Director (CAGE)

The University of Western Australia

Crawley, Perth WA

General/Business Unit Manager (CEO and General Management)

Full time

Level 10, G1 salary: 159,292 to 165,497 plus 17%

Build national partnerships and drive the growth of a landmark research infrastructure supported by major government, philanthropic and institutional investment.

Level 10, G1 salary: 159,292 to 165,497 plus 17% superannuation.

Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 4 years.

About the area

The Western Australian Centre for Cell and Genome Engineering (CAGE) is a groundbreaking national research infrastructure initiative funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) National Critical Research Infrastructure scheme, with additional support from the WA Department of Health, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and partner organisations.

Backed by approximately 6 million in combined investment, CAGE will become Australia’s first fully integrated facility bringing together advanced CRISPR genome editing, high-throughput functional genomic screening, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming and disease modelling, and targeted epigenome editing.

CAGE is a strategic partnership between the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The Kids Research Institute Australia, and The University of Western Australia (UWA). Through its unique integration of discovery science, disease modelling, functional genomics and clinical translation pathways, CAGE will support researchers, clinicians and industry partners across Australia to accelerate breakthroughs in precision medicine and advanced therapies.

About the opportunity

Provide strategic and operational leadership for CAGE, delivering a sustainable, nationally recognised research infrastructure service that supports world-class biomedical research and clinical translation.

Build and strengthen partnerships with researchers, clinicians, industry, funding bodies and national research networks to expand engagement, attract users and drive long-term sustainability.

Lead the establishment and ongoing operation of CAGE across two partner institutes, overseeing service delivery, business planning, stakeholder engagement, financial sustainability and national representation.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced scientific leader to shape a flagship national facility at the intersection of genome engineering, cell biology, functional genomics and translational medicine. Success in the role will come from your ability to bring people together, translate strategy into action, and create meaningful outcomes through collaboration.

About you

A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, together with significant experience leading a research facility, scientific programme, national capability, research infrastructure initiative, or comparable complex organisation.

Strong technical expertise in genome engineering, epigenome engineering, cell or stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, functional genomics, or a closely related field, enabling credible engagement with leading researchers and partners.

Demonstrated success developing strategic partnerships, stakeholder relationships and collaborative networks that have resulted in sustainable programmes, funded initiatives or delivered outcomes.

Experience overseeing complex operations, service delivery, financial management and workforce leadership, with the ability to balance strategic priorities, operational performance and long-term sustainability.

Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working effectively alongside executive leaders, governance bodies, funders and multidisciplinary teams.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A finance check will be required by the successful applicant.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

Contact Moira Clay at moira.clay@perkins.org.au Contact Petrina Gomez at petrina.gomez@uwa.edu.au