Rare opportunity to Shape the Future of AI-Enabled Healthcare

Join La Trobe University and Cisco in a flagship leadership role driving AI innovation, healthcare transformation and industry partnership at a national and international level.

Full Time / Fixed Term / Research Only Appointment Until 31.07.2029 / Bundoora Campus

About the position

La Trobe University is seeking an outstanding research and innovation leader to join one of Australia's most successful university-industry collaborations. The Cisco Chair for AI in Health Systems is a flagship appointment established through the long-standing partnership between La Trobe University and Cisco, bringing together world-leading expertise in artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, industry engagement and research translation.

The role will provide national and international leadership in AI-enabled health systems, driving real-world impact through pioneering research, strategic partnerships and industry collaboration. Reporting to the Dean and working across the Cisco-La Trobe Centre for AI and IoT, Innovation Central Melbourne and a broad network of healthcare, industry and government partners, you will accelerate the translation of AI research into scalable solutions that improve patient outcomes, transform healthcare delivery and deliver meaningful societal impact.

Duties at this level:

• Provide strategic leadership in AI-enabled health systems and drive the translation of research into real-world healthcare innovation.
• Build and lead multidisciplinary research collaborations spanning universities, healthcare providers, government and industry.
• Attract significant external funding, industry investment and collaborative research opportunities.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with Cisco, healthcare organisations and government stakeholders.
• Influence policy, strategy and innovation in AI-driven healthcare transformation.
• Lead curriculum innovation, executive education and industry engagement activities in AI for health systems.
• Mentor researchers, supervise higher degree research students and contribute to building capability across the sector.
• Represent the Cisco-La Trobe partnership nationally and internationally through industry forums, conferences, innovation showcases and strategic engagements.

Skills and knowledge:

• A PhD, or equivalent professional standing and recognised expertise in AI, digital health, healthcare systems or a closely related discipline.
• A strong reputation for translating research, technology or innovation into measurable real-world impact.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships across academia, healthcare, industry and government.
• A proven track record securing significant industry investment, research funding, grants or commercial partnerships.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and large-scale collaborative initiatives.
• A passion for innovation, research translation and improving healthcare outcomes through emerging technologies.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to operate credibly at executive and board level.

Please refer to the position description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Benefits

• 17% superannuation
• Private Health Insurance discount
• Plus, many more

How to apply

Please note, only candidates who possess the full rights to work in Australia will be eligible for consideration for this opportunity.

Closing date: Tuesday 6th October, 2026 at 11:55pm

Position Enquiries: Professor Wenny Rahayu, Dean of School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Email: W***@***********

Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email: v***@***********

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter;
• An up-to-date resume and
• Address the Key Selection Criteria

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.

Our commitment to safety

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

National Code on Gender Based Violence in Higher Education

La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.