Director Research Services

The University of Notre Dame Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A private Catholic university in Australia is seeking a Director of Research Services to lead their research initiative, ensuring effective services for grants and training. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate qualification, management experience, and in-depth knowledge of research governance. This full-time role emphasizes strategic leadership and continuous improvement in research operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• Experience in a research organization or university environment.
• Knowledge of research governance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the University's Research Services team.
• Provide integrated services for research grants and contracts.
• Deliver high-impact support services to researchers and HDR candidates.

Skills

Postgraduate qualification

Management and leadership experience

Knowledge of research services

Strong management skills

Change management principles

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Overview

Director Research Services role at The University of Notre Dame Australia.

The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private Catholic University with over 1,000 permanent staff providing an exceptional educational experience to over 12,000 students across our Fremantle, Broome, and Sydney campuses, as well as clinical schools in Victoria and New South Wales.

About the office

Research Services provides support for the management of research and research training and administers external research funding. It is also responsible for ensuring the responsible and ethical conduct of research and for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to improve the quality of the experience and outcomes for Higher Degree by Research students.

About the role

The Director, Research Services leads and manages the University's Research Services, fostering a strong service-oriented culture and enhancing operational effectiveness to achieve a high-performance research environment. The responsibilities include providing excellent, integrated services for research grants and contracts, ethics applications, HDR, and ongoing training.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to build a high-performing, service-oriented Research Services team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.


• Drive the delivery of high-impact support services to researchers and HDR candidates, ensuring timely and effective access to ethics approvals, funding advice, contract management, policy compliance, milestone progression, and development opportunities.


• Act as a key advisor to the PVCR and Associate PVCR, delivering high-level, evidence-based insights and strategic recommendations across all dimensions of Research Services, including institutional reporting and navigating external policy shifts.


• Play a critical leadership role in the PVCR's Research Portfolio group, collaborating with academic and professional leaders to design and implement strategic initiatives that elevate UNDA's research profile and capabilities.

Qualifications, skills & experience

• Possession of a postgraduate qualification with extensive relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training.


• Demonstrated management and leadership capability with previous experience within a research organisation, university or tertiary environment.


• Extensive knowledge of research services, including grants and contracts, ethics applications, HDR, policy and ongoing training.


• Knowledge of research governance and compliance with research standards and codes.


• Strong management skills to oversee financial, administrative, staffing, and other resources effectively.


• Experience in overseeing HDR candidature management and working collaboratively to enhance HDR student outcomes and experience.


• Demonstrated ability to enhance operational effectiveness through efficient processes, strong internal controls, and consistent policy implementation.


• Adept in change management principles to drive continuous improvement and engage both professional and academic staff.

How to apply

Please apply online with a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications closing date: 26 September 2025

For further information on how to apply, please visit: How to apply | Notre Dame

Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The University of Notre Dame Australia seeks to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the different needs of the University and its stakeholders and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our staff.

Contact us

Please direct your queries regarding this role to Janette Tam, [e-mail]

Unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies will not be entertained.

Job details

• Seniority level: Director


• Employment type: Full-time


• Job function: Education and Research


• Industries: Higher Education