Chief Operations Officer ARC Centre of Excellence QPI

The Opportunity

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration based at UNSW is a recently established national research centre positioned to drive the next wave of quantum technology innovation in Australia. As Chief Operations Officer (COO) you will play a foundational role in shaping the Centres operational framework building its professional capability and ensuring the successful delivery of its mission across multiple university nodes government partners and industry collaborators.

Working closely with the Centre Director Executive team and Advisory Boards you will lead the development of the Centres operational strategy establish highperforming teams and implement the systems and partnerships that enable worldclass research and impactful translation. This is a rare opportunity to help build a major national research initiative from the ground up and contribute to a transformative agenda at the forefront of quantum computing.

The role of Chief Operating Officer reports to the Centre Director and is guided by the Centre Executive team and Advisory Boards.

• Salary Level 10 TRP
• Full time
• Fixed term 3 years
• Location: Kensington Sydney Australia

About UNSW

UNSW isnt like other places youve worked. Yes were a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together we are driven to be thoughtful practical and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. Its the reason were one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australias prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive be challenged and do meaningful work youre in the right place.

About QPI

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration (QPI) is a newly established national research initiative uniting leading scientists engineers and industry partners to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum computing. Through cuttingedge research collaborative innovation and realworld technology integration the Centre is driving Australias leadership in the global quantum ecosystem and shaping the future of highperformance quantum systems. The Centre is directed by Prof Andrea Morello a pioneer of spin-based quantum computer technologies and world-renowned for his efforts in public science outreach. The Centre Executive includes Prof Maja Cassidy (UNSW) Prof Andrew Doherty (U. Sydney) and Prof Rose Ahlefeldt (ANU) leading portfolios in innovation & translation research excellence and people & culture. For more information on the Centre visit: Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of QPIs strategic and operational plans in partnership with the Centre Director and Executive
• Oversee all operational functions including financial management budgeting infrastructure regulatory compliance and contractual obligations
• Build lead and develop a highperforming professional team fostering operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Manage major strategic projects policy development risk quality assurance and compliance with ARC university and legislative requirements
• Strengthen and maintain partnerships across UNSW other university nodes government agencies and industry representing the Centre at senior levels nationally and internationally
• Provide highlevel advice and oversee the preparation of key research documentation including reports grant applications and impact materials

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via

About You

You are an experienced and strategic operations leader with the capability to guide a complex multiinstitutional research centre. You bring:

• Extensive experience in a complex research environment and strong knowledge of national research operations
• Proven ability to lead highperforming teams and manage complex projects in large dynamic organisations
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective partnerships across academia government and industry
• Strong financial and organisational management skills including experience developing business plans and overseeing budgets
• Outstanding analytical and problemsolving abilities with a track record of developing innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Demonstrated ability to influence negotiate and build strategic relationships at senior levels nationally and internationally

Benefits and Culture

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to apply

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contacts listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries please contact Prof Andrea Morello (Centre Director)

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For questions regarding the recruitment process please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)

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Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSWs focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety ethical conduct and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: -

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 1 March 2026

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender sexual orientation cultural and linguistic backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.