Director – Infectious Diseases Research Platform at GNS Science

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

05 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategy, Management, People Leadership, Relationship Management, Commercial Acumen, Programme Experience, Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, Research Environment Understanding, Political Environment Awareness, Change Leadership, Service Improvement, Quality Improvement, Governance Systems Development, Treaty of Waitangi Commitment, Cultural Competency

Industry

Research Services

Description

Director/Kaihautū, Infectious Diseases Research Platform Wellington based preferred Fixed term to 2029 with potential for extension We have an exciting and meaningful opportunity for an experienced Director to lead the next phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform. The Government wishes to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand has world-class research capability in place to respond to infectious disease threats into the future to improve preparedness for future pandemics. Following the success of the first phase of strategic science investment funding, the next phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform, hosted by PHF Science, with an investment of $75 million over seven and a half years, will allow for longer-term approaches and the opportunity to further grow a pipeline of researchers. This phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform (IDRP) aims to: Significantly increase New Zealand’s economic and social resilience to infectious disease threats Grow infectious disease science leaders and research capability Build science surge capability able to support an effective pandemic response Coordinate infectious disease research capability across the platform and with end-users to increase the impact of the research Work closely with Australian researchers and build further international networks and build on the Government's previous investments in infectious disease research and research capability in support of resilience. Te tūnga | The role The Director/Kaihautū is the strategic leader of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform. The Kaihautū is responsible for supporting the governance and oversight of the platform by ensuring the funder is regularly updated and maintaining confidence of the host and MBIE steering groups. This is a critical role responsible for delivering the Platform plan with an emphasis on: providing strategic leadership to the platform and its partners leading, developing and maintaining effective oversight of the Platform management (including responsibility for all staff and budget) and science quality maintaining strong engagement of key stakeholders including Te Tiriti partners, stakeholder networks, Māori providers and communities, and IDRP advisory groups Note: This is a three-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension for up to four years. Our preference is for this role and the platform hub to be based in Wellington at our Kenepuru office; however, we are open to the right candidate being based at either of our Auckland or Christchurch offices. The role will involve travel within New Zealand to meet with relevant stakeholders and groups. Kia angitu koe | About you To be successful in this role you will have: Proven experience in strategy, management and people leadership. Strong relationship management skills and experience. Sound commercial and programme experience. Excellent track record in leading and working with diverse collaborators, health professionals including physicians, and other internal and external stakeholders. A strong understanding of the research environment in New Zealand, including the health research landscape An awareness of the overall health and political environment in which services operate, and the ability to identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and outcomes. Experience in leading successful change and service and quality improvement initiatives. Experience in developing professional frameworks and governance systems. A strong commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and working effectively with a range of cultures. Ngā painga | The benefits Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments. Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) 15 days sick leave, and service leave provisions after five years Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community. Free annual flu vaccinations Life insurance and physical loss benefit Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts. Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service. Mō mātou | About Us PHF Science (formerly ESR) is a New Zealand Public Research Organisation (PRO) dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities. We provide expert leadership, research and science services to enhance our public health and justice systems, and power innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow. With four locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), our work means New Zealanders can feel confident that disease outbreaks and environmental risks to health are monitored and managed, and the impact of drug harm in the community is reduced and we live in a society where justice is supported by trustworthy evidence. We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible and ever-evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification. Tono mai | Apply Now We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori. If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with recruitment@phfscience.nz Applications close at 8:00am Monday 23 March 2026 Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity. We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed. Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment. Applications Close: We are New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science for communities. We use world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safer, protect our food-based economy, and improve the health of our water and natural environment. Keeping people safe and healthy through science is our focus and our staff bring a wealth of different experience and backgrounds to deliver this expertise. If you have the skills, initiative and commitment for protecting people through science, we’d like to hear from you. Find out more: PHF Science - Careers PHF Science - Website PHF Science - LinkedIn

Responsibilities

The Director/Kaihautū is the strategic leader responsible for the Infectious Diseases Research Platform, ensuring funder updates and maintaining confidence of steering groups. This critical role involves providing strategic leadership, overseeing platform management including staff and budget, and maintaining strong engagement with key stakeholders.