Lead Queensland Museum's Natural Sciences portfolio, advancing research, collections, partnerships and scientific impact nationally and globally.

Job details

The organisation

Queensland Museum (QM) is a vibrant and inclusive cultural institution at the heart of the state's storytelling. With five sites across Queensland, QM welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year, delivering immersive exhibitions, impactful research, and engaging experiences. As a leader in cultural heritage and scientific discovery, QM connects communities, inspires curiosity, and celebrates the diversity of Queensland's people and environments.

QM is entering a transformative new chapter with a renewed focus on research, collections, impact and growth. Central to this vision is elevating the Natural Sciences portfolio and its role in positioning QM as a globally relevant scientific and research institution.

The Natural Sciences portfolio oversees one of Australia's most significant collections, comprising more than 14 million specimens spanning marine and terrestrial biodiversity, geosciences and palaeontology. These collections support critical research informing biodiversity conservation, environmental management, biosecurity and climate resilience.

The opportunity

Reporting to the CEO and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director, Natural Sciences will lead a multidisciplinary portfolio of scientists, curators and collection specialists.

This newly created role will set the strategic direction for QM's Natural Sciences research agenda, strengthening research profile, partnerships and public impact. The Executive Director will work closely with government, universities, and industry to grow capability, expand access to collections as research infrastructure, and secure sustainable funding.

The role also oversees stewardship and development of QM's internationally significant National History collections and the continued evolution of the Collections and Research Centre at Hendra.

About you

You are an accomplished executive with experience across scientific research, collections, academia, museums or related sectors. You bring scientific credibility and strategic leadership, with the ability to shape a contemporary research agenda responsive to emerging environmental and community priorities.

You are skilled at building partnerships to secure investment, grow capability and enhance impact. Commercially astute and politically aware, you navigate complex stakeholder environments and communicate science in accessible, compelling ways.

You are a collaborative and authentic leader who inspires high-performing teams across locations and disciplines. With a future-focused mindset, you balance stewardship of world-class collections with innovation, succession planning and growth. You are motivated to elevate QM's Natural Sciences profile and contribute to biodiversity research, scientific knowledge and environmental resilience.

How to apply

This is a rare opportunity to shape a nationally significant scientific portfolio and contribute to QM's next chapter. For a confidential discussion, contact Phil Graham, Jess Lewy or Lisa Gleichmann at The Orchard Talent Group via QLDmuseum@orchardtalent.com.au.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter.

Applications close 21 June 2026.

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Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• QM689718 Executive Director, Natural Sciences - RD (PDF, 181KB)
  Role Description