Expression of Interest: Australian National Imaging Facility Governance Board

Term: 3 years with potential for extension by invitation 

Remuneration: Yes

National Imaging Facility is Australia’s advanced imaging network. The facility provides open access to flagship imaging equipment, expertise, tools, data and analysis and supports more than 40 scientific fellows, who provide highly specialised expertise in the optimal use of imaging technology to the Australian research community. 

National Imaging Facility is a national collaborative capability established and supported by the Australian Government under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and administered by the University of Queensland. Governed by an independent Board and managed by a central team, National Imaging Facility operates as an Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV) of 14 partner organisations across 5 states. NCRIS facilities ensure that researchers in Australia have access to world class national research infrastructure. 

The National Imaging Facility Governing Board is seeking to appoint one new independent member. Independent Board members: 

• are not salaried employees of any of the Partners who are signatories under the UJV or has not been a salaried employee for the last 2 years;
• do not have any interest or any business or other relationship with any of the Partners or members of the National Imaging Facility that could or could reasonably be perceived to interfere with independent exercise of judgement;
• are able to take a broad, national, collaborative perspective in overseeing the implementation of National Imaging Facility plans and act in the best interest of National Imaging Facility as a whole.

Persons holding an Honorary title or other position at an institute that is formally affiliated with a National Imaging Facility Partner who meet the criteria for independence listed above may be eligible for appointment to the Board. 

The role of the Board is to provide oversight and strategic guidance across all National Imaging Facility activities and investments.  Board members have extensive experience in setting and implementing scientific strategy and are forward looking, seeking to ensure National Imaging Facility strategic investments support cutting-edge technologies which meet the changing needs of its users and stakeholders. 

Responsibilities of Board Members

• Provide oversight and strategic direction to National Imaging Facility
• Attend four quarterly board meetings per year (two in person, two online), an annual strategy day meeting and any out-of-session meetings that may be scheduled from time to time 
• Contribute as Chair or member of Board sub-committees if requested

 Desired Experience and Attributes

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications and senior professional standing in a relevant field or profession.
• An in depth understanding of the importance of science & research in building Australia’s capability in innovation.
• Experience in governance and management of not-for-profit organisations.
• Ability to act as an advocate in stakeholder discussions and to foster collaborative relationships between industry, government and academia both nationally and internationally.
• An understanding of the workings of federal and state governments and the higher education sector and research institutions, especially those related to publicly funded infrastructures will be highly regarded.

 Specific Skills 

Additionally, National Imaging Facility is seeking a Board member with specific skills to complement those of its existing board members including: 

• Domain expertise in the development and application of imaging in a research and translation environment;
• Deep knowledge and understanding of current trends and future opportunities in imaging science and technology.

Application Process 

Expressions of Interest from potential candidates who are qualified to join the National Imaging Facility Board are now invited.  Please provide a short (2 page max) Statement of Suitability describing your interests and suitability against the above-listed Desired Experience and Attributes and the Specific Skills, and a brief governance CV by COB 12 April 2024. 

The Board will consider applicants against the objectives of National Imaging Facility and meet with selected candidates. It is anticipated that successful applicants will be notified by mid May 2024 and join the Board from 1 July 2024. 

For more information on National Imaging Facility please go to https://anif.org.au

National Imaging Facility Partner Organisations: The University of Queensland, The University of Newcastle, Macquarie University, The University of NSW, The University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, Melbourne University, Monash University, Swinburne University, La Trobe University, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Western Australia, Australian National Science and Technology Agency (ANSTO)

Applications and any enquiries should be directed to the National Imaging Facility Senior Admin Officer, Bec Dickson (*********@anif.org.au)