Director, Australian Museum Research Institute

• Lead a world-class natural history collection
• Make an impact at the country's first museum
• Key leadership role

The Australian Museum (AM) is the nation's first museum and a leading advocate for the richness of life and the earth in Australia and the Pacific. The AM boasts more than 22 million scientific specimens and cultural objects in its collections and is a highly prized feature of the Sydney cultural experience. In 2024, its widely lauded exhibition – Ramses and The Gold of the Pharaohs – returned $57 million to the state of New South Wales. In 2027, the Museum will celebrate its 200th birthday. The AM is at the heart of conversations around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation and it promotes and celebrates First Nations' culture. Through its Lizard Island Research Station, the Australian Museum continues to be a vital supplier of coral reef research and education for scientists and researchers from around the world. It is also a significant employer in Sydney with a workforce of 500 full-time and volunteer staff.

An organisational redesign has created a rare and compelling opportunity to join this esteemed institution as the Director, Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI). Reporting to the Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kim McKay AO, the Director, AMRI will provide dedicated operational leadership for one of Australia's most significant natural history and museum science research bodies. The role is responsible for the effective day-to-day functioning of AMRI and the strategic allocation of its resources to support the Museum's research mission and Australian Museum Science Research Strategy.

Serving on the Executive Leadership team of the AM, the role leads eight direct reports and a division of more than 100 staff across world-class research programs spanning Life & Geo Sciences, Natural Science Collection Enhancement, Collection Care & Conservation, Wildlife Genomics, Citizen Science, Climate Change and the iconic Lizard Island Research Station. With a strong focus on effective governance and operations, the role oversees budget management, research governance, regulatory compliance, and workforce capability development across the institute.

The Director, AMRI and the Chief Scientist form a powerful leadership partnership at the heart of the AMRI. The two roles share strategic accountability for AMRI's performance, making joint decisions on major initiatives to ensure scientific priorities are aligned to the broader Australian Museum objectives. While the Director, AMRI drives the operational excellence that enables world-class science, the Chief Scientist shapes the strategic research agenda that positions AMRI at the forefront of natural history and museum science nationally and internationally. Together, the two roles ensure AMRI's scientific ambitions are matched by the organisational strength to deliver them. Further information can be found in the Candidate Pack.

We are seeking a strong and dynamic leader who is results driven and operates with high integrity. You will have demonstrated senior executive experience leading complex research, scientific, collections management, or academic organisation, and bring proven capability in governance, financial management, and workforce leadership. With a collaborative approach and sound operational acumen, you will excel in translating strategic direction into outcomes, building high-performing teams, and engaging effectively with government agencies, universities, research institutions, and industry partners.

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 email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 34065.

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

Applications close: Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 10:00am AEDT.