Mater Research is seeking a distinguished academic leader to join our Executive Team as Director of Biomedical Research, based at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane. Offered as a maximum term (5-year) full-time contract, this role provides an exceptional opportunity to shape and advance Mater’s internationally recognised biomedical research portfolio within a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
Mater Research is a recognised leader in medical research. Our bench to bedside philosophy sees us working across Mater Health’s hospitals and health services, The University of Queensland, and the world-class Translational Research Institute (TRI).
We are committed to working closely with Mater Health, Mater Education and our growing network of partners and collaborators to turn scientific discovery into the best possible treatment, care, and outcomes for patients and our broader community.
Salary: Commensurate with experience plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900 + access to many staff benefits!
What you’ll be doing
As the Director of Biomedical Research, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Mater Research’s strategic vision and ensuring our biomedical research delivers meaningful impact. You will:
- Provide executive leadership and oversight of Mater’s biomedical research portfolio, ensuring alignment with Mater’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
- Shape and implement research strategy, policies, and initiatives to foster innovation, excellence, and high-impact outcomes across discovery, preclinical, and translational research.
- Lead your own internationally recognised research program, including securing competitive funding, publishing seminal research, and driving translation into improved health outcomes.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop senior academic staff and emerging research leaders, cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and multidisciplinary culture of collaboration.
- Strengthen Mater’s partnerships with The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, and other national and international research organisations.
- Promote research integrity, ethics, and governance while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Work closely with Mater Foundation and other stakeholders to expand funding opportunities and drive philanthropic engagement in research.
- Champion Mater’s profile as a leader in biomedical research, representing the organisation at high-level forums and sector decision-making bodies.
About you
You are an internationally recognised research leader with the vision, credibility, and strategic insight to shape the future of biomedical research at Mater. Alongside your own strong academic track record, you are a collaborative and values-driven leader who can inspire others and build enduring partnerships.
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- A Research Higher Degree and a distinguished research career at Associate Professor/Professor level (or equivalent), with internationally competitive achievements.
- Proven leadership of a research program of international standing, ideally aligned with Mater’s strengths in Cancer, Mothers and Babies Health, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, or Neuroscience.
- A strong record of securing competitive national and international grant funding, translating discoveries into measurable health outcomes.
- Strategic leadership experience in complex organisations, with the ability to shape research direction, manage senior academics, and deliver long-term impact.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and inspire research talent, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment where people thrive.
- Strong understanding of the health and medical research landscape, including regulatory frameworks, governance, and emerging sector trends.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, engage at all levels, and represent Mater Research credibly on the global stage.
- A personal commitment to research integrity, equity, and Mater’s mission and values, ensuring that scientific excellence is always coupled with compassion and impact.
Why join us?
Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We’re leaders in healthcare, education, fundraising & philanthropy and research — and it’s our people who make the difference.
We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.
- Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
- Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education and The University of Queensland
- Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
- Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
- Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
- Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
- Convenient, discounted on-site parking
- Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafés and coffee spots
- Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team.
Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #MAKEYOURMATERMOVE
Applications close Friday 14th November, 2025. Please note, we may contact applications prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW!
Mater is committed to the wellbeing of their staff, and it is underpinned by our flexible and remote working policies.
Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.
Mater Group is dedicated to creating a workplace that values diversity and inclusion. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates.
Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.
For more information regarding Reconciliation at Mater, please visit our Reconciliation webpage.
