Deputy Director Research

 Menzies School of Health Research is seeking an outstanding research leader to join the organisation as Deputy Director Research. This is a senior executive appointment reporting directly to the Director, Professor Alan Cass, and offers a unique opportunity to shape the research strategy and direction of one of Australia's most respected health research institutes.Based in Darwin, this role sits at the heart of Menzies' mission to improve health and wellbeing across the Northern Territory, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Menzies has a proud history of community-focused, culturally safe research with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the Deputy Director, Research will play a key role in advancing this work. The successful appointee will join the Senior Executive Team, providing leadership across the institute's four research divisions and research support functions.Menzies has engaged Devereaux Consulting to support this appointment. Applications close Sunday, 8 March 2026. Who We’re Looking ForThe ideal candidate will be an accomplished researcher and proven leader who can inspire excellence across a diverse, multidisciplinary research organisation. Specifically, we are seeking someone who brings:Alignment with Menzies' mission – Research interests aligned with Menzies' strategic priorities, and a genuine commitment to culturally inclusive, community-focused health research that serves the Northern Territory and improves outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Research distinction – A PhD in a relevant field with an outstanding track record of high-impact publications, competitive grant success, and demonstrated research translation.Strategic leadership – Proven experience leading research strategy and organisational development within a large and complex research environment.People and culture – A collaborative leader who can attract, retain and develop academic talent, champion early and mid-career researcher development, and positively shape organisational culture.External engagement – Strong communication skills and the credibility to represent Menzies to government, funding bodies, industry partners, and the broader community.Alignment with Menzies’ mission – Research interests aligned with Menzies’ strategic priorities, and a genuine commitment to culturally inclusive, community-focused health research. How You Can Help – Sharing and ReferringWe want to ensure this opportunity reaches the widest possible field of qualified candidates. If you know someone who may be a strong fit, whether a current colleague, a collaborator, or someone in your broader professional network, we encourage you to share the opportunity and connect them with us. You can help by:Sharing the advertisement and candidate brochure with colleagues and contacts who may be interested or who may know potential candidates.Forwarding the opportunity through your professional networks – this could include research collaborators at other institutions, professional association contacts, or peers in related health research fields.Referring potential candidates directly to Devereaux Consulting. If you know someone who may be suitable, please encourage them to make contact for a confidential conversation. Alternatively, with their permission, pass their details along to us.  All enquiries and referrals are treated in strict confidence.Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux ConsultingPhone: +61 (0) 413 633 195Email: DeputyDirector@devereauxconsulting.com Applications close: Sunday, 8 March 2026Candidate Brochure AUD Darwin 0800

Deputy Director Research

  • A senior research leadership opportunity driving health research excellence
  • Full-time, fixed-term position based in Darwin, Northern Territory
  • Lead research strategy and inspire the next generation of health research

 

Menzies School of Health Research is seeking an outstanding research leader to join the organisation as Deputy Director Research. This is a senior executive appointment reporting directly to the Director, Professor Alan Cass, and offers a unique opportunity to shape the research strategy and direction of one of Australia's most respected health research institutes.

Based in Darwin, this role sits at the heart of Menzies' mission to improve health and wellbeing across the Northern Territory, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Menzies has a proud history of community-focused, culturally safe research with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the Deputy Director, Research will play a key role in advancing this work. The successful appointee will join the Senior Executive Team, providing leadership across the institute's four research divisions and research support functions.

Menzies has engaged Devereaux Consulting to support this appointment. Applications close Sunday, 8 March 2026.

 

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished researcher and proven leader who can inspire excellence across a diverse, multidisciplinary research organisation. Specifically, we are seeking someone who brings:

Alignment with Menzies' mission – Research interests aligned with Menzies' strategic priorities, and a genuine commitment to culturally inclusive, community-focused health research that serves the Northern Territory and improves outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Research distinction – A PhD in a relevant field with an outstanding track record of high-impact publications, competitive grant success, and demonstrated research translation.

Strategic leadership – Proven experience leading research strategy and organisational development within a large and complex research environment.

People and culture – A collaborative leader who can attract, retain and develop academic talent, champion early and mid-career researcher development, and positively shape organisational culture.

External engagement – Strong communication skills and the credibility to represent Menzies to government, funding bodies, industry partners, and the broader community.

Alignment with Menzies’ mission – Research interests aligned with Menzies’ strategic priorities, and a genuine commitment to culturally inclusive, community-focused health research.

 

How You Can Help – Sharing and Referring

We want to ensure this opportunity reaches the widest possible field of qualified candidates. If you know someone who may be a strong fit, whether a current colleague, a collaborator, or someone in your broader professional network, we encourage you to share the opportunity and connect them with us.

 

You can help by:

Sharing the advertisement and candidate brochure with colleagues and contacts who may be interested or who may know potential candidates.

Forwarding the opportunity through your professional networks – this could include research collaborators at other institutions, professional association contacts, or peers in related health research fields.

Referring potential candidates directly to Devereaux Consulting. If you know someone who may be suitable, please encourage them to make contact for a confidential conversation. Alternatively, with their permission, pass their details along to us.

 

 

All enquiries and referrals are treated in strict confidence.

Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting

Phone: +61 (0) 413 633 195

Email: DeputyDirector@devereauxconsulting.com

 

Applications close: Sunday, 8 March 2026

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