Chief Operating Officer

Help drive excellence in Strategy and Operations at one of Australia's leading medical research institutes.

WEHI is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) This role is pivotal in ensuring WEHI remains at the forefront of discovery science and translational research, driving impact nationally and internationally.

About WEHI

Founded in 1915 as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, WEHI is a globally recognised leader in biomedical science. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we are driven by scientific excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. Our research spans fundamental discovery through to clinical translation, addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Who we are looking for

A visible and influential ambassador for WEHI, the COO builds and maintains trusted relationships with policy shapers, decision makers, funders, collaborators, and other senior stakeholders. They play a central role in positioning WEHI with the right audiences, at the right time, to secure resources, influence policy, and advance the institute's scientific mission.

Working closely with the Director, Board, and senior scientific and professional leaders, the COO drives alignment between WEHI's strategic priorities, operational excellence, and research ambitions. They champion integration across the portfolio, identify and pursue transformational opportunities, and ensure WEHI is positioned for sustained excellence in science, funding, reputation, and performance.

Key Search Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline; postgraduate qualifications and/or commercial experience in a relevant scientific area highly regarded.
• Proven track record in a senior executive role integrating multiple high-impact functions in a complex, mission-driven or scientific organisation.
• Highly developed political acumen, stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to influence policy, funding, and decision-making at the highest levels.
• Ability to maintain high integrity and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively in teams or committees across the organisation to achieve shared goals.
• Skilled in handling complex issues diplomatically and negotiating optimal outcomes in challenging situations.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a focus on staff development and empowerment, while acknowledging and leveraging individual contributions.
• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, together with the aptitude to interact with both technical and non-technical groups.
• Proven experience in planning and delivering outcomes for complex programs, services, and projects.
• Proven ability to lead change and innovation within an organisation, fostering adaptability and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Experience in defining and executing long-term strategic goals, with a clear focus on supporting the Institute's broader objectives and vision.

Why join WEHI?

At WEHI, you'll be part of a leading medical research institute dedicated to making discoveries to help people live healthier, longer lives. We provide an exceptional environment where innovation thrives, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong institutional backing.

As an independent organisation, WEHI sets its own scientific priorities, ensuring research excellence remains at the core of everything we do. This unique autonomy creates a dynamic, forward-thinking culture that values integrity, collaboration, and impact.

WEHI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and flexible workplace. We actively support equity and work-life balance, believing that a collaborative and diverse community drives better science and stronger outcomes.

Join WEHI and lead with purpose in a role where your financial and risk expertise will directly support life-changing medical research and help build a resilient, future-focused organisation.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents in pdf format to be considered for this role:

• A cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position
• A response addressing the key selection criteria
• A current CV detailing your qualifications and experience

​ We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in joining WEHI. For more details about the role and WEHI, please refer to the brochure.

For enquiries, please email

Application closing date: Sunday 16 November 2025

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.