Institute Director, Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Lead UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience and unite outstanding people, discovery and partnerships to improve lives worldwide.

• Shape the future of a globally recognised bioscience research institute
• Inspire outstanding researchers and build a thriving, inclusive culture
• Turn scientific discovery into global impact through powerful partnerships

About UQ

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching universities, bringing together exceptional people to advance knowledge and deliver benefits for communities worldwide.

Based at UQ’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) is a globally recognised research institute working at the intersection of biology, chemistry and medicine. Home to more than 300 staff and almost 160 higher degree research scholars, IMB combines outstanding discovery science with a strong record of translation and commercialisation. Its multidisciplinary teams tackle major challenges in human health and develop sustainable solutions for the future.

About the Opportunity

This is an opportunity to shape the next chapter of one of Australia’s premier bioscience research institutes, building on established scientific strengths and an ambitious, internationally connected research community.

Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice-President, the Institute Director will set IMB’s strategic vision and lead its people, performance and partnerships. You will inspire collaboration across disciplines, attract and develop outstanding talent, and create an inclusive environment where researchers, professional staff and students can thrive.

Working closely with UQ leadership, you will strengthen connections across the University and with industry, government, research organisations and philanthropic partners. You will grow research investment, ensure financial sustainability and advance the translation of discoveries into outcomes that improve lives.

The appointment offers scope to maintain or establish your own research program alongside your leadership responsibilities. This executive position is offered on a five-year, fixed-term contract, with relocation and employer-sponsored work rights support potentially available.

About You

You are an accomplished scientific leader who combines international research credibility with the vision, judgement and interpersonal skills to lead a complex research organisation. You will bring:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline and a distinguished research record, with recognition as a leading scientific authority.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary research teams, setting strategic direction and delivering organisational outcomes.
• An inclusive, collegiate leadership style, with a strong commitment to transparency, equity, integrity and the development of others.
• Experience overseeing significant financial, people and research resources, with sound governance and commercial judgement.
• A record of advancing research translation and commercialisation through productive collaboration.
• Strong networks and the ability to secure research investment and build enduring partnerships across academia, industry, government and philanthropy.
• Highly developed communication and influencing skills, with the diplomacy and resilience to unite people around a shared vision.

UQ values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their potential and achievements relative to opportunity.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Marcus Engeman, Managing Director, Hoffmann Reed, on +61 431 804 418 or marcus@hoffmannreed.com.au.

To apply, email your cover letter, comprehensive CV and a response addressing the selection criteria (maximum two pages) to confidential@hoffmannreed.com.au by 11pm AEST on Sunday 17 January, 2027.

Acknowledgment of Country:

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.

Why Choose UQ?

At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.

As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million).

Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries.

Career Development and Support:

UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.

Join the UQ Community:

Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.

For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.