Role: Director, Torrens AXIS Health Research Institute
This is a unique opportunity to influence Torrens University Australia research strategy while developing a thriving research culture that supports innovation, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, industry engagement and global collaboration.
Who we are:
At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase access to higher education, so learners from all walks of life can chase their dreams.
About the role:
As the Director, Torrens AXIS Health Research Institute, you will provide strategic leadership to one of Torrens University's health research institutes, driving research excellence, collaboration and real-world impact.
Leading a community of high-performing researchers, you will shape and grow recognised research programs across priority health and biomedical science disciplines. Working closely with Program Leads, Faculties and industry partners, you will strengthen research capability, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, secure research funding and create meaningful partnerships that translate research into better health outcomes.
Principle accountabilities (but not limited to):
The Institute is initially organised around research themes: Health with Public Health and Health Systems; and Biomedical Sciences with a focus on clinical sciences and cardiovascular and hematology.
Public Health and Health Systems include health services and systems, chronic disease, implementation science, global public health, health prevention, health policy, population health and health systems innovation.
Biomedical Sciences include clinical sciences, cardiovascular medicine and haematology, chronic disease mechanisms, digital pharmacology, bioinformatics, statistical genomics, AI-enabled health research, simulation, translational health and biomedical devices innovation.
Other Accountabilities:
Strategic Research Leadership
Program development, FoR alignment and research quality
Collaborative leadership and research ecosystem development
Complex project, cross-team and partnership management
Industry engagement, translation and commercialisation
HDR environment and research training
Enabling platforms, digital health and AI-enabled research
Governance, benchmarking, reporting and financial stewardship
This is a permanent, full-time opportunity, with a preferred base at our Flinders Street Campus in Melbourne. We also welcome applications from candidates based in Sydney, with hybrid working arrangements available.
(Key selection criteria)
We're seeking a leader who demonstrates -
Exceptional strategic leadership with the ability to shape and deliver an ambitious research vision.
A distinguished record of research excellence, evidenced by sustained high-impact research performance and academic achievement (PhD qualified with a nationally or internationally recognised research profile in a relevant health discipline).
A proven track record of delivering transformational outcomes, including growing research income, partnerships, innovation and research impact.
Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing research teams, fostering collaboration, capability and a culture of excellence.
The ability to inspire and influence across diverse academic disciplines and engage effectively with government, industry and the broader research community.
A commitment to developing research talent, supporting researchers at all career stages and creating an environment where people and ideas thrive.
Strong understanding of research governance, quality frameworks, strategic planning and research performance, with experience translating research into real-world impact and innovation.
Why join us?
At Torrens University Australia, we are building a new generation university: agile, industry-connected, student-centred, and focused on real-world impact.
As Australia’s largest private University with a national footprint, Torrens has a distinctive role to play in the future of higher education. We are not constrained by legacy models. We have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to reimagine how a university works: how we teach, how we partner with industry in our research, how we support learners from diverse backgrounds, and how we prepare graduates for work, for life and for meaningful contribution to society.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.
Our culture:
Just like our students, our employees are a diverse group who want to make an impact. When you join us, we give you the freedom to be bold, creative and courageous – with flexible working arrangements (hours and ways of working will vary from role to role) that allow you to bring your best. We’ve built a culture that celebrates community, collaboration, and innovation, where people love what they do.
What we offer:
We support your personal passions, development and wellbeing, to make your working life a more rewarding experience. At Torrens University Australia, you’ll benefit from:
a positive workplace environment that fosters a global, entrepreneurial mindset
belonging to a team of researchers making a difference to society
building on an academic culture connected to industry and community
opportunities to innovate across teaching and research
access to internal opportunities that promote professional growth
Hiring process
We aim to provide you with the necessary information you need at each stage of this process to put your best self forward. Should you have accessibility requirements or needs please contact [email protected] for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier free application process as we have a Reasonable Adjustment Procedure in place to support you through the recruitment process.
Please submit the following as part of your application:
A current curriculum vitae (CV).
A cover letter (maximum three pages) outlining how your experience, capabilities and achievements align with the seven key selection criteria listed above.
To learn more about what makes Torrens University Australia a great place to work, visit https://www.torrens.edu.au/blog.
We’d love to hear from you.
Applications close: Sunday 9th August 2026
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected]
