About Our Team
Join a team that's shaping the future of Biosecurity and One Health. At the Harry Butler Institute (HBI), we deliver practical solutions that balance sustainability with economic growth-bringing together world-class researchers and strong connections to government, industry, and community.

The Centre for Biosecurity and One Health is at the forefront of tackling global challenges across human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Our work spans:

• Cutting-edge biosecurity risk analysis and surveillance
• Advanced diagnostics, environmental DNA, and genomics
• Pathogen and vector ecology
• Innovative modelling and decision support tools
• Indigenous partnerships and community engagement
• Policy advice that shapes government and industry decisions

This is your opportunity to lead a Centre that drives real-world impact-protecting ecosystems, supporting communities, and influencing policy at national and international levels.


Your New Role!
As Centre Director, you'll lead Murdoch University's Centre for Biosecurity and One Health into its next chapter of impact and innovation. This is a strategic leadership role where you will:

• Set the vision and agenda for research and engagement across prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and monitoring.
• Forge powerful partnerships with government, industry, and community to tackle critical challenges such as emerging infectious diseases, invasive species, antimicrobial resistance, wildlife and environmental health, and biosecurity policy.
• Drive growth and influence by securing external funding, delivering high-quality research outputs, and ensuring evidence translates into real-world solutions.
• Build a thriving research community that is collaborative, inclusive, and connected-hosting events, fostering interdisciplinary projects, and creating a strong sense of belonging for Centre members.

This is your opportunity to shape a Centre that delivers national and international impact, influencing policy and practice while advancing integrated solutions for a healthier planet.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.


What We Offer You!
This is a fixed-term role for 3 years, part-time at 18.75 hours per week. The position offers a competitive salary at Academic Level D ($166,186 - $182,899 pro rata) or Level E ($213,553 pro rata), depending on experience and qualifications, plus 17% employer superannuation.

You'll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling an 6% increase!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Salary packaging options - such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!


Join us!
Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you'll bring to the role:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline such as biosecurity, epidemiology, microbiology, ecology, plant health, veterinary or environmental health.
• Proven research excellence, demonstrated through high-quality publications, international recognition, and real-world impact.
• Success in securing external research funding from competitive and commissioned sources.
• Strategic leadership skills, with the ability to deliver plans aligned to organisational priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, fostering networks across industry, government, academia, and community.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.


Contact Us
For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Prof. Treena Burgess, Executive Director, Harry Butler Institute, and quote JR104596 as the reference.

Applications Close on 9 December 2025 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.