People Partner

Job Title

Job Description

WEHI is transforming how our professional services empower and enable scientists to deliver world‑leading medical research now and into the future. Following a holistic review and redesign across our professional services portfolios, we are now focused on strengthening our critical capabilities, aligning our structures and systems with strategic priorities, and empowering our people to do what they do best. We are now recruiting a variety of newly established positions to help shape and embed these new ways of working. 

An exciting opportunity is available for two People Partners to join the People and Culture Department at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position

The People Partner operates as a trusted strategic advisor to allocated divisions and departments, working autonomously as a subject matter expert to align people strategies with WEHI's research and commercial objectives. The role partners closely with leaders and People & Culture specialists to drive proactive workforce planning, employee relations, performance and talent outcomes, ensuring local decisions reflect institute-wide frameworks and the requirements of the One WEHI Enterprise Agreement and the broader Australian employment law landscape.
This position requires strong industrial and employee relations expertise, sound judgement and critical thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels in a dynamic medical research environment. The People Partner plays a key role in building leadership capability, promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful culture, and providing timely, pragmatic advice that balances organisational risk, legal obligations and people experience.

Selection Criteria

Personal Qualities:

• Proactive influencer with exceptional relationship-building skills at executive and manager levels.

• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, handling sensitive issues with integrity and composure.

• Critical thinker who balances priorities, maintains confidentiality, and thrives in fast-paced research settings.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or equivalent, with senior HR BP experience (5+ years) in health/research sectors.

• Deep expertise in industrial relations, EBA application, Fair Work Act, and employment legislation.

• Proven track record driving workforce planning, strategic advising, and performance management.

• Strong commercial acumen to align P&C with business outcomes.

• Proficiency in HRIS (e.g., Workday) and analytics for insights.

• Experience in medical research, healthcare or higher education highly regarded

Terms of appointment

The two positions are ongoing in a full time capacity. Salary is Professional Services Employee Level 8 ($118,099 - $127,828). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed to recruitment@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application closing date: Sunday 3 May 2026