Head of Ethics and Integrity

About The Team

The Research and Innovation Office at Murdoch University drives research excellence by managing and supporting activities across the institution. It ensures research is purposeful, ethical, and well-planned, assisting with grant applications, award negotiations, and contract administration. The office also manages internal funding schemes and fosters research commercialisation through industry partnerships, intellectual property protection, and spin-off development. Additionally, the Graduate Research Office oversees research student admissions, enrolment, candidature, scholarships, and thesis examinations.
 

Your New Role!  

The Head of Ethics and Integrity at Murdoch University will lead research governance and integrity, providing strategic direction and effective management. This role oversees human and animal research ethics, governance activities, and manages research integrity investigations. As research governance evolves, the position ensures best practices are implemented to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and compliance.
 

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for research governance, ethics (human and animal), and compliance with legislation and regulations
• Manage research integrity and misconduct processes, including investigations, policy development, and promoting responsible research conduct
• Lead and support a specialist team delivering ethics training, guidance, and governance services to researchers and students

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous| Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $140,932.00 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.   

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling an 6% increase!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• A postgraduate degree and extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction and effective management in complex environments with competing priorities
• Expertise in research ethics and governance, including human and animal ethics oversight and policy implementation
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of driving performance and achieving outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence effectively.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.  

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Alasdair MacDonald, Director Research and Innovation, a.macdonald@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104696 as the reference.

Applications Close on 12 January 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

Please note that the University will be operating under a Limited-Service-Period from 19 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. During this time, recruitment activity will pause, and candidates may experience delays in communication. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.