Director of Research and Innovation

Central Adelaide Local Health Network

Statewide – SA Pathology 

• Salary: MeS6B- $164,205.00 p.a. + Superannuation & Salary Sacrifice Benefits
• Adelaide CBD
• Full Time, Contracted Role up to 3 years

About the role

As the Director of Research and Innovation, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the strategic direction and governance of SA Pathology's clinical research portfolio. You will provide expert guidance to the Clinical Service Director and Executive Director, driving the growth of high-quality, ethically governed, and impactful research that enhances patient outcomes and strengthens SA Pathology's contribution to public health. Working collaboratively across disciplines, you will lead the management and execution of research programs, ensuring excellence in clinical and translational research that aligns with state, national and international standards.

You will champion a culture of innovation, fostering partnerships with government, academic and industry stakeholders to identify, develop and commercialise new discoveries. As an influential leader, you will position SA Pathology as a research partner of choice, building its national and global reputation for excellence in scientific advancement. With a focus on strategic planning, compliance and commercial opportunity, you will ensure systems, policies and governance frameworks are robust and responsive—empowering the organisation to deliver world-class research that informs policy, practice and innovation in pathology and beyond.

About You

You are an accomplished and visionary research leader with a strong background in medical science and a proven ability to drive innovation, collaboration and excellence across complex research environments. With extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering partnerships across academia, industry and government, you demonstrate both strategic insight and operational expertise. You are an engaging communicator, an effective problem-solver, and a passionate advocate for advancing clinical research that delivers real-world health outcomes.

In this role, you will bring:

• Qualifications & Professional Background
  Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) or equivalent, supported by extensive experience leading high-impact clinical and translational research programs.

• Leadership, Strategy & Collaboration
  Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire interdisciplinary teams, manage large-scale research initiatives, develop project plans and timelines, and engage diverse stakeholders with vision and influence.

• Communication & Relationship Building
  Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with experience in negotiation, consultation and representing organisations at senior, national and international levels.

• Research Expertise & Sector Knowledge
  Proven research achievements, deep understanding of health and medical research operations, funding and governance, and knowledge of ethical, regulatory and quality standards within clinical and translational research environments.

About us

Statewide Clinical Support Services (SCSS) is a unique public healthcare organisation that serves health consumers and provides specialist clinical services to the health system in South Australia. SCSS encompasses BreastScreen SA, SA Dental, SA Medical Imaging, SA Pathology, and SA Pharmacy. Come and work with us to improve the health and well-being of South Australians, across all age groups and at any time of their life or health need.

What we offer

• Attractive salary packaging available
• Strong community minded culture and values providing world class care to South Australians
• Opportunity for movement across the SA Health system: There are always opportunities for you to develop your skills and your career at one of our many metropolitan or regional sites

Diversity and inclusion:

Statewide supports and fosters a culture in which employees feel they belong and feel safe at work. The culture aims to encourage all people to use their talents and to be valued and rewarded for their contributions.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply. 

Application Information:

• Please refer to the role description for essential educational/vocational qualifications that may be required.
• Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and compliant Immunisation screening as indicated in the role description.
• SA Health Services are required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy in the workplace.

Please note that unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies or third parties will not be accepted for this position. 

Job ref: 920622

Enquiries to:

Application Closing Date

11:55 pm Friday 28th November 2025

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