Lead research governance at Hunter Medical Research Institute
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is seeking an experienced and strategic Research Governance Officer to lead and strengthen governance, compliance and assurance across the Institute’s research funding ecosystem.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing institutional research governance frameworks, grants compliance, philanthropic funding governance, affiliate agreements and research program assurance. Working closely with Executive leaders, researchers, funders and donors, you
will help ensure HMRI maintains the highest standards of research governance, integrity and accountability.
If you are passionate about enabling high-impact research through robust governance and strategic oversight, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Performance Officer, the Research Governance Officer is the central authority for research governance across HMRI.
You will provide institute-wide leadership across:
- Research governance frameworks and compliance
- NHMRC Administering Institute obligations
- Grants governance and funding lifecycle oversight
- Philanthropic and strategic investment governance
- Research integrity and governance assurance
- Affiliate agreements and research partnership governance
- Governance reporting, audits and risk management
You will also oversee the Grants Compliance Officer function and work collaboratively with Research Programs, Clinical Trials, Finance, Fundraising and Executive teams to continuously improve governance maturity and institutional assurance.
This is a permanent part-time position at 0.8 FTE, 4 days per week, with flexibility around days and hours of work.
About you
You are a highly capable governance professional with strong judgement, exceptional stakeholder
engagement skills and deep experience operating in complex research, university, health or philanthropic environments.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated senior experience in research governance, grants management, compliance or funding administration
- Experience working with government research funders and philanthropic donors
- Strong understanding of governance frameworks, risk management and compliance obligations
- Experience designing and implementing governance policies and operational controls
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- Experience preparing papers and reports for Boards and governance committees
- Experience supervising or leading professional staff
- Familiarity with grants management systems and reporting platforms
Qualifications
Postgraduate qualifications in research management, governance, public policy, finance, law or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) will be highly regarded.
Why join HMRI
At HMRI, you will contribute to world-class medical research that improves health outcomes for communities locally and globally.
We offer:
- Onsite parking
- Paid parental leave
- Flexible & Supportive work arrangements
- Access to leading researchers and strategic initiatives
- A modern workplace located in the HMRI Building at New Lambton Heights
Apply Now
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role.
For more information, contact recruitment@hmri.org.au.
Applications close 14 June 2026
