Position: Scientific Head, EMBL Australia

Location: Australia

Application Deadline: 15 February 2025

ABOUT EMBL:

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to molecular biology research and is supported by 29 member states, two prospect member states, and one associate member state - Australia. EMBL has more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of disciplines, including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science, at six sites in Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Heidelberg, EMBL-EBI Hinxton and Rome.

ABOUT EMBL AUSTRALIA:

The Australian Government, through the National Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), funds Australia’s associate membership to enable access to Europe’s research expertise, infrastructure, databases and training programs for all Australian scientists.

EMBL Australia is a national life science capability with a vision to build the next generation of Australian life science leaders. We attract talented scientists and provide training and long-term support for emerging research and technology leaders to build their careers at Australia’s top universities and medical research institutes. Our goals are:

• To build a vibrant life sciences network in Australia that supports emerging research leaders to deliver excellent science and collaborate with national research infrastructure capabilities;
• To internationalise Australia’s life sciences and facilitate access to international research infrastructure capabilities; and
• To train Australia’s life science community, with a focus on talented early-career researchers and research infrastructure scientists.

Monash University is a global, research-intensive university, delivering education and research excellence in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific. Monash University is the lead agent for EMBL Australia and hosts the EMBL Australia Secretariat. The university’s leadership in advancing EMBL Australia has been widely recognised.

The Scientific Head, EMBL Australia will provide visionary leadership and scientific strategy for the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network (PLN), driving research excellence and fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The role requires commitment to mentorship, a passion for scientific innovation, and the ability to cultivate partnerships with academic, industry and government stakeholders. The role is prestigious and, although not remunerated, it requires a negotiable level of institutional commitment to support interstate and overseas travel.

Accountability and key responsibilities:

The Scientific Head, EMBL Australia will report to their respective employer and to the EMBL Australia Council. The appointment is made on the recommendation of the EMBL Australia Council and the PLN Steering Committee. The Scientific Head shall serve a maximum of five years, but may be re-nominated for one additional term.

Leadership and strategy:

• Provide strategic and scientific leadership and mentorship to the EMBL Australia PLN and its activities, including EMBL Australia Group Leader recruitment, mentoring and review activities.
• Promote the scientific value of EMBL Australia to the Australian life science community.
• Drive scientific collaboration and engagement with national research infrastructure capabilities and internationally with EMBL.
• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in the life sciences, in line with EMBL Australia values (openness, inclusion, integrity, transparency and fairness).

Committee Responsibilities:

• Convey and chair the PLN Steering Committee.
• Provide strategic and scientific advice to the EMBL Australia Council, as required, and act in accordance with Council directions.
• Attend EMBL Australia Council meetings and engage in strategic planning and the implementation of initiatives.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer of EMBL Australia to deliver on the vision and strategy of EMBL Australia.

Qualifications and attributes:

• A PhD in a relevant field and a proven track record of scientific excellence.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentorship and building the next generation of Australian life science leaders.
• Visionary leadership and demonstrated experience in leading large-scale, collaborative research projects with national and international reach.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, and a reputation for being highly collaborative.
• Strong commitment to EMBL Australia values (openness, inclusion, integrity, transparency and fairness).