Head, Research and Development

• Full time, continuing role
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research excellence, driving innovative strategies, and empowering world-class researchers to thrive within a dynamic, forward-thinking academic environment
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Head, Research and Development for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) is a dynamic leadership role that drives the Faculty’s vision for research excellence. This role is at the forefront of shaping strategy, advising academic leaders, and spearheading innovative projects that enable research activity growth.

This role will guide the development of cutting-edge programs to support the growth of researchers at every stage of their careers, attract world-class research talent, diversify funding streams, and enhance research impact across the Faculty’s diverse schools and research centres. You will play a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant research environment, providing strategic insights to academic leaders, and ensuring researchers have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Managing a small team, you will collaborate with key stakeholders to enrich the experience of HDR students and supervisors, ensuring a seamless integration of services that contribute to the University’s overall mission. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of research within a leading academic institution, driving both innovation and excellence at a global level.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• support the Faculty Leadership Group in defining research goals, developing strategic priorities, and implementing initiatives to achieve research objectives, including tracking effectiveness and addressing challenges.
• provide expert advice on governance, management, and decision-making with regard to strategic initiatives and research centres, and contribute to the Faculty’s risk management,
• maintain oversight of emerging opportunities and factors impacting research activities, and offer insights on how to operate within the context of the external environment
• manage resources efficiently, monitor staff performance, and foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality research education and supervision
• identify and manage risks to the Faculty’s research strategy and core services, ensuring compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and WHS management systems while proactively addressing potential risks and opportunities for improvement
• as nominated by the Associate Dean (Research), Dean or Faculty General Manager represent the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences on any committees established by the University or externally.

About you

• postgraduate qualifications in humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• in-depth understanding of the Higher Education sector and its alignment with the University’s research goals with the ability to assess challenges and opportunities, translating them into effective programs for desired outcomes
• skilled in asking strategic questions, exploring options, and devising and implementing the best solutions
• strong leadership in guiding teams through complex situations and inspiring high performance and collaboration
• deep understanding of the Faculty’s research plans, and adept at navigating university structures and resources to achieve goals.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Lena Jiang, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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