Job reference: 1421914
Inaugural Director of the Curtin Materials Institute | Bentley (Boorloo) Campus | Full Time, 4-year Leadership Opportunity
Curtin Materials Institute (CMI): Advancing Materials, Shaping the Future
About CMI
CMI is a newly-established research institute that captures Curtin's capability across the breadth of materials research. It consolidates strengths from across schools and research centres, providing a cohesive platform that elevates Curtin's leadership in materials innovation. The institute acts as a central gateway for industry and government engagement, research funding, and global recognition, with a mission to tackle major industrial, national, and sustainability challenges through both fundamental science and application‐driven innovation.
The Institute's state‐of‐the‐art analytical facilities are housed within the John de Laeter Centre.
About the Role
Working closely with and reporting to the Pro Vice‐Chancellor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, as the Director, you will:
* Shape the Institute's vision and long‐term growth, aligning research priorities with university, state, and national objectives.
* Represent Curtin internationally, building high‐impact partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions.
* Guide programmes, shared facilities, and postgraduate initiatives while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, high‐performance culture.
* Secure diverse research funding, identify commercialisation opportunities, and raise the Institute's global profile.
* Manage budgets, governance, and embed equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Institute.
* Provide academic leadership and advance the Institute's research excellence.
Responsibilities
Director responsibilities include:
* Prepare and implement strategic plans that outline short‐term deliverables and long‐term goals.
* Develop and maintain a robust research agenda that attracts funding and positions the Institute as an international leader.
* Lead external engagement, including industry collaboration, government partnerships, and national research initiatives.
* Ensure strong financial and administrative management of the Institute's activities.
* Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion practices within all operational and strategic frameworks.
* Represent the Institute at national and international forums.
Qualifications and Selection Criteria
* Qualification: A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline.
* Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire and drive a shared vision, foster commitment to Curtin values of respect, integrity, courage, excellence, and impact.
* Academic Standing: Current appointment as Professor with experience managing organisational units in a university setting.
* Strategic Focus: Forward‐looking and outcomes‐focused, with strong understanding of internal and external operating environments.
* Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Proven track record of advancing equity and inclusion.
* Communication and Influence: Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to influence and negotiate across diverse stakeholders.
* People Management: Capacity to build high‐performing, inclusive cultures and empower teams.
* Research Excellence and Innovation: Demonstrated capacity to lead impactful, interdisciplinary initiatives.
* Global Perspective: Ability to position the Institute within a global research context.
* Industry Engagement: Experience building and sustaining strategic partnerships with industry, and driving industry embeddedness with educational programmes.
Benefits and Remuneration
* Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
* 17% superannuation, plus salary packaging options.
* Paid parental leave (26 weeks for primary caregiver, 3 weeks for non‐primary), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days).
* 12 public holidays each year and additional University Days during holiday periods.
* On‐campus childcare, breastfeeding facilities, and a medical centre.
* Flexible work arrangements and academic carer support scheme.
* Wellbeing initiatives and additional benefits such as discounts on retail and travel.
Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
Curtin University is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment. All people are expected to feel respected, valued and safe. The university promotes gender equity and inclusivity, especially within STEMM disciplines, and supports the advancement of women and gender‐diverse people through leadership training, mentorship and other professional development initiatives.
Application Information
Applicants must hold current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. Successful applicants will be subject to a National Police Clearance and background, integrity, and reference checks.
Please provide a current resume and a cover letter outlining how your background meets the selection criteria above.
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