The Opportunity

• Build Australia’s resilience to health and biosecurity megashocks
• Create national and global impact through critical research into human health and biosecurity threats
• Leverage CSIRO’s unique innovation capabilities

Since forming in 2015, the Health  Biosecurity Business Unit and the sectors it interacts with have evolved.  These sectors continue to be under pressure: emerging infectious diseases, an aging population, the burden of chronic diseases as well as the impact of weeds, pests and diseases that threaten our agricultural industries and natural ecosystem.  There is an increasing requirement to address these challenges through a whole-of-system One Health approach underpinned by human, animal and environmental health science and technology.

CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity Business Unit’s goal is to collaboratively deliver impact that drives the transformation of Australia’s health and biosecurity sectors, improving prevention, detection and responses to health and biosecurity threats.

The team focusses R&D around building Australia’s resilience to health and biosecurity megashocks; supporting the technological and digital transformation of healthcare and biosecurity systems; and improving health and wellbeing of all Australians. It is comprised of three Research Programs that span the biosecurity, health systems and human health sectors, with approximately 300 located across Australia and Europe and an annual budget of approximately $62M.

Your duties will include:

CSIRO is now looking to appoint a collegiate and very experienced leader who can provide the vision, direction and leadership in the delivery, adoption and impact of the research in the health and biosecurity domains.  Experience managing a broad portfolio of projects and people in a R&D context with a focus on growing science investment, driving commercial outcomes and delivering impact is crucial.  

The Director is responsible for organization-wide leadership in health and biosecurity which involves direct leadership of the business unit as well as fostering links and collaboration across CSIRO in areas relevant to CSIRO’s health strategy, such as science relating to animal health, agriculture, natural ecosystems, food, digital and manufacturing. Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities as well as global market knowledge and networks are extremely important.  A track record building and growing relationships with a wide range of external partners across industry, academia and government will be very highly regarded.

Location: Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra are the preferred locations, however other capital cities will be considered.
Salary: Attractive salary package including up to 15.4% superannuation offered
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 80176

To be considered you will need:

Essential

1. Established credibility and respect in relevant domain/s with evidence of effective leadership of world-class research capability commensurate with the scale of the Business Unit.
2. Evidence of strong engagement and communication skills and strategic relationship management that expands growth opportunities, drives commercial outcomes, and delivers national impact.
3. Demonstrated ability to attract, retain, empower and develop world class talent and to promote wellbeing and foster creativity.
4. Demonstrated track record in leading a complex, multi-site and large-scale operation including managing financial and physical resources and creating a safe and healthy, inclusive and diverse workplace.
5. Proven track record of successfully leading a diverse and multi-disciplinary team to deliver on strategic initiatives/in the translation of research, development and innovation outcomes. 
6. Demonstrated record of exemplary leadership behaviour, and an approach that actively promotes internal and external collaboration.

Desirable

1. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with emerging global trends in the health and/or biosecurity markets.
2. If you are Australian-based or have recently spent a significant amount of time working in Australia, it is expected you will bring a strong understanding of the Australian health and/or biosecurity sectors as well as relevant networks across government, industry and research institutions.
3.  International candidates will have experience working in a complex R&D environment that encourages cross collaboration, with an in-depth understanding of global innovation systems.

CSIRO is a values-based organisation.  In your application and at interview you will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values of: 

• People First  
• Further Together  
• Making it Real  
• Trusted 

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.  Balance

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

To learn more about this role please contact Terri Ward at +61 447 667 439 or terri@towardco.com

Candidates are requested to provide the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter – outlining the motivation and relevant capabilities and experience you could bring to this role.  This document should not be longer than two pages.
• Contact details for three referees – Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with the candidate. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that their referees are willing to provide reports when contacted by CSIRO.
• Date of commencement – An indication of the earliest date on which the candidate could commence in the position.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION DIRECTLY TO TERRI WARD AT terri@towardco.com QUOTING CSIRO CH&BBUD22 IN THE SUBJECT LINE

DO NOT APPLY VIA THE CSIRO WEBSITE

Applications Close

7 February 2022, 11:00pm AEDT