Associate Director, Research Governance and Compliance

Job no: 0047454
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Department: Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (OREI) -  Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC)
Salary: Senior Manager 1 competitive salary plus 17% super

• Senior leadership role in the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity at the University of Melbourne
• Utilise your regulatory and compliance experience to support cutting edge research
• Brilliant benefits and a flexible hybrid work environment!

About the Role
Shape responsible research processes at the University of Melbourne! Lead the Research Governance team to deliver top-notch compliance programs across highly-regulated, sensitive research areas. From export controls and sanctions to clinical trials and biorisk, you'll lead the go-to experts, empowering faculty and fostering a risk-aware research culture. This leadership role offers the chance to influence, innovate, and provide crucial assurance for the University's cutting-edge research endeavors, and work collaboratively as a key member of the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity’s Directorate.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead a high-performing team: Foster experts, influence responsible research culture, and provide strategic advice to the Director.
• Champion compliance excellence: Ensure efficient processes, embed risk-based approaches, and lead assurance reporting.
• Empower stakeholders: Advise on research governance frameworks, fostering informed practices and influencing regulatory outcomes.

Who we are looking for
We're seeking a highly collegiate leader with a proven track record in regulatory compliance and managing multi-disciplinary teams. You'll need strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders across a complex organization, both internally and externally. Your ability to think critically and improve processes will be key in optimizing service delivery and building on a strong and supportive compliance culture.

You will also have:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline such as law or commerce, with substantial relevant experience within a professional services setting relevant to regulatory compliance, or an equivalent combination of significant relevant experience and/or appropriate education/training.
• Experience working in complex organisations such as the tertiary sector, public service, or large corporate organisations is ideal.
• Advanced competency and relevant experience in the analysis and application of regulatory requirements in a context-sensitive manner.
• Proven track record in the successful establishment and management of complex compliance processes involving multiple stakeholders and drivers, including the implementation of sound governance and reporting, to deliver objectives and goals.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and exercise sound judgment, including the ability to deal with sensitive information discretely, escalate matters appropriately, and apply analytical, creative problem solving and strategic planning skills to novel issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your new team – "OREI - RIC"
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) is the central facilitator of research funding in the University, taking advantage of the full diversity of research funding opportunities. RIC provides services in four core areas - Research & Enterprise Development Support, Research Grants and Contracts, Business Development and Innovation, and the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity - all of which overlap and are delivered in an integrated manner to researchers and research partners.

The Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (OREI) provides expert advice, guidance and training to facilitate the ethical and responsible conduct of research. We partner with Chancellery and Academic Divisions to support multiple key areas of governance and oversight including: research integrity, human and animal research ethics, gene technology, biosecurity and biosafety, animal welfare, export controls, autonomous sanctions, quality assurance and clinical trials.

What we offer you!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out our benefits page!

The University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .  

Be yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Internal employees should speak with their current managers before applying.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Susan Bradley via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the contact details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description