The Office of the Chief Translation Officer (CTO) leads the advancement of research across Garvan toward clinical, translational, and commercial impact. This spans biologics, genomics, and emerging therapeutic modalities, working across discovery science, platform technologies, clinical translation, and external partnerships.
Operating across the Institute, the CTO function connects scientific innovation with development pathways, enabling the progression of research into therapeutic, diagnostic, and commercial outcomes.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Executive Assistant is a key operational partner to the CTO, providing central coordination, visibility, and execution support across leadership activities and institute-wide translational priorities.
Working closely with the CTO, this role operates as a force multiplier, ensuring that priorities are translated into action, progress is maintained across the portfolio, communication flows effectively, and key initiatives progress across a complex, cross-functional environment.
The role maintains visibility across the CTO portfolio, including platform development, translational programs, partnerships, and commercialization efforts. It provides targeted execution and coordination support where needed, without direct ownership of scientific programs or laboratory operations.
Salary: Up to $125,000 + super + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Full time, 2 year term contract with opportunity to extend
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The key responsibilities include:
Manage a high-complexity calendar aligned to leadership priorities, ensuring effective use of time and focus
Act as a key coordination point for incoming requests, triaging and prioritizing based on strategic importance
Prepare concise, decision-oriented briefing materials for meetings
Track actions and decisions arising from meetings and ensure timely follow-through
Anticipate needs, structure information, and reduce complexity to support efficient decision-making
Coordinate domestic and international travel and logistics as required
Manage expenses, reimbursements, and approvals in accordance with Garvan policies
Support preparation of presentations, reports, and key communications
Maintain visibility across key priorities, initiatives, and activities within the team
Identify gaps, misalignment, or stalled work and facilitate follow-up where needed
Support alignment and communication across leadership, program management, and lab operations
Act as a central coordination point across internal teams and external stakeholders
Provide execution support for initiatives that span multiple functions, including hiring processes and onboarding
Coordinate meetings, workshops, and small events, ensuring effective preparation and delivery
Support development of internal documents, updates, and materials for leadership, stakeholders, and partners
Assist in driving progress on priority activities by ensuring clear ownership and follow-through
Provide light coordination and tracking support across key initiatives to ensure continuity and momentum
Support meeting cadence, action tracking, and follow-up across teams
Escalate risks, delays, or blockers where appropriate
Ensure smooth day-to-day operation of leadership activities, including scheduling, logistics, and documentation
Maintain organized records, systems, and documentation to support efficient workflow
Provide administrative support aligned with leadership priorities
ABOUT YOU
Significant experience (typically 5–10+ years) in executive support, operations, or coordination roles within complex, fast-paced environments
Demonstrated ability to operate with a high level of autonomy, judgment, and discretion
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly and concisely
Proven ability to track actions, ensure follow-through, and maintain momentum across multiple priorities
High attention to detail combined with the ability to maintain a big-picture view
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant systems
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.
The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) has been providing outstanding care for Victoria's children and their families for over 147 years.
We are the major specialist paediatric hospital in Victoria and our care extends to children from Tasmania, southern New South Wales and other states around Australia and overseas.
With a passionate, highly skilled and committed staff campus wide of over 5,000, we provide a full range of clinical services, tertiary care and health promotion and prevention programs for children and young people.
We are the designated state-wide major trauma centre for paediatrics in Victoria and a Nationally Funded Centre for cardiac and liver transplantation.
When it comes to training and research we partner with the very best. Our campus partners, the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) and The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, along with the RCH Foundation, are on site with the hospital in Parkville. Together, we are committed to improving the health outcomes for children today and in the future.
In 2016–17, more than 85,654 children attended our Emergency Department, 322,291 specialist clinic appointments were held which was almost 70,000 more than the previous year, more than 17,000 surgeries were performed and more than 48,552 children were admitted to our wards.
