Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 2 Jul 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Australia Type of Contract Other Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
* Provide leadership in research education in alignment with Faculty of Engineering's strategic goals
* Join the leadership team of a preeminent engineering faculty, one of the largest in the world
* Fixed-term role for a period of 4 years with an attractive remuneration package and possibility of asubstantive continuing appointment at level D/E in the relevant school
About the opportunity
The Faculty of Engineering is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty Executive as Associate Dean (Research Education) on a four-year fixed-term leadership appointment, supported by a continuing substantive appointment as Professor within an aligned School and discipline.
This opportunity is suited to a senior academic with a strong track record in leadership, collaboration, and academic excellence, who is motivated to contribute to the strategic direction and operational success of the Faculty and University.
The role will be structured as 0.4 FTE Associate Dean and 0.6 FTE Professor (Teaching and Research) for the duration of the four-year term. At the conclusion of the appointment, the successful candidate will transition to an ongoing 1.0 FTE Professor (Teaching and Research) role within an aligned School.
The Associate Dean (Research Education) plays a pivotal role in advancing the Faculty's and University's research education strategy, ensuring the quality, integrity, and successful outcomes of Higher Degree Research (HDR) and research training programs as well as the development of postdoctoral researchers.
Working closely with the Deputy Dean and Faculty leadership, the Associate Dean provides high-level strategic and operational leadership, shaping and implementing strategy, aligning Faculty priorities with University goals, and ensuring a high quality, future-focused research training environment spanning the full early-career research pipeline from HDR candidature through to postdoctoral research positions.
The role leads the full HDR lifecycle over a cohort of about 1000 HDR candidates, including recruitment, admissions, supervision quality, candidate experience, candidature management, and timely completions. It provides strategic oversight of the scholarships framework, budget and allocation models to attract and retain outstanding candidates and ensure alignment with Faculty and University priorities. The role also provides strategic leadership of the Faculty's postdoctoral cohort of more than 300 researchers, including onboarding, mentoring, career development, and progression into independent research careers. Underpinning both portfolios is a strong commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, and a culture of excellence and accountability in supervision and researcher training.
The Associate Dean (Research Education) works in close alignment with the Pro Vice-Chairor (Researcher Training), Research Education leaders across the University, and School-level leaders to ensure coordinated, consistent, and high-quality research training outcomes across the Faculty.
About you
You are an accomplished academic leader with a strong track record in research training, and the potential to lead at scale, influence strategy, and deliver measurable improvements in outcomes.
You will have:
* A strong research profile with national and international standing
* A sustained record of successful Higher Degree Research (HDR) supervision, including timely completions, and an understanding of the distinctive needs and career trajectory of postdoctoral researchers
* Demonstrated experience in research education, graduate research, or a closely aligned portfolio, with evidence of leadership contribution or potential and a sound understanding of research training policy, funding frameworks, and sector trends
* Experience in driving performance outcomes across completion rates, candidature quality, candidate experience, and strategic allocation and budget oversight of HDR scholarships
* Demonstrated ability to support and develop supervisory practice and contribute to a culture of excellence and accountability
* Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and influence across a complex academic environment and build external partnerships that enhance research training outcomes
* Experience in academic governance or quality processes, or the capacity to quickly develop capability in these areas
* Commitment to researcher wellbeing, equity, and inclusion across the full research training and early-career research community
The term of the appointment is four years. This position will be supported by an underlying continuing position at level D/E in the relevant school. A competitive salary and a start-up package will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will also be provided if required.
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