Director, Research

• Adelaide, SA 5000
• Long Term Contract – up to 3 years from appointment
• Classification: SAES 1

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Central Adelaide Local Health Network is seeking an exceptional research leader to shape and lead its research agenda. As South Australia’s largest health network, CALHN has a significant opportunity to leverage its clinical expertise, research capability and strategic partnerships to improve patient outcomes, advance clinical practice and influence the future of healthcare.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Mental Health Clinical Program and SA Prison Health Service, the Director, Research will drive a clear and sustainable research strategy aligned to CALHN’s organisational priorities. The role will build research capability and productivity, grow the research portfolio and funding base, foster innovation and commercialisation, strengthen strategic partnerships across universities, government, industry and research institutes, and ensure research translates into meaningful improvements in patient care, clinical practice and health system outcomes.

The Director, Research will lead CALHN’s research portfolio and create the environment, partnerships and infrastructure required for high-quality, impactful and sustainable research. The role will oversee research strategy, governance, performance, systems, resources and support services, while building capability and enabling resefarch excellence across the organisation.

Key priorities will include:

• Leading CALHN’s research strategy, strengthening capability, capacity, excellence and impact in alignment with organisational priorities.
• Growing and strengthening the research portfolio, increasing research productivity, reputation, funding, strategic opportunities and long-term sustainability.
• Providing strong research governance and oversight, ensuring research integrity and compliance with legislative, regulatory, ethical and organisational requirements.
• Driving performance and continuous improvement, strengthening research systems, processes, accountability and support services to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Building strategic partnerships with universities, government, research institutes, funding bodies and industry to expand collaboration, investment and CALHN’s research influence.
• Accelerating research innovation and translation, including commercialisation and the adoption of research into clinical practice, patient care and health system improvement.
• Optimising research investment and resources, effectively managing budgets, workforce, infrastructure and capability to maximise research impact and support sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished and values-driven research leader with a strong track record in developing and delivering research strategy within a complex health environment. You will bring demonstrated success in strengthening research capability, capacity, performance and impact, including growing research portfolios, funding and strategic opportunities.

As a strategic, analytical and influential leader, you will be skilled at navigating complexity, building trusted relationships and working effectively across health, government, academia and industry. You will have proven experience in research governance, integrity, ethics, risk and compliance, together with a strong track record in strategic change, innovation, research translation and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will also bring extensive knowledge of contemporary clinical research, clinical trials, research management and translation, and the ability to lead high-performing teams and effectively manage research resources to deliver strategic priorities.

Go to the SA Health Career Website for how to apply, and Australian and International applicant guidelines for more information

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

Advertised: 14 Sep 2026 Cen. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 12 Oct 2026 Cen. Australia Daylight Time

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