Director Research Translation, The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics

The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (the Cumming Global Centre, CGC) is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader for the position of Director—Research Translation. The Cumming Global Centre is a global-scale research program with the mission to develop therapeutics at speed for pathogens of pandemic potential. The CGC is a distinct Centre within the Doherty Institute, a joint venture with Royal Melbourne Hospital located within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (FMDHS) at The University of Melbourne.

The Director—Research Translation, is responsible for monitoring and supporting the scientific outputs of the Centre so they are of the highest quality capable of adoption for rapid translation in to clinical products. The role is responsible for identifying, supporting and enabling rapid translation of new discoveries from the Centre. They will foster collaboration within the Centre to enhance productivity and reduce duplication, and enable researcher access to the very best technologies. Supporting the Centre Director and responding to advice from the International Scientific Advisory Board, the incumbent will actively identify new directions in the field globally and identify novel scientific opportunities that will enhance the outputs of the Centre. They will oversee the day-to-day scientific operations of the Centre and work closely with the Centre Director, Director of Research and Operations, Head of Commercialisation and Business Development Director.

About The Cuming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics

The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (Centre) was established in September 2022 within the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital.

With an ambitious 20-year mission to advance the science behind therapeutic development for pathogens of pandemic potential, the Centre will bring together leading scientists from around the globe to develop novel platform technologies using a ‘plug and play’ approach. This means that treatment solutions can be rapidly adapted to new pathogens within much shorter timeframes than currently possible after a new virus is identified, transforming future pandemic management and saving lives.

The Centre was made possible by a $250 million donation from Mr Geoffrey Cumming – the largest philanthropic donation to medical research in Australia’s history. The Victorian Government also signed on as a Major Supporting Partner, committing $75 million in funding.

Useful links

Our Mission

The mission of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics is to develop new platform technologies, which will enable the rapid design and development of therapeutics at speed for pathogens of pandemic potential.

Ref nr: Please use this reference number when applying: A040396
Application deadline: 18th June 2025
Please send us your application as soon as possible as we are continuously assessing candidates for this assignment.
All applications must include the following information so the panel can assess your suitability:
• Your current CV or resume;
• A covering letter (1 - 2 pages) informing the panel of your motivations and relevant experience for this position.