Chief Scientist

• Shape the future of natural history science nationally and internationally
• Make an impact at the nation's first museum
• Key leadership role (0.4FTE, four-year fixed term)

The Australian Museum (AM) is the nation's first museum, founded in 1827 and approaching its 200th anniversary in 2027. Across nearly two centuries, it has built a collection of more than 22 million scientific specimens and cultural objects and established itself as a leading institution at the intersection of natural history, environmental science, and First Nations culture. Located in the heart of Sydney, the AM draws visitors, researchers, and scientists from across Australia and around the world. Through its Lizard Island Research Station, the AM makes a sustained contribution to coral reef research and education of global significance. The AM is a significant institution employing a workforce over 500 staff and volunteers.
The AM sits at the centre of some of the most consequential conversations of our time – climate change, biodiversity, wildlife conservation, and the recognition and celebration of First Nations knowledge and heritage. Its research arm, the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), positions the institution as a serious contributor to natural history science nationally and internationally.

The Opportunity
This is a rare appointment. As Chief Scientist, you will report directly to the Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kim McKay AO, and serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. The role carries responsibility for the strategic direction of AM science and the advancement of its research programs, with the explicit purpose of strengthening the AM's standing as a leading natural history research institution.
Offered as a 0.4 FTE Senior Executive appointment on a four-year fixed term, this role is designed to attract a leading scientist who wants strategic influence at the highest level without stepping away from an active research career, academic appointment, or other professional commitments. It is a genuine opportunity to shape national science policy and institutional direction on a part-time basis, in a Senior Executive capacity befitting the scope and seniority of the role.
You will form a close leadership partnership with the Director, AMRI. While the Director drives operational excellence, you will shape the strategic research agenda that positions AMRI at the forefront of museum science nationally and internationally.
The Chief Scientist also provides authoritative, independent scientific advice on complex and high-profile matters, builds scientific leadership capability across AMRI, and manages sensitive stakeholder, scientific, and media issues with integrity and discretion.

About You
You will be an eminent scientist with a career that speaks for itself. You’ll be recognised within the research community for the quality and impact of your work and respected for your ability to translate scientific knowledge into outcomes that matter. Bringing a proven record of research that has contributed to public good, government policy, or scientific advancement, you will also have demonstrated success in attracting competitive research funding at a national and/or international level.
The role will suit someone who operates with high integrity and brings the gravitas to engage credibly across government, academia, industry, and the community. You will have experience building and inspiring scientific teams, and the strategic instincts to champion an institutional research agenda at the most senior levels.
You will be a constructive and collaborative member who has served executive teams – someone who listens as well as leads, and who understands that scientific eminence and organisational leadership are not competing qualities but complementary ones.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in shaping engagement between government, industry, academia, and community, including driving innovation at State, national, and international levels.
• A high profile within the research community with significant experience as a senior executive.
• Reputation and standing as an eminent scientist in a related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience as a thought leader and effective, consultative contributor to a senior executive team.
• Experience in the natural history/ museum sector would be well regarded.

How to apply
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact Emma Alberici at publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 34554.

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date. 

Applications close: Thursday 16 July 2026.