Head of Applied Science & Evidence - Biosecurity

Department of Primary Industries, Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Primary Industries, Queensland – Berrinba QLD is seeking a senior leader to manage Applied Science and Evidence. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team and shape the evidence base for Australia’s National Fire Ant Eradication Programme, guiding science into operational decisions.

This role requires strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and robust program management to deliver outcomes in a fast-paced, regulated government environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change.
• Ability to translate scientific information into operational outcomes.
• Strong program and project management skills, including budget and risk management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation capability.
• Experience delivering outcomes in government, biosecurity, environmental, agricultural or other highly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, building capability and high performance.
• Oversee delivery of complex programs with resources, risks, budgets, timelines and priorities.
• Translate scientific evidence into practical operational solutions for decision making.
• Provide strategic leadership across workforce planning, business planning and financial management.
• Build relationships with government agencies, industry, research institutions and stakeholders.
• Foster innovation, continuous improvement and governance across the program.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Program management

Budget management

Change management

Education

Masters in relevant field

Job description

Department of Primary Industries, Queensland – Berrinba QLD is seeking a senior leader to manage Applied Science and Evidence. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team and shape the evidence base for Australia’s National Fire Ant Eradication Programme, guiding science into operational decisions.

This role requires strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and robust program management to deliver outcomes in a fast-paced, regulated government environment.