Opportunities

Current Opportunities 

Research Development Lead

Location: Melbourne, Australia (remote with occasional in-person attendance)

Position type: Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Term: 24 months maximum-term contract with possibility of extension

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Research Development Lead to provide leadership across COGNO’s clinical research portfolio and research development activities. This role will play a key part in advancing innovative investigator-led clinical trials, strengthening strategic partnerships and driving the development of a sustainable pipeline of high-quality research initiatives.

Working closely with COGNO leadership, researchers, clinicians and national and international collaborators, you will lead activities spanning research strategy, trial and protocol development, funding initiatives, portfolio oversight and stakeholder engagement.

About the Role

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction, planning and management of COGNO’s research and development program, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, innovation priorities and long-term growth strategies.
• Direct the development, implementation and expansion of COGNO’s clinical research and clinical trial pipeline, including oversight of new research initiatives, concept development and protocol advancement.
• Manage the identification, evaluation and acquisition of funding opportunities, including government, industry and collaborative research grants, to support research innovation and organisational sustainability.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of competitive grant applications, strategic research proposals and partnership initiatives to enhance research capability and funding outcomes.
• Establish, develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships across research, clinical, academic, government and industry sectors to strengthen organisational research and development objectives.
• Oversee the performance, progress and strategic direction of the research portfolio, including monitoring operational outcomes, reporting requirements, key deliverables and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of research management systems, operational frameworks, governance processes and standard operating procedures to support research quality, compliance, efficiency and scalability.
• Manage research development resources, operational budgets and expenditure to ensure effective allocation of funding and alignment with organisational priorities and approved financial plans.
• Provide leadership and high-level advice to executive management, committees and stakeholders regarding research strategy, innovation priorities, operational planning, risk management and organisational development opportunities.
• Drive organisational research capability, innovation and sustainable growth through effective leadership, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement of research and development activities.

About You

You are a proactive and strategic research professional with experience in clinical trials, research development or research program leadership. You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy translating ideas into impactful research outcomes.

You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, life sciences, clinical research or related fields
• Experience in research development, clinical trial programs or complex research initiatives
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience developing funding applications and managing competing priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building capabilities
• Knowledge of clinical research, governance and regulatory environments

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to nationally significant brain cancer research
• Help shape and grow a leading clinical research portfolio
• Flexible work arrangements
• Work with leading researchers and collaborators across Australia and internationally
• Join a passionate and purpose-driven team making a meaningful difference

Contact for Enquiries

To ask specific questions about the role please contact Dr Vino Pillay, Executive Officer at vino.pillay@cogno.org (please do not send your application to this email address).

How to Apply

If you are passionate about making a difference to patient care and outcomes of those affected by brain cancer, we want to hear from you! Please refer to the Position Description for more details and submit your resume and a cover letter (outlining the key reasons for your interest in the role and specifically addressing the key selection criteria in the position description) via SEEK or Indeed by 28 June 2026.

Please note:

• Suitable candidates may be interviewed and/or applications may close before the deadline if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified of an outcome.