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Chief Medical Officer, UNSW RNA Institute

UNSW is one of the world’s leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact. Since our foundation in 1949, we've aimed to improve and transform lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to identifying areas where UNSW can have the greatest positive impact on society. 

We’re embarking on a global search for the Chief Medical Officer of the UNSW RNA Institute – a national hub accelerating RNA science from discovery to clinical application. This position reports to the Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Professor Cheryl Jones.  

Ranked 20th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UNSW has an ambitious research agenda. As Chief Medical Officer, you will lead the medical strategy that transforms breakthrough research into therapies, guiding clinical development, regulatory affairs, and patient safety for next-generation RNA therapeutics. Working alongside world-class scientists and industry partners, you will shape programs that deliver global impact, strengthen Australia’s RNA ecosystem, and advance UNSW’s mission to improve lives through innovation.

Message from UNSW’s research leaders

UNSW Sydney is proud to be a world-class university, home to incredible people who are driven to tackle some of society’s most challenging issues to make the world a better place. We exist for the public good and play a major role in seeking innovative solutions to the many challenges we face today and in the future, both locally and globally, creating positive societal impact.

The UNSW RNA Institute reflects this ambition. As a national hub for RNA science, the Institute accelerates discovery and translation, building sovereign capability and advancing next-generation RNA therapeutics.

We are now seeking a Chief Medical Officer to lead clinical strategy and ensure breakthrough research moves seamlessly from bench to bedside. This pivotal role will shape programs that deliver global impact and strengthen Australia’s RNA ecosystem.

If you are a visionary leader who thrives in complexity and is passionate about translating science into real-world outcomes, we invite you to bring your expertise to UNSW.

Professor Bronwyn Fox AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise)

Professor Cheryl Jones, Dean, Medicine & Health

Position summary

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), UNSW RNA Institute (the Institute) is a senior leadership role within the Faculty of Health & Medicine and in the Institute, which reports to and supports the Dean of the Faculty and the Institute Director in ensuring the Institute’s effective translation of research into clinical development.

The UNSW RNA Institute was established in 2021 and brings together 30 academic groups across UNSW to advance RNA research and translational research. Its RNA Accelerator Facility employs 20 FTEs that work on advancing the development of RNA therapeutics from ideation to clinical trials - and as such serves a key hub for the RNA ecosystem development with both local and global partners from across academia, governments and industry.

The CMO will work closely with the Deans of the Faculties of Medicine & Health, Science, and Engineering, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise, the Institute Director, the Institute’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other Institutes’ Academic and Professional staff to ensure the success of the Institute in translating research to clinical development.

The primary role of the CMO will be to provide leadership and direction for all medical activities and translation into clinical trials associated with the Institute. These areas will include Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Drug Safety. The CMO, with support from rest of the Institute’s leadership and administrative team, will also serve as the face of the Institute to the medical community and health authorities. Successful planning and execution in these areas are expected to result in the regulatory approval and commercial success of the Institute’s and UNSW key therapeutic RNA products.

The role of CMO Professor reports to the Dean of Faculty of Medicine & Health and has no direct reports.

Skills and experience

  • A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
  • Registered or eligible to be registered with APHRA (Desired)
  • A minimum of 15 years of industry, government or academic experience including management experience leading the clinical development, medical affairs, and drug safety with experience in immunology therapeutics a plus but not required.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing a drug development strategy, integrating clinical development, manufacturing operations, regulatory affairs, and commercialization.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects to completion, prioritizing tasks and delivering on deadlines with high-performance standards and attention to detail.
  • Must be able to successfully articulate the clinical, medical affairs, regulatory and scientific affairs strategies to a wide audience including Senior Leadership, employees and the investor community.
  • Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
  • Substantial experience in high quality supervision of honours and postgraduate research projects.
  • Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to work and influence across disciplines, Faculties, institutions, industry and professional accreditation bodies.
  • Evidence of being an inspirational role model for other academics seeking mentoring, guidance, advice and support.
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead by example in supporting equal opportunity and equity, diversity and inclusion policy and programs.
  • Proven leadership in developing effective relationships and engagement with industry and the community, with proven experience in attraction of significant industry funding.
  • An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
  • Demonstrated ability and capacity to lead implementation and effectiveness of the safety management system.
  • Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Specific accountabilities for this role include:

  • Set the direction for clinical development, regulatory affairs, drug safety and communicate the therapeutic benefits and safety of the Institute’s products
  • Provide strategic advice to the Institute Director, the Dean and other members of UNSW and Institute’s management team on all matters relating to the successful translation of research into clinical development. This also includes leveraging expertise from, and working with, related organisational units at UNSW, such as the Kirby Institute and the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics.
  • Proactively plan for, and respond to changes in the UNSW, Australian and international policy environment that affect clinical research and development
  • Represent the Institute, UNSW and their programs to external audiences, including the investment, medical and regulatory communities, as well as pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, collaborators and partners, including stakeholders in the health system at the state and federal level
  • Partner with other members of the executive team of the Institute on overall strategic planning
  • Carry out original/innovative research at the highest level, actively contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the relevant subject area/s.
  • Make internationally recognised contributions to the discipline as well as achieving strong peer recognition and establish and influence research network/s (based on the norms of the discipline) at an international level.
  • Engage, lead and foster a culture of excellence in research and deliver outstanding research of international significance including attainment of significant competitive government and industry research funding , consistent with that of a national leader in field of research in leading universities (in terms of both grants from competitive funding bodies and in terms of impact on end users of research) and publication of outcomes in high quality research outlets.
  • Provide leadership in developing productive relationships and engagement with industry and the community, attract significant industry funding and participate in professional activities.
  • Make an independent contribution through professional practice and expertise which expands knowledge or practice in discipline area.
  • Mentor and guide students, Higher Degree Research candidates and colleagues and support and mentor UNSW's early career academics and postdoctoral fellows. This includes mentoring early career academics to obtain research grant funding, including external fellowships.
  • Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action and the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values.
  • Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself and others.
  • Ensure hazards and risks psychosocial and physical are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.

About UNSW

Since our foundation in 1949, societal impact has been our reason for being at UNSW. Societal impact is what we do, and it is who we are. All our activities, across education, research and engagement with the world around us, have a singular purpose: to advance skills, knowledge, innovation and collaboration in ways that enable individuals and communities across the globe to thrive.

With a vast portfolio of interdisciplinary research and more than 7,500 academics, technical staff and higher degree research candidates, we are one of the leading research and teaching-intensive universities in the world, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact.

Ranked in the global top 20 in QS for three consecutive years, UNSW is committed to translating ideas into new technology, policies and action. From pioneering photovoltaics and quantum materials to addressing the cost-of-living crisis and systemic inequality, we combine fundamental research with applied practice to achieve maximum impact.

UNSW is Australia’s most entrepreneurial university, ranked 1st in the nation for the most startup and spinout companies founded through University-developed technology in 2024, for the fourth consecutive year. Partnerships are the secret to our entrepreneurial success. It's through our work with government, businesses, and community partners that we're able to transform research into the policies, products and services that benefit people, both in Australia and abroad.

Progress for All

The UNSW Strategy: Progress for All reaffirms our commitment to advancing expansive and inclusive global positive impact. Building on 75 years of impact, UNSW strives to address pressing global challenges and ensure communities worldwide can thrive socially, economically, culturally and environmentally. Progress for All sets out our mission and vision for the University for when we reach our centenary in 2049, and is our roadmap for the next 10 years.

Our strategy has nine Strategic Pillars guiding our efforts to address critical global challenges. These pillars include five Impact Pathways and four Impact Focus Areas. Together, they set our priorities, define aspirations, and ensure accountability for driving Progress for All over the next decade.

Culture and benefits

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do.

Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s why we come to campus each day.

We make it as easy as possible for our staff to have a rich and balanced life at work and home. As part of our approach to flexible working, we have introduced greater flexibility across location, hours, full-time equivalents, schedules and job sharing. 

In terms of other benefits, we offer various types of leave, lifelong learning, discounts, entitlements, health and wellbeing support. Further information can be found on Jobs@UNSW.

Living in Sydney

Australia is known for its diversity, with people from over 200 countries calling it home. At UNSW, our community reflects this richness, welcoming staff and students from more than 120 nationalities. Here, you’ll collaborate with leading researchers, access world-class facilities, and be part of a culture that values innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and meaningful connections.

Sydney is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities because it offers an exceptional quality of life defined by its temperate climate, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant urban culture. From iconic coastal walks and world-renowned beaches to a thriving arts, entertainment, and culinary scene, Sydney delivers a rich and varied lifestyle where you can seamlessly blend professional opportunity with personal fulfilment.

Salary

We will offer the successful candidate a salary package commensurate with the position responsibilities and the candidate’s skills, qualifications and experience.

All of our employees (excluding casuals) are entitled to receive 17% employer superannuation contributions. New employees are entitled to select their preferred superannuation fund or UniSuper, the industry fund for the Tertiary Education sector.

Our salary-sacrificing initiatives allow you to pay some or all of the offering before tax.

We also offer the option to salary package a fully maintained vehicle under a lease known as a novated lease. Car parking is available on campus with the ability to pay via fortnightly payroll salary sacrifice deductions.

Conditions

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all required pre-employment or background checks. In addition, your ongoing employment is based upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements.

UNSW requires that all employees have eligible working rights within Australia. As one of Australia’s top employers, we understand that some candidates may benefit from support to relocate and join our university.

If you are offered a position at the university and are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the university may be able to assist with sponsorship arrangements. This includes obtaining the appropriate visa to allow you to work at UNSW.

The type of visa arrangement would depend on the length of your appointment at UNSW. Our external providers, Visa Lawyers Australia, will initially make that assessment of your application on behalf of UNSW and the UNSW Recruitment team will also guide you through this process.

We may also offer financial assistance to successful candidates who are required to move from their current residence in order to take an appointment at UNSW.

This opportunity will officially open for applications in January 2026. In the meantime, we invite you to explore the role and learn more about the UNSW RNA Institute.

For further information, please contact Phil Graham and Sarah Curran at Orchard Talent Group: chiefmedicalofficer@orchardtalent.com.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

UNSW RNA Institute

The UNSW RNA Institute was established to perform a similar function: to translate the potential of NSW bioscience into the products that will improve our health and the quality of our lives. These products are the vaccines and treatments for emerging diseases like COVID-19 but also serve as advanced therapeutics for the complex challenges posed by cancers, infectious diseases, rare genetic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions – all areas to be pioneered by the UNSW RNA Institute.
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