Director, Centre for Population and Disease Genomics

• Centre for Population & Disease Genomics - Institute for Molecular Bioscience
• Join a university ranked in the world's top 50
• Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 5 years at Academic Level E
• Based at our vibrant and conveniently located St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

The Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) is seeking an internationally renowned research leader to lead the Centre for Population and Disease Genomics as well as an established research group within IMB. This is an exciting opportunity for a Professorial Research Fellow to engage in world-class research, further enhancing your reputation for excellence and international leadership in the field of population and disease genomics.

As the Centre Director and Senior Group Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Centre's strategic direction, leading high-quality research, and cultivating strong collaborations with industry, funding bodies, and community stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to drive innovation and translate cutting-edge discoveries into tangible improvements in human health, both nationally and internationally.

About the Centre for Population and Disease Genomics

The Centre for Population and Disease Genomics is one of four Centres within IMB and supports enhanced health outcomes and economic benefits for Australia by studying the genome to improve diagnosis and treatment associated with common diseases such as heart disease, endometriosis, motor neurone disease, liver disease and diabetes, Parkinson's disease and psychiatric disorders.

The goal of the Centre is to contribute to the development of personalised or precision medicine, where prediction, prevention and treatment of disease take account of an individual's genome, rather than the current one-size-fits-all basis.

A key feature of the Centre's research is the development of methods and software for analysis of genetic and genomic big data. These are used by researchers around the world, compounding the impact of our work.

About the Institute for Molecular Bioscience

The Institute for Molecular Bioscience is Australia's leading biosciences research institute. Established in 2000, the Institute is home to over 500 staff and is located in thriving Brisbane, a city consistently ranked as one of the world's most vibrant and liveable cities. The Institute, ranked in the Top 20 globally for life sciences research, pursues a multidisciplinary approach to solving some of the world's most serious challenges in the fields of health, disease and sustainable solutions for our cities, fuels, and foods.

The Institute is housed in a single building and is organised into research themes (Centres). The Research Centres accommodate 36 groups using a combination of genomics, chemistry, and cell biology to take life science discoveries from the genome to drug design and application in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, inflammation, pain, cardiovascular disease, and rare and developmental diseases. The quality of our internationally recognised researchers underpins our research excellence. Over the past five years, our group leaders have attracted nearly $250 M in research funding. They have leveraged funding from over 40 different national and international research sponsors including significant support from federal and state government sources. The success rate in federal funding schemes is amongst the highest in all of Australia. The accomplishment of our staff is reflected by the consistent contribution they make to the prestigious Nature science index and by the fact eight are listed in the prominent 2023 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List.

A corner stone of the Institute is the strong emphasis on ensuring our discovery science has impact by translating our research discoveries to meet industry, community, and clinical needs. The Institute has generated more than 30 patent families and has spun out multiple companies. The impact of our work is illustrated by two biopharmaceutical companies founded in the Institute, Protagonist Therapeutics Ltd and Inflazome Ltd. The former company entered into a $1B worldwide agreement to co-develop a drug for inflammatory bowel disease and the latter was recently sold for $620M, a record price for an Australian start-up, to Roche to develop treatments for inflammatory diseases. Our ambition to strengthen our translational portfolio continues.

About UQ

What started as Queensland's first university in 1909, with just three faculties and 83 students, has grown into university ranked in the world's top 50 that is renowned for being a leader in teaching and research.

When you join the University of Queensland, you're joining a community that actively strives toward creating change right across the world every day. From science and sustainability to health and humanities, our researchers are finding solutions to the world's biggest challenges. Our award-winning teachers are recognised for empowering our students to thrive as innovative thinkers and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

Even after 100 years of history and excellence, we haven't forgotten that UQ was founded by - and for - the people of Queensland. In 2022, we launched the Queensland commitment as part of our belief that education and opportunity should be available for all Queenslanders by breaking down personal, financial and geographical barriers. It's this commitment that re-emphasises that UQ is a place for everybody: no matter who you are, where you're from, or what challenges you've faced, you can pursue your ambitions at UQ.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

To succeed, you will hold a PhD (or equivalent) with demonstrated expertise and a strong research track record in population and disease genomics. As an accomplished leader, you will inspire innovation, research excellence, and growth across the Centre by fostering collaboration among researchers. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential to foster an innovative, inclusive, and productive workplace.

You will bring established national and international networks, along with strong relationships with industry, government, and professional contacts. A strategic thinker with a track record of securing external funding, generating revenue through various funding streams and driving research initiatives. Your ability to build and maintain partnerships will support research outcomes and enhance the Centre's reputation. This includes translating research outcomes for industry and/or the community through innovative engagement models.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and education check.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Want to Apply?

If you'd like to have a confidential discussion or would like to obtain the full information pack, please contact Lachlan Inch via As part of the internal UQ community, we're genuinely committed to finding an exceptional leader we'll continue to work with longer-term, so we'll ensure we also support you throughout the recruitment process.

When you're ready to submit an application, we ask that you please create a profile via our careers website and upload the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Friday 5 September 2025, at 11.00pm AEST (R

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