delivers cutting‑edge research, clinical trials and biomanufacturing capability, translating discovery into real‑world patient impact and commercial outcomes. Positioned at the dynamic intersection of science, medicine and industry, TRI plays a pivotal role in accelerating the translation of cutting‑edge research and innovation into real‑world healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and transform lives.
About the Role
The Board Chair plays a critical leadership role in fostering a constructive, collaborative and high‑performing Board culture. Brings strong governance expertise, strategic insight and exceptional leadership capability, the Chair drives effective Board processes and supports sound decision‑making across the organisation. As Chair, the successful candidate will share responsibility for TRI’s long‑term success and sustainability, providing strategic leadership, maintaining strong organisational culture and ethics, ensuring robust governance and accountability, and overseeing risk, compliance and financial stewardship. The Chair will also play a key role in supporting and enabling an effective executive leadership team, while ensuring the Board is able to make timely, well‑informed and considered decisions on matters reserved for its authority. Working both inside and outside the boardroom, the Chair leads productive and constructive Board meetings, guiding Directors and fostering constructive relationships with the leaders of the shareholder organisations to support an engaged, cohesive and high‑performing Board environment. Beyond the Board, the Chair acts as a trusted advisor and key partner to the CEO, building a relationship grounded in trust, transparency and mutual respect. Working closely with the CEO and Company Secretary, the Chair provides mentorship, acts as a sounding board and remains closely informed on matters of strategic importance to TRI. This appointment is for an initial three‑year term with the opportunity for reappointment at the discretion of TRI Shareholders.
About the Person
The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience serving as Chair (or equivalent senior leadership role) of a board, governing council, advisory board or other high‑level decision‑making body, with a strong track record of contributing effectively to complex board‑level deliberations and robust governance oversight. They will have extensive experience operating within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments, demonstrating exceptional diplomacy, sound judgement and highly developed relationship‑building skills. The ability to navigate competing priorities, balance diverse institutional interests and build consensus among senior stakeholders will be critical to success in the role. A proven ability to provide strategic oversight will be essential, including setting organisational direction, monitoring performance, and ensuring long‑term sustainability and impact. The successful candidate will bring a clear understanding of governance frameworks and a disciplined approach to accountability and stewardship. An understanding of the university sector is essential, alongside familiarity with government and the broader public sector environment. Knowledge of the Translational Research Institute’s role within the Australian research and innovation ecosystem will be highly regarded. The successful candidate will be a visionary and influential leader with the capability to operate effectively in a highly complex and nuanced environment, guiding the organisation through strategic change while maintaining strong stakeholder confidence and alignment.
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