Deputy Chief - Marine Research

The Position

CSIRO is Australia's premier research body, delivering innovative science for the benefit of Australians. In this senior leadership role you will work with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) which aims to advance Australian marine, climate and earth systems science with a focus on major issues affecting Australia and the world as well as providing a range of scientific and consulting services. The Deputy Chief Marine Research role offers a tremendous opportunity to lead and shape the long term agenda for development of science across a diverse, exciting and growing research portfolio in the Marine and Earth System domains.

CMAR contains Australia’s leading regional climate, marine, and ocean modelling research teams addressing key national research challenges, usually in collaborative and strategic partnerships. We employ over 550 talented staff and host an additional 150 students, visitors, and Fellows from leading national and international research universities and agencies.

For information about CMAR go to: http://www.cmar.CSIRO.au

The key areas of impact for this role are:

Science Leadership.   Provide vision, leadership, and direction to the development of CMAR science capability in alignment with future CSIRO science directions ensuring balance and integration across Research Programs whilst also ensuring CMAR remains scientifically competitive nationally and internationally in the marine science domain.

Strategic Capability Resource Management.  Manage the implementation of the CMAR Capability Development Plan, its ongoing review and development, and the effective development, use, and delivery of research capability.

Multi-disciplinary Integration: Work constructively with the CMAR Executive, especially the Deputy Chief Climate & Atmosphere, to leverage CMAR’s diverse science capabilities to tackle major challenges of earth system science and integrated assessment that require integration across marine, atmospheric, and climate science domains.

Divisional Leadership. Be an active  member of the CMAR Executive Team to provide strategic leadership, support, and direction to the Division and manage agreed key relationships with CSIRO Flagships, partners, government, and industry to ensure outstanding science delivery in the national interest. 

The individual:

• We seek an outstanding science leader and strategic thinker whose experience and proven track record of achievement in managing multi-party research programs demonstrates the ability to provide leadership, energy and passion in their leadership of CSIRO research capability.
• The successful candidate will bring an international reputation in a field of relevant science and a deep understanding of global marine science trends in the research community together with outstanding strategic, people and relationship management skills.
• You will be a self starter, innovative and outcomes driven who shows political and commercial astuteness in understanding the business of mission driven science and excellence in a large and complex research organisation.

Location: Perth or Brisbane preferred but willing to consider Canberra, Melbourne, or Hobart

Salary: An attractive senior salary package will be offered to the successful candidate

Ref No: 2011/142

Specifically you will:

• Provide vision, leadership and direction to the development of CMAR science capability.
• Strategically manage capability resources for Marine Research Programs. 
• Work with the CMAR Executive to lead and manage the Division. 

To be successful you will have:

• A  track record of science and research institutional leadership and proven record of achievement in managing multi-party research programs.
• An international reputation in a field of relevant science or research leadership and a deep understanding of global trends in the research community.
• The drive, focus and political and commercial astuteness to succeed in a complex and demanding environment.   

About CSIRO:

Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply for all CSIRO positions.