Careers
Join our dedicated team
Whether you’re interested in becoming a HMRI researcher, health and medical job opportunities, or looking to become part of our professional staff, everyone plays a vital role in delivering quality medical research.
Professional staff opportunities
Join our dedicated team at HMRI.
Researcher job opportunities
Explore academic, clinical and research support job opportunities.
Apply to be a HMRI affiliate
Join over 1700 researchers, staff and students all working to transform health and wellbeing.
Professional staff opportunities
Join our dedicated team at HMRI.
Researcher job opportunities
Explore academic, clinical and research support job opportunities.
Apply to be a HMRI affiliate
Join over 1700 researchers, staff and students all working to transform health and wellbeing.
Professional staff opportunities
HMRI staff provide a range of invaluable services that drive, enhance and accelerate research.
These services include our cutting-edge Clinical Trials Unit, Data Sciences, Health Economics, Research Impact, and Imaging. Our Corporate team also provides a range of support across leadership, partnerships, technology, grant development, philanthropy, marketing, and more.
Benefits of working with HMRI
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Salary packaging benefits
- Be part of a purpose-driven organisation
- Ongoing professional and skills development
- Regular social and wellbeing programs
- Access our world-class research facilities
If you’re interested in joining the team, explore our current opportunities or contact our Recruitment team.
Current professional staff positions available
Media and Communications Specialist
About the Opportunity
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is seeking a passionate Media and Communications Specialist to showcase our world-class research and strengthen our public presence. In this role you’ll develop media strategies, craft compelling stories, and collaborate with researchers, journalists, and partners to boost awareness and convert action.
If you have experience in media communications within health, fundraising, or research, a strong network of journalists and publications across NSW, and a passion for storytelling that builds brand impact, this role is for you.
What you’ll be doing:
Create and implement media strategies that showcase our groundbreaking research, fundraising efforts, and community impact.
Pitch compelling stories and secure media coverage across print, digital, radio, and TV.
Manage external PR agencies to amplify our reach and secure national media attention.
Build and nurture strong relationships with journalists and media outlets locally and beyond.
Craft engaging media releases, alerts, op-eds, and feature articles.
Support crisis communications and effectively manage media issues.
Work closely with internal teams to translate complex research into clear, impactful messages.
What you’ll need:
A background in communications, journalism, or public relations (a degree is great!).
Five to 10 years’ experience in media, public relations, or communications (ideally in health, fundraising, or research).
Strong writing and storytelling skills.
Established media contacts and experience securing coverage.
Expertise in crisis communications and media risk management.
Ability to translate complex medical research into engaging content.
This is a full-time position; however, we are open to considering part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
Why Work for us?
At HMRI we have ambitions to create the healthiest million people on the planet. We’ll do that by listening to the Hunter New England communities’ needs and conducting medical research to match.
We offer a supportive work environment with a range of benefits to promote work-life balance and professional growth, including:
Onsite parking
RDO (Monthly Rostered Day Off)
Paid parental leave
Flexible work hours and WFH options
Ongoing training and development opportunities
You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team doing work that really matters.
How to Apply
Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!
Download the Position Description here
All applications should be forwarded to recruitment@hmri.org.au and must include an up-to-date resume as well as a cover letter, including examples of engaging and inspirational content you have developed in your career.
For more information, please contact mike.collins@hmri.org.au
Finance Manager
About the Opportunity
If you are a finance professional looking to take on a leadership role in a purpose-driven organisation, we currently have an opportunity for a Finance Manager to join our team.
The Finance Manager is a pivotal role within HMRI, responsible for delivering high-quality financial and administrative support to the Head of Finance, Business Unit Managers, Executive, and Board. This role offers a mix of financial accounting, management reporting, strategic analysis, and leadership responsibilities.
What you’ll be doing:
Financial Accounting:
- Oversee and complete month-end processes, including journal entries, income allocations, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations.
- Oversee taxation-related matters, including quarterly GST/BAS returns.
- Manage Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
Management Accounting, Analysis, and Reporting:
- Prepare monthly reports, forecasts, and annual budgets, as well as multi-year financial plans.
- Provide analytical support for strategic initiatives by partnering with operational teams.
- Develop financial models and high-quality analysis to support key business decisions.
- Build performance dashboards to track goals and progress on key initiatives.
Leadership & Team Collaboration:
- Provide strategic advice to the HMRI Executive team and deputise for the Head of Finance when required.
- Lead and manage the Finance Business Partner and Finance Officer.
- Collaborate with managers to identify operational inefficiencies and develop strategies for improvement.
- Drive initiatives to reduce operational risks and improve workflow efficiency.
- Support the successful delivery of business systems and process projects.
Governance & Compliance:
- Represent the Finance Team at HMRI Audit and Risk Management Committee and Board meetings.
- Manage the external audit process to ensure timely and successful completion.
- Maintain financial controls and compliance, ensuring adherence to reporting obligations.
- Provide review and back-up support for the fortnightly payroll process.
What you’ll need:
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to identify risks, opportunities, and solutions.
- Proficiency in Excel and Power BI.
- Strong attention to detail and interpersonal skills to manage stakeholders effectively.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Highly developed communication skills (both spoken and written).
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- Experience in financial management, with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and risk assessments.
- Strong knowledge of financial and management accounting activities and accounting standards.
- Relevant professional qualifications (CA, CIMA, CPA, MBA) preferred.
This is a full-time (1 FTE) position based in the HMRI building on the northern side of the John Hunter Hospital Campus.
Why Work for us?
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is dedicated to improving lives through world-class medical research. Our Finance Team plays a crucial role in supporting the institute’s mission by ensuring smooth financial operations and efficient workflows.
We offer a supportive work environment with a range of benefits to promote work-life balance and professional growth, including:
- Onsite parking
- RDO (Monthly Rostered Day Off)
- Paid parental leave
- Flexible work hours and WFH options
- Contribute to an organisation making a real impact in medical research.
You’ll be part of a be part of a dynamic and supportive finance team.
How to Apply
Download the Position Description here
Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!
All applications should be forwarded to recruitment@hmri.org.au and must include an up-to-date resume as well as a cover letter, highlighting your skills and experience and how you can contribute to this position.
For more information, please contact tim.smith@hmri.org.au
Applications close 30 March 2025
Finance Project Officer
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Finance Project Officer to support the transition to a new Accounts Payable and Purchase Order system while providing high-quality financial and administrative assistance to the Head of Finance/Finance Manager.
This is a short-term contract for 6 months. This is a full-time position however, we are open to considering part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
What you’ll be doing:
- Assist in implementing a new Purchase Order system.
- Review and document Accounts Payable/Receivable (AP/AR) processes to optimize efficiency.
- Process and manage Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable transactions.
- Perform monthly bank reconciliations and general ledger journal entries.
What you’ll need:
- Experience with accounting and purchase order systems (Dynamics 365 Business Central experience is an advantage).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of implementing process improvements.
- Experience in AP/AR management or senior finance roles, preferably with experience in process change or improvement projects.
This is a full-time position based in the HMRI building on the northern side of the John Hunter Hospital Campus. However, we are open to considering part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
Why Work for us?
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is dedicated to improving lives through world-class medical research. Our Finance Team plays a crucial role in supporting the institute’s mission by ensuring smooth financial operations and efficient workflows.
We offer a supportive work environment with a range of benefits to promote work-life balance and professional growth, including:
- Onsite parking
- Gain hands-on experience in process improvement and system transitions
- Contribute to an organisation making a real impact in medical research.
- Be part of a dynamic and supportive finance team.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team doing work that really matters.
How to Apply
Download the Position Description here
Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!
All applications should be forwarded to recruitment@hmri.org.au and must include an up-to-date resume as well as a cover letter, highlighting your skills and experience relative to this position.
For more information, please contact tim.smith@hmri.org.au
Applications close 23 March 2025
Researcher job opportunities
Due to HMRI’s unique structure and close partnership with the region’s health service and leading university, research positions are primarily managed through the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District.
Apply to be a HMRI affiliate
Health and medical researchers in our region’s ecosystem can join our community and become a HMRI affiliate.
Join over 1700 researchers, staff and students all working to transform health and wellbeing. HMRI is here to support health and medical research in our region.
Become a HMRI affiliate to access our expert research accelerator support system, for access to HMRI’s facilities, networking events, and access to a range of diverse opportunities.
Who can become an affiliate?
HMRI affiliation is open to individuals who are active in, wish to grow their capability in, or support health and/or medical research; and who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Employed by HMRI and actively participate in research;
- Employed by Partner Organisations;1
- Research Higher Degree Students (PhD or Masters by Research) at the University of Newcastle2
- University of Newcastle Conjoint or Visiting Academic.
Individuals who previously met the above criteria, but no longer do, and wish to remain connected with HMRI may do so as HMRI Alumni.
1. The University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District and Calvary Mater Newcastle.
2. Undergraduate and Honours students and RHD students not enrolled at the University of Newcastle are not eligible for affiliation.
- Affiliates can access HMRI’s research services including Clinical Trials Unit, Health Economics, Data Science, Research Impact, our Imaging Centre, Histology, Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications
- Facilities benefits including access to HMRI meeting rooms, hot desks and common areas, opportunities for networking and collaboration, access to seminars, training, events and REDCap.
- Additional benefits may also include access to a range of labs, the Clinical Research facility, grant and funding opportunities, leadership and growth opportunities for early and mid-career researchers, public promotion of research projects, recruitment assistance for research study participants and access to specialist research equipment.
For more information, please contact our Affiliates team, or register to become an affiliate below.
