Director Research and Innovation
- Perth Metropolitan, Western Australia
- WA Country Health Service
- Fixed Term - Full Time
- Permanent - Full Time
- Closing at: Nov 16 2026 - 16:00 AWST
- Level 12
- WACHS - Central Office
- HSO Level G12 - $199,120 p.a. (plus 12% superannuation)
- 1.0
- 00615982
- Perth Metropolitan
- Business Administration Managers
Position Profile: Leads the strategic planning, development and implementation of research, innovation, clinical trials and research translation programs across WA Country Health Service. Provides leadership to ensure research governance, clinical trials, innovation and research translation activities contribute to improved patient outcomes, workforce capability and sustainable health service improvement across regional, rural and remote Western Australia. Drives research excellence, funding growth, innovation adoption and the translation of evidence into policy, practice and service redesign. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with government, universities, research institutes, industry, consumers and country communities to strengthen WACHS' research and innovation ecosystem.
This is a Permanent Full Time or Fixed Term Full Time appointment, with the possibility of extension(s) and/or permanency.
Area Profile: The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is the largest country health system in Australia and one of the biggest in the world, providing health services to approximately half a million people, including 45,000 Aboriginal people, over a vast two and a half million square kilometre area. The organisation comprises seven regions, with a strong network of public hospitals, health services and health centres located across rural and remote Western Australia. Our core business is the provision of quality, accessible health services to country WA residents and visitors.
Suitability Criteria:
Suitability recognises that a range of factors contribute to merit, including skills, knowledge, abilities, behaviours, ethical alignment and relevant operational requirements. The suitability requirements below are derived from the Job Description Form and define what will be assessed to determine your suitability for the role:
- Provide strategic leadership in a complex health service environment, including leading multidisciplinary teams and managing competing priorities, organisational change and emerging opportunities.
- Build and maintain high-level strategic partnerships across health services, government, universities, research organisations, industry, consumers and communities to advance research, clinical trials, innovation and research translation.
- Translate strategy into measurable health service impact, demonstrating the ability to move research and innovation from evidence generation through translation, implementation and evaluation, with a focus on improving outcomes for regional, rural and remote communities.
- Exercise sound judgement, integrity and accountability in the leadership of research and innovation, including appropriate oversight of research governance, risk, investment and organisational reputation.
- Proven experience in resource management, including oversight of human, financial, physical, technological, and information assets to support organisational effectiveness.
Employee Benefits: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include (in line with operational requirements):
- 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. For further information on superannuation click here
- Access to generous salary packaging arrangements
- Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance
- Flexible working arrangements
- Flexible leave arrangements
- Other professional and location based allowances
For Further Job Related Information: We encourage you to contact Wendy Winters on 0418 521 465.
Applicants are required to provide:
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for this position
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) summarising your relevant experience and ability to meet the position requirements
- The names and contact details of two (2) professional referees, preferably including your current or most recent manager
These documents should be complete and ready to attach prior to applying online. Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete the online application process as you will be required to answer various questions and attach your documentation.
Further information about the role, including key duties please see the Job Description Form (available online at www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au).
Application Instructions: Applicants are requested to apply online (www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au).
Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have valid Australian work rights. This includes visa holders. Permanent appointments may be made to individuals who hold citizenship, permanent residency, or visas that enable ongoing employment in Australia.
WA Health is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. We are committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.
WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles.
Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal record screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre-employment health assessment. We may ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. Please note that adverse information does not necessarily disqualify an applicant but will be considered as part of the appointment process.
Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre-Employment Health Assessment (PEHA). Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn. Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information.
Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for other ‘similar’ vacancies within WACHS and/or the wider WA public sector. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation to meet our community’s needs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to join us in shaping a more equitable future and as a measure to achieve equality, under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, encourage applications from people living with a disability, Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and youth (24 years of age and under).
If you experience difficulties while applying online, please contact Employee Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business hours.
Lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on, or after, 4:00pm will not be accepted.
LATE OR EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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