Board Members – Australia Research Council Board

About the Roles

The Australian Government is seeking applications for Chair, Deputy Chair and member positions on the Board of the Australian Research Council (ARC).

This is an exciting opportunity to be an inaugural member of the new governing Board of the ARC. The Board will be established from 1 July 2024 following Royal Assent of the Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill 2023.

A strong, well-managed ARC will ensure Australia’s world-leading research continues to be at the forefront of international practice and national importance. The Board will play a crucial role in driving independence and integrity of the institution and its decision-making processes.

The Board will be responsible for the governance and accountability of the ARC with functions and powers under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act) including:

• a) determining priorities, strategies and policies for the ARC and advising the Minister of those priorities, strategies and policies
• b) assisting the Minister in the performance of the Minister’s functions under the ARC Act 
• c) providing advice to the Minister on research matters, and 
• d) fulfilling any other functions conferred on the Board by the ARC Act.

The Board will comprise a Chair, Deputy Chair and up to seven other members, including: 

• at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander member (‘Indigenous member’);
• at least one member who will represent regional, rural and remote Australia (‘Regional member’), and ideally residing in a relevant geography. 

The requirement for the Indigenous member and the Regional member in no way precludes other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or regional persons, from being appointed in any role. 

The Chair of the Board must have substantial experience or expertise, and professional credibility and significant standing, in one or more fields of research or in the management of research.

The majority of members must have substantial experience or expertise in one or more fields of research, or the management of research.

In addition to the statutory requirements, all those appointed to the Roles will demonstrate—among other things—board experience and a commitment to high standards of governance.

While the majority of those appointed to the Roles will be based in Australia, consideration may be given to candidates based overseas. Such candidates are likely to:

• have a world-class research track-record gained in markets with similar research protocols to Australia (especially the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, United States of America, or Western Europe), and
• be an Australian expatriate.

Board positions are not open to individuals employed by an organisation in receipt of grant funding from the ARC. 

Appointments are on a part-time basis for a period of up to 5 years. It is anticipated the Board will meet eight times per year and meetings may be face-to-face. Additional time will be required for preparing for meetings and other commitments.

Remuneration of annual fee and travel expenses will be set by the Remuneration Tribunal and is likely to be commensurate to other similar Government boards.

About the Australian Research Council

The ARC is a central pillar in Australia’s research landscape, administering the National Competitive Grants Program, evaluating the quality, engagement and impact of research, safeguarding research integrity, and providing advice and support to the Australian Government on research matters. The ARC also facilitates partnerships between researchers, industry, government, community organisations and the international community.

The ARC will invest over $895 million in 2023-24 in non-medical research undertaken by the most dynamic researchers in Australia — a significant component of the Australian Government’s investment in research and development.

The establishment of this new Board is part of the Government’s response to the independent Review of the ARC Act (see Review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 – Department of Education, Australian Government).

Under the terms of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) the Board will be the accountable authority of the ARC with functions and powers set out in Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill 2023.

How to Apply

To apply for these positions, you must complete the online application form via the “Apply Now” button.

We recommend you complete and submit the form well in advance of the close date, in caseyou have any technical issues.  Applications submitted via any other platform will not be reviewed.

For a detailed Role specification, please contact Challis & Company at [email protected] using the subject line: Board Members – Australia Research Council Board enquiry via EthicalJobs.