- Newly created executive leadership role driving finance, technology, and the strategic growth across the CERA Group
- Drive sustainability, digital transformation and strategic investment across a world-leading medical research institute and a growing clinical trials business.
- Influence at board and executive level to shape the future of ophthalmic research translation and patient impact.
The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) is an internationally recognised independent medical research institute dedicated to preventing vision loss and restoring sight through world-class research, clinical innovation and translation.
Cerulea Clinical Trials, CERA’s wholly owned clinical trials business, delivers industry-sponsored and investigator-led clinical studies, connecting research discoveries with patient outcomes and commercial opportunities.
Together with the CERA Foundation, the Group forms a unique ecosystem spanning discovery research, clinical translation, commercial clinical trials, philanthropy and strategic partnerships. This integrated model enables CERA to accelerate innovation from laboratory to clinic while building a financially sustainable platform for future growth and global impact.
The Opportunity
CERA and Cerulea are entering a new phase focused on long-term sustainability, growth, digital enablement and research translation.
Reporting to the Managing Director of CERA and the CEO of Cerulea, the newly created Group Chief Finance and Technology Officer will be a key member of both executive leadership teams, providing strategic leadership across finance, commercial performance, technology, investment and risk.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future direction of a globally recognised medical research institute and a growing clinical trials business, driving the systems, partnerships and investments that enable world-class research, clinical translation and patient impact.
The Role
You will:
- Lead financial strategy, planning, governance and performance of the CERA Group, ensuring long term sustainability and strategic growth.
- Partner with the Managing Director, CEO, executive leaders, boards and committees to guide investment decisions, resource allocation and long-term sustainability.
- Identify and enable new revenue opportunities and commercial growth through partnerships, new ventures and research translation initiatives.
- Provide strategic financial and commercial leadership to Cerulea as it expands its market presence, service offerings and operational scale.
- Lead digital and technology-enabled transformation and strategy, leveraging data, systems and AI and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, decision-making and impact.
- Build organisational capability through strong leadership of finance, technology and business services functions, fostering a high-performing and client– focused culture.
- Contribute as a trusted executive leader, helping shape the future direction of a globally recognised research institute and clinical trials business.
About You
You are an accomplished executive leader with strong financial and commercial credentials and a track record of delivering results in complex and evolving organisations.
You will bring experience in:
- Financial strategy, governance and organisational leadership
- Commercial assessment, investment decisions and business case development
- Growth, partnerships and long-term sustainability
- Technology-enabled transformation and digital strategy
- Risk management, compliance and stakeholder engagement
- Building, leading and developing high-performing teams
Your ability to build trusted relationships and influence diverse stakeholders will be equally important. You will work closely with researchers, clinicians, executives, board directors, university partners, industry collaborators and other external stakeholders. You will be able to navigate complexity, align diverse perspectives and priorities and drive outcomes.
You do not need to be a technical expert. Instead, you will understand how technology, data and AI can improve organisational performance, support better decision-making and create strategic advantages. You will be confident leading through specialist teams and trusted advisers, making informed investment decisions and ensuring technology supports strategy, performance and growth.
This role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, investment, technology and organisational performance across a unique ecosystem spanning medical research, clinical trials and philanthropy.
It is a role for a leader who wants to go beyond traditional financial leadership and play a meaningful role in translating research into better outcomes for patients.
We welcome candidates from a broad range of sectors and backgrounds. More important than where you have worked is your ability to provide strategic leadership, exercise sound judgement, lead change and help organisations achieve sustainable growth and long-term impact.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/2s3tuepc
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Danielle Walker on 0402 278 870/ Danielle.Walker@davidsonwp.com or Paul Lefebvre on 0408 036 046/ Paul.Lefebvre@davidsonwp.com.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on COB Friday 13 th November 2026
