Chief Operating Officer

From neuroscience and cancer biology to drug development, embryology and gene therapy; when joining the team at CMRI you will be surrounded by internationally recognised researchers who foster excellence in all of their staff. CMRI is part of the largest health and medical research precinct in Australia and also a member of the Westmead Research Hub. This membership allows our staff access to the vast array of technology, services, resources and expertise available nearby at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead Hospital and the Westmead Institute. Opportunities to join the team at CMRI are occasionally available in the areas of research, administration, fundraising, and laboratory support.
- Join a world-leading, independent medical research institute
- Contribute to the health of future generations/children through medical research
- Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremost biomedical research precinct

**Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is looking for a COO and Company Secretary to play a pivotal role in driving strategic and operational success**

**Together we are making a difference for children with serious illnesses**.**

CMRI was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now an internationally highly respected independent medical research organisation. We focus on major problems impacting children’s health in areas including cancer, genomics and genetic diseases, neurobiology, and embryology.

For more than six decades, CMRI has been at the forefront of addressing the most pressing health challenges affecting children. Our ongoing mission is to find cures for cancer and genetic diseases in children, including cystic fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and rarer genetic conditions.

Key statistics highlight the urgency of our work:

- 1 in 20 children are affected by a birth defect or genetic disease
- Cancer, driven by genetic mutations, is a leading cause of death in children aged 4-14
- Genetic conditions contribute to 50% of all admissions to major children’s hospitals

CMRI scientists relentlessly pursue answers to some of medicine’s most complex questions: What causes cancer, and how can we stop it? Why does embryonic development sometimes go awry, and how can we prevent it? How does the brain function, and how can this knowledge help treat conditions like epilepsy and neurodevelopmental problems?

This commitment to discovery drives us to push the boundaries of science, paving the way for a healthier future for all children.

**Work with a team of dedicated professionals**

The COO and Company Secretary will play a pivotal role in driving CMRI’s strategic and operational success. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations to align with organisational goals, managing budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and health & safety standards. The COO will support the institute growth strategy through talent acquisition, retention, and development, contributing to a positive, innovative work environment. They will also drive fundraising, commercialisation, and marketing efforts to sustain long-term growth, while overseeing the Institute’s technology and scientific core facilities. In addition, the COO will manage relationships with key stakeholders, including, the CMRI board, government bodies, universities, and healthcare providers, and lead change management initiatives to promote agility, continuous improvement, and alignment with evolving research needs.

**What can you bring to this role?**

We are looking for a strategic leader with a proven ability to drive change, foster innovation, and collaborate across teams. You’ll bring strong problem-solving skills, exceptional organisational abilities, and a commitment to integrity and confidentiality in all aspects of the role. We look forward to you bringing:

- Proven experience in an executive leadership role, preferably within a medical research or biotechnology environment, with a focus on operational management, governance, and fundraising
- A relevant tertiary qualification degree and/or post graduate qualification such as MBA or equivalent
- Strong experience in corporate governance, legal compliance, and managing complex operational areas such as finance, HR, IT, facilities, and resource management
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing fundraising and marketing strategies to support the financial sustainability of an organisation
- Excellent understanding of commercialisation strategies in the research or healthcare sector, including licensing and partnerships
- Strong financial management skills, with experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation

**Additional benefits**
- Maximise your earnings with not-for-profit tax benefits
- Salary Packaging
- Peace of Mind with Life Insurance & Income Protection after 12months of service
- Health Insurance Discounts
- Located in Westmead— Australia’s foremo