Senior Project Manager

Job description:

Role Type: Full time, 3 years contract

Salary: $99,946 - $124,071 p.a plus super (pro rata)

• Lead and deliver large-scale genomics projects on time and within scope

• Connect teams to turn strategy into action and drive seamless delivery

• Own and manage multiple workstreams to advance population genomics

The opportunity:

We're seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead our Population Genomics (PopGen) team, which produces and analyses large-scale genomic data from underrepresented communities. In this role, you'll coordinate and deliver the PopGen Program, managing timelines, workflows, and project benchmarks across scientific, bioinformatics, and data teams. Working closely with the PopGen Lead, you'll translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, oversee multiple workstreams, and drive cross-team collaboration across CPG. We're looking for a proactive leader who can balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is inspired by CPG's scientific mission. This hybrid role offers flexibility to work from home with regular onsite collaboration at either the Garvan Institute (Sydney) or MCRI (Melbourne), including quarterly team meetups.About your new team

The Centre for Population Genomics is a collaborative initiative of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Garvan) in Sydney and MCRI in Melbourne. The Centre is directed by Daniel MacArthur who previously led a team at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Boston that was responsible for the development and open release of the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), a collection of genetic data from over 140,000 individuals that has become one of the most widely-used reference databases in human genetics.

The Centre is focusing on developing cutting-edge tools and resources to facilitate the conversion of genomic data into improved diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, the Centre will generate and manage the largest sets of genomic and clinical data ever assembled in Australia and apply these to solve various scientific and medical problems.

Your responsibilities include:

• Partner with the PopGen Team Lead to drive the day-to-day coordination and long-term delivery of the PopGen Program, managing project-level detail, advising on emerging issues, and ensuring delivery remains aligned with the program's strategic direction.
• Oversee all project management within the team and provide direction as required, including running team meetings, managing our Jira project management and Confluence documentation platforms, and handling ad hoc admin or operational tasks that keep the program moving.
• Work across internal teams including data management, bioinformatics, and scientific analysis to connect workstreams, remove blockers, and ensure alignment with program priorities.
• Track and report on program progress against team and CPG-wide goals, preparing clear, concise updates on milestones, challenges, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to the strategic planning of the PopGen program, ensuring its continuing alignment with the overall CPG strategy and goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders across Australia and internationally. Ensure joint timelines and deliverables are clearly communicated, tracked, and delivered on time.

What we need from you:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in project or program management, ideally in genomics, bioinformatics, clinical research, or related scientific environment
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs with a multi-disciplinary team
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing briefings, reports, or updates for stakeholders and partners
• Demonstrated strength in translating strategy into concrete work plans
• Experience working across technical and scientific domains, particularly with software engineering, data science, and research teams, to deliver shared outcomes
• Proven Intermediate to advanced skills with modern project management tools (e.g. Jira, Trello, Confluence, Gantt tools, shared calendars and workflows)
• Familiarity with genomic data analysis or tools is advantageous but not essential; interest and willingness to learn in this space is expected

For full viewing of responsibilities and requirements please refer to the position description.

Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to Dr Jennifer Piscionere at

What's in it for you?

• Maximise Your Pay: Benefit from salary packaging, including entertainment and novated leases
• Flexible Working Options: Enjoy a variety of flexible work arrangements.
• Join a Reputable Organisation: Take advantage of a unique opportunity to be part of a respected research institute.
• Make a Difference: Collaborate with a team passionate about making a positive impact.
• Supportive Environment: Work in a dynamic and energetic setting with our expanding team.
• Employee Wellbeing: Benefit from our health and wellbeing program, including free access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Who we are

Murdoch Children's Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Join Us

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

• Your resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Position Description

Applications close: Wednesday 22 October 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight time