Director, HP Innovation & Science

AusCycling SA; Canberra; On-site; AUD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Training allowances

Professional development calendar

Generous 15.4% superannuation

Onsite parking

Job summary

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) invites applications for a senior leadership role within the HP Innovation & Leading Practice team. Lead multidisciplinary sport science practitioners across Canberra and national networks, delivering integrated performance solutions to national sporting organisations.

You will diagnose complex performance challenges, translate science into practical strategies, and communicate clearly to executives and teams while shaping strategic direction and resources.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sport Science or equivalent.
• World-leading expertise in high performance environments.
• Senior-level experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong network in international high performance sport.

Skills

Senior leadership

Multidisciplinary teams

High performance networks

Performance diagnosis

Executive communication

Financial management

Strategic planning

Science communication

Education

PhD in Sport Science

Job description

• $159,922 to $194,743 + up to 15.4% superannuation

Description

Applications close at 11:30pm AEST 2 December 2026(late applications will not be accepted).

The Australian Sports Commission is embarking on the Green and Gold decade. An exciting time filled with international sporting competitions on home soil, including the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup, and culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have an ambitious new Strategic Vision and we need the best players on our team to help us deliver real results for the sporting sector and all Australians.

Are you up for the challenge?

About the team –

The HP Innovation and Science team is a specialised multidisciplinary team of sport science practitioners delivering targeted performance support across the AIS Canberra campus and Australia’s high performance network. We combine expertise in exercise physiology, recovery, environment, sleep, travel and biomechanics with the AIS’s specialist facilities to develop practical solutions that help national sporting organisations optimise performance outcomes.

The team also manages and assures the quality of relevant AIS High Performance Centre facilities and supports the REST Hub’s national programs, providing advice and leading-practice support to athletes and practitioners. Joining the team offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with leading experts, use unique facilities and translate sport science into innovative solutions that benefit athletes and strengthen the broader high performance system.

• A PhD in Sport Science, or an equivalent qualification, relevant to physiology, biomechanics or a related discipline.
• World-leading expertise and knowledge, supported by strong international high performance and domestic professional sport networks.
• A demonstrated track record of innovation in high performance environments.
• Senior-level experience successfully leading multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong understanding of high performance sport or a comparable high performance setting.
• The ability to diagnose complex performance challenges and plan and deliver integrated, multidisciplinary solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• The capacity to provide timely, concise and compelling advice to executives and senior leaders.
• High-level experience in financial management, risk management, business planning and strategy development.

This position is offered as an ONGOING role.

Why work with us?

We have offices located in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. Across all locations, we offer:

• Options for flexible working arrangements.
• Annual allowances towards training based on individualised career goals.
• Access to a customised ASC L&D calendar for ongoing professional and career development.
• Generous superannuation scheme with up to 15.4% employer contributions.
• Access to Clearinghouse for Sport, an information sharing platform for Sporting professionals.

Additionally, our Canberra campus offers:

• Free onsite parking
• Onsite facilities including café, dining hall, gym, and swimming pool.
• Priority placement for your children to access the award winning, onsite AIS Caretaker’s Cottage Childcare Centre.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact:

• Contact Officer: Robert Medlicott, GM, HP Innovation & Leading Practice

To be eligible for this position applicants are required to be Australian citizens only and must be able to obtain and maintain an AGSVA Security Clearance.

As part of the Commonwealth Child Safety Framework the ASC is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and leading the way in Child Safety across the sports sector. This position requires a Working with Vulnerable/Children People check to obtain employment.

Notes

• The ASC is committed to protecting children from harm. We require all applicants that will work with children to undergo screening processes prior to appointment.
• Should a merit pool be established for this position, it may be used to fill ongoing or fixed term opportunities as they arise within 18 months from the date advertised.
• The ASC operates under the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 and is separate to the Public Service Act 1999. The ASC accepts most leave liability and recognition of prior service if you are currently employed at a Commonwealth agency.
• If you are experiencing issues or have any questions with the e-recruitment system, please contact the People & Culture Hub via email [e-mail] or phone [phone].

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where its offices are located, the Ngunnawal people and recognises any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the people of the Yugambeh Nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The ASC extends this acknowledgment to all the Traditional Custodians of the lands and First Nations peoples throughout Australia and would like to pay respects to all Elders past and present. The ASC recognises the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to society and sport in Australia and celebrates the power of sport to promote reconciliation and reduce inequality.