Head of Life & Geosciences
Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.
The Australian Museum Research Institute's Mission
The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI®) is committed to understanding and responding to challenges facing our planet through scientific research, communication and education and offers a unique perspective on understanding the evolution of our environment and the path to a better future.
AMRI brings together a team of more than 100 staff including research scientists, collection scientists, collection officers and more than 130 associates, fellows and students. We also host many visiting local and international researchers each and every year. We hold approximately 19 million objects and specimens in our natural history collections and our research is underpinned by significant scientific infrastructure.
About the Life and Geosciences Team
Life and Geosciences is the largest branch of the Australian Museum Research Institute with ten collection areas. The team advances scientific discovery and understanding of Earth’s biodiversity and geological heritage. Housing one of the world’s most extensive natural science collections — from animals and fossils to minerals — we document, preserve, and interpret the natural world to better understand its past, present, and future.
Our research spans diverse disciplines including ornithology, mammalogy, malacology, ichthyology, arachnology, entomology, herpetology, palaeontology and mineralogy. By describing, classifying, and studying our fauna and geology, we provide the foundational knowledge needed for informed decision-making on species conservation, environmental management, and building Australia's capacity to respond to biodiversity loss and environmental change. . The division’s collections serve as a global scientific resource, supporting researchers, students, and policy makers alike. Our mission is to expand knowledge of life and Earth sciences, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to solutions for biodiversity conservation, climate challenges, and natural resource management.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced senior leader to head the Life and Geosciences Branch. Reporting to the Director AMRI, you will set the direction for the Branch's natural science collections and research programs, drive implementation of the Museum's Science Strategy, and bring genuine intellectual and operational leadership to a team of dedicated scientists and collection specialists.
You will operate with significant autonomy contributing to strategic planning, resource allocation, budget management and external funding development across the Branch and the broader AMRI Division.
Employment Status:
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Clerk Grade 11/12
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Ongoing
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Full-time 35 hours per week
You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $169,953 - $196,552, including an annual salary of $149,739 - $173,174, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.
Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM
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Role Description
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AM Candidate Pack
About you
You are a senior leader with a strong grounding in natural history science. You have an established track record in managing people, scientific collections and research programs. You bring both the scientific credibility to direct others in their research and provide authoritative advice, and the organisational capability to manage a complex, multi-team Branch within a major public institution. You are equally comfortable engaging with executive leadership, external partners and academic collaborators as you are supporting the day-to-day development and performance of your team.
To be eligible for this role at the Australian Museum, you must hold full working rights in Australia and meet all essential requirements listed in the position description.
Knowledge and Experience.
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Demonstrated experience in staff, project and budget management within a scientific or collections-based environment
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Familiarity with working in and managing scientific natural history collections
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Experience identifying and securing grant and external funding opportunities
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Ability to represent an institution effectively on external committees and in sector-wide forums
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present authoritatively to specialist and public audiences
Essential Requirements
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Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field at PhD or Masters level, or demonstrated equivalent professional experience
About the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.
The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia’s first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.
Check out our current exhibitions and events here
Benefits
Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit
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A one to two page covering letter which address the role descriptions essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.
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Resume
As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions:
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Describe your experience leading and managing a team of researchers or collection specialists. How have you built team capability, managed performance and supported professional development, while maintaining high standards of scientific output and collection stewardship? (500 words maximum)
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Tell us about a time you shaped or implemented a strategy that advanced the scientific or collections outcomes of your organisation. How did you engage internal and external stakeholders, and what did you do to secure resources or partnerships to support delivery? (500 words maximum)
Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.
The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.
Inclusive and Welcoming
The Australian Museum is committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
We actively encourage applications from First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, whether visible or hidden; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people of all ages; members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or include your requirements in your application. This may include alternative formats, communication support, flexible interviews, accessible locations, or extra assessment time. Any information you share will be kept confidential.
