Director, Research

About us :

At the University of Canberra, we’re not just educating future leaders, we’re shaping a better world through innovation, equity, and practical impact. Our world-class facilities and vibrant, collaborative research culture span five dynamic Faculties, empowering researchers to achieve breakthroughs across disciplines. Central to this mission is UC’s Research Services, which provides expert advice and comprehensive support across research funding, grant management, compliance, ethics, data collection, performance analysis, e-research, and mentoring. Together, we help ideas grow, partnerships thrive, to make a real difference by enabling researchers to reach their full potential and advance the University’s research impact.

About the role :

We are seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join our executive team as  Director, Research . This instrumental role will drive the University’s research strategy, foster a culture of excellence, and enhance our national and international research profile.

The Director will lead the Research portfolio team and work collaboratively with stakeholders and colleagues to build productive research partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders. Maintaining a high level of sector wide awareness, the Director, Research represents the university on external committees, contribute to policy and planning feedback at the Commonwealth and Territory levels and provide strategic advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vice- Chancellor, Deans and other research unit executives.

Other key responsibilities include :

• Leading the strategic development and continuous improvement of research systems, policies, and processes.
• Provide hands-on leadership and mentoring to dedicated teams.
• Advise the University’s executive leadership on research strategy, sector trends, and policy development.
• Oversee all aspects of research compliance, ethics, integrity, and reporting, including the University’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) (or similar), ranking and HERDC  submissions.
• Drive research development initiatives to increase research activity, impact, and national ranking.

What you need to be considered in the role :

• Tertiary qualifications at post-graduate level or combination of tertiary qualifications and relevant experience at a senior management level. PhD would be highly regarded.
• Ability to develop and execute a strategic vision and plan for research at a university in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Expertise knowledge of research management, ethics and integrity and innovation-related activities.
• A strong understanding of relevant research codes, granting body requirements and human and animal ethics and context of current issues pertaining to research and higher education.
• Demonstrated success in leading and motivating highly performing teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

The University offers excellent conditions and benefits which can be explored via our “Work at UC” site. Guided by our “Reconnected” strategy, we’re committed to innovation, equity, and accessibility—creating opportunities for meaningful change through education and research, both locally and globally. UC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility :   Applicants who wish to apply for this position should have valid Australian working rights at the time of submission. The successful applicant will be required to complete a police check.

How to apply : Please apply with your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that outlines your suitability for the role. Please ensure you take the time to align your CV with the Position Description  requirements. We want to understand how your skills and experience relate to the position you are applying for.

For job specific information :  Please contact Michelle Lincoln, Deputy Vice Chancellor - DVC@canberra.edu.au.

For recruitment and application questions : Please contact Sandy Demeester-Pohl, Talent Solutions Manager on 02 6201 2133 or email sandy.demeester-pohl@canberra.edu.au. If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment to the selection process, please feel free to reach out.

Closing date : 11.55pm, Sunday 26 October 2025