Job description
Agency Department of Health Work unit Research Governance and Clinical Trials Unit
Job title Director Research Governance and Clinical Trials Designation Senior Professional Officer 2
Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 21/09/2026 for 2 years
Salary $152,751 - $166,487 Location Darwin
Position number 48507 RTF 351429 Closing 06/08/2026
Contact officer Fransisca Tenorio on 08 8922 7764 or [email protected],
About the agency http://www.health.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=351429
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the
OCPE website.
Primary objective
Provide strategic leadership and system-wide oversight of research governance and clinical trials across NT Health to ensure all research
is conducted safely, ethically and in compliance with relevant legislation, national standards and organisational policies, while supporting
the growth, sustainability and quality of clinical trials across NT Health.
Context statement
Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, this position provides strategic and operational leadership of the Research Governance and Clinical
Trials Unit. The role is responsible for maintaining a robust research governance framework across NT Health and holds delegated
authority for the approval of research governance site-specific assessments; ensuring research is conducted safely, ethically and in
accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements. The position also provides strategic leadership for clinical trials capacity building,
reforms implementation and sustainability initiatives across NT Health. A strong understanding or experience of research governance,
clinical trials, ethics and regulatory frameworks is required.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Lead, develop and continuously improve research governance frameworks, systems and processes across NT Health, ensuring
consistent, standardised and mature governance practices.
2. Approve research governance site-specific assessments under delegated authority in accordance with NT Health policies, legislation
and national ethical and governance frameworks.
3. Provide high-level strategic advice to executive leadership, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting of research governance
outcomes, risks, compliance and system performance.
4. Lead the strategic development, implementation and sustainability of clinical trials across NT Health, including national reforms
initiatives, workforce development, capacity building and partnership activities.
5. Lead stakeholder engagement and represent NT Health in relevant national clinical trials and research governance forums to support
collaboration and national initiatives.
6. Manage resources, priorities and competing demands within a complex and evolving environment.
7. Follow defined service quality standards, work health and safety policies and procedures relating to the work being undertaken in
order to ensure high quality, safe services and workplaces.
8. Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary leadership practices and role modelling behaviour.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as health, science, research or governance.
2. Demonstrated extensive experience in research governance, health research, clinical trials, ethics, or regulatory compliance within a
complex health service environment.
3. Proven senior leadership experience, including strategic planning, system thinking and the ability to influence and operate effectively
at executive level.
4. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate research governance frameworks, systems and policies in accordance with
legislative, ethical and regulatory requirements.
5. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage risk, ensure compliance and provide system-wide governance oversight within a complex
organisational setting.
6. Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to influence and
collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, executive leadership and external partners.
7. Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement and manage competing priorities in a dynamic and evolving
environment.
8. Understanding of the cultural, social and environmental factors impacting healthcare delivery in the Northern Territory.
Desirable
1. Post-graduate qualifications in research, public health, governance, leadership, or a related field.
2. Experience representing an organisation at national or interjurisdictional forums, committees, or working groups.
Further information
The preferred or recommended applicant will be required to hold a current working with children clearance notice and undergo a criminal
history check. A criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is relevant to the position. This role carries specific
immunisation requirements. For immunisation requirements - Category A (direct contact with blood or body substances) or Category B
(indirect contact with blood or body substances) - check with contact person.
Approved: June 2026 Dr Jeremy Chin, Chief Medical Officer
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