Associate Director of Research (Health Manager Lvl 5) - Strategy, Planning & Research - Perm FT
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time, 38 hours per week
Location: Liverpool Hospital, Eastern Campus
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 5
Remuneration: $166,678.00 - $186,448.00 per annum
Requisition ID: REQ605140
Application Close Date: 28/09/2025
Interview Date: 10/10/2025
Contact Details: Sian Bryant – 0459 938 205 | Angela.Bryant2@health.nsw.gov.au
About The Opportunity
Are you ready to help lead transformative research that shapes the future of healthcare in one of NSW’s most vibrant and diverse regions? South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) is seeking a visionary Associate Director of Research to elevate our research profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
In this pivotal leadership role, you will:
Lead the Research Development, Ethics & Governance, and Clinical Academic Unit teams.
Lead the implementation of the SWSLHD Research Strategic Plan, aligning research with health system priorities.
Collaborate with clinicians, academic institutions, and community stakeholders to build a thriving research ecosystem.
Strengthen research governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks across the district.
Mentor and support researchers to grow capacity, attract funding, and deliver impactful outcomes.
Enhance the visibility and reputation of SWSLHD research through strategic engagement and innovation.
Reporting into the District Director, Strategy, Planning & Research, you will work closely senior leaders across the district, engaging with NSW Health, universities, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, other partners, and international collaborators.
We’re looking for a strategic thinker and recognised research leader with:
A relevant post-graduate qualification in health, medical, nursing, allied health or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and manage high-performing teams.
A strong track record in securing and managing competitive research funding.
Proven experience in leading complex, multidisciplinary research programs.
A commitment to equity, community engagement, and translational research.
This is a permanent, full-time role with flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. Occasional travel across sites and to partner institutions may be required. A valid Australian C-Class driver’s licence is essential. Join us in shaping a healthier future—where research drives real-world impact, improved patient outcomes, and community wellbeing.
What You'll Be Doing
To lead the Research team within South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) by developing, implementing and monitoring the SWSLHD Research Strategic Plan. Working collaboratively with academic and research institutions; promoting research excellence and integration with health policy and practice.
This role will ensure strong research governance and performance monitoring and will build research capacity through education, mentoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration across clinical and academic settings.
Where You'll Be Working
South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) serves one of Australia's most multicultural regions, providing high-quality, patient-centred care across various hospitals and health services. These include Bankstown-Lidcombe, Bowral & District, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, and Liverpool Hospitals, each offering specialised care.
SWSLHD offers a supportive, innovative, and forward-thinking work environment, with numerous opportunities for professional development and career progression. The district's community health services provide comprehensive care, including prevention, early intervention, and ongoing support, while its mental health services offer both inpatient and community-based care.
Working at SWSLHD means being part of a dedicated team committed to improving health outcomes and making a positive impact on the community.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please ensure you address the below questions as thoroughly as possible. View our application guide for information on how to respond to criteria and improve your application.
- Qualified academic, medical, nursing, allied health professional with post-doctoral research related qualifications or equivalent experience.
- Describe your experience in developing and implementing a strategic research plan within a health or academic organisation. What were the outcomes?
- Demonstrate your experience working with research and clinical trials governance frameworks, including ethics, data, and regulatory compliance.
- How have you built and maintained partnerships with universities, research institutes, and community stakeholders to advance a research agenda?
- What initiatives have you led to increase external funding success within a research team?
- Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P2). Those who hold a C class license (P1 or P2 included) from a state other than NSW must obtain a NSW C class (P1 or P2 included) license within three months of appointment. Learner's licenses are not permitted.
Need more information?
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Additional Information
Salary Packaging
South Western Sydney Local Health District employees are able to enjoy the benefits of salary packing. Visit Smart Salary for more details.
Health & Fitness
South Western Sydney Local Health District employees receive discounted Gym Membership/Corporate Wellbeing Programs, including Fitness Passport.
Transforming Your Experience
Transforming Your Experience (TYE) is SWSLHDs key strategy to always positively transform your, our patients, our consumers, our staffs and our communities experiences across our organisation and services. Our vision is that our care is always safe, high quality and personalised and all our staff are supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. SWSLHD upholds the CORE Values – Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.
To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
At South Western Sydney Local Health District we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, where we don’t just accept differences but we honour and support it. Committed to providing a working environment that thrives and values diversity, we encourage people of ⚫️ 🟡 🔴 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ⚫️ 🟡 🔴 background, people with a disability and people from the LGBTQI+ community to apply.
SWSLHD is committed to driving a child safe culture that upholds children and young people’s rights. We strive to ensure children and young people feel safe, supported and included in their care. Existing staff of SWSLHD and those seeking employment are required to take the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people seriously while taking action to keep them safe from harm and abuse.
