Fixed Term Full Time Appointment | 5-year contract Located at our Darwin City, Danala Campus | Larrakia Country
Lead Northern Institute's social, policy and regional development research, strengthen CDU's research performance, and build key national and international collaborations.
About the Position
As the Director – Northern Institute, you will support Charles Darwin University (CDU) in developing, leading and implementing strategic research initiatives that successfully meet Northern Institute (NI) and CDU key research priorities outlined in the University Strategic Plan.
Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the Director has responsibility for successfully contributing to the University's performance and reputation in research, research training, innovation and research collaboration with external stakeholders nationally and internationally.
Therefore, the role encompasses the strategic management of research within NI; contributes to the development of research policy; management of strategic research initiatives; and development of research collaborations across the Northern Territory, Australia and beyond.
What You'll Do
* Promote cross-institutional cooperation and partnerships by engaging with researchers across CDU
* Maintain a supportive and enabling environment for postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers, including assisting them to apply successfully for external grants and other income
* Provide leadership and commitment to continual improvement of performance by encouraging continuous learning, knowledge sharing and fostering an environment for creativity and innovation
* Provide strong leadership of the Northern Institute and across the Faculty to support the Dean and more widely across the University and broader community.
* Lead and enhance the reputation of the University through leadership and external networking, in line with the strategic directions and plans of the University.
* Ensure strong academic performance, staff recruitment, and supervision and involve staff in management and planning.
* Participate in appropriate University, Faculty and Institute committees and panels.
* Collaborate and liaise with the Northern Institute Advisory Committee (NIAC) to inform NI research planning and development activities.
* Design and deliver world-class research programs and projects with outputs and impacts that aim to enhance CDU's research profile.
* Engage actively in research and consultancy in an appropriate field and encourage and mentor other staff in research, secure external funding, develop and lead research teams.
About You
To be successful, you will require:
* A PhD level qualification/s in a relevant discipline (or related discipline) including original, innovative and distinguished contributions to research, scholarship and teaching as demonstrated through sustained and distinguished performance.
* Demonstrable success in attracting competitive research funding and other income, exceptional research collaborations and partnerships, and high-quality research outputs
* Demonstrable achievements in research planning and program implementation
* Experience in successful management of complex multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional settings
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills
* Demonstrated leadership and academic administration experience in academic program development and coordination
* Outstanding achievement in recruiting and supervision of graduate research students
* Commitment to the University's values
* National and international recognition in research through conference presentations, awards and prizes.
* A strong record of invited conference talks, seminar talks and colloquium lectures
* Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
Appointment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory National Criminal History check and a valid NT Working with Children clearance
First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures
While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply and will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply is available here.
What's in it for you?
* An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
* A range of generous leave benefits in addition to annual leave
* Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
* Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
* Employee Assistance Program
* An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
* Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education, and research
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression
* Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership
How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the 'apply' button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role, relevant skills and experience and response addressing the selection criteria of the role.
For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Professor Ruth Wallace via email ************@cdu.edu.au to organise a time.
Do you need support?
CDU endeavours to establish and maintain effective systems and processes that support a flexible and inclusive workplace culture. Adjustments can be made to support you throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment, in line with the University's Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure.
For confidential discussions, reasonable adjustment requests, or further information on workplace inclusion and policies, please contact People Services on 08 8946 62*** or **************@cdu.edu.au.
Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong.
Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.
Work Health and Safety
CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment. Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence outside the workplace. CDU is guided by our core values of Courage, Kindness, Openness, Innovation, and Leadership, which shape our daily actions and decisions. CDU is committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation for everyone.
As part of the Charles Darwin University's commitment to providing a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace, and to meeting our legal obligations, we ask candidates to declare whether they have ever been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence or found to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, in any previous employment or through any legal process. This information assists us to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence and will be considered when assessing a candidate's suitability for employment, to help ensure the safety of our University community.
You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.
Applications Close: Thursday 9th April 2026
Be careful - Don't provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don\'t transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad.
#J-18808-Ljbffr