Water & Environmental Systems Lead — Associate Professor

Internal-vacancies; Wodonga; On-site; AUD 167,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles Sturt University is seeking a Professor/Associate Professor of Environmental Science (Water and Environmental Systems Program Lead) to provide strategic leadership and shape the future of environmental research at the Gulbali Institute, Albury-Wodonga. The role leads a multidisciplinary program across water management, ecology, and climate adaptation, driving impact and external partnerships.

The successful candidate will build capability, secure external investment, and guide

Qualifications

• Distinguished researcher in environmental science, water or related field.
• Strong record of impactful research and high-quality scholarly outputs.
• Proven success securing major research funding and building external partnerships.
• Inclusive leader who brings people together around a shared purpose.
• Strategic thinker who turns research opportunities into lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the multidisciplinary Water and Environmental Systems Program Lead.
• Build research capability, grow external investment, and develop partnerships across government, industry, Traditional Owners, communities and research organisations.
• Lead a collaborative research culture that supports emerging researchers and translates excellent research into policy, practice and measurable environmental outcomes.
• Contribute to the Gulbali Institute's strategic direction and strengthen Charles Sturt's reputation and impact in water and environmental systems research.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Research leadership

Funding success

Partnership development

Job description

The role

• Full Time, Continuing
• Level D - $167,348 to $184,243 pa (plus 17% superannuation)
• Level E - $215,225 pa (plus 17% superannuation)
• Academic Institution Leadership Allowance
• On Site: Albury-Wodonga (No remote work will be considered)

This is an opportunity to shape the future of environmental research at Charles Sturt University. As Professor or Associate Professor of Environmental Science (Water and Environmental Systems Program Lead), you will provide strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary research program addressing some of the most complex environmental challenges facing Australia. Bringing together expertise across water management, ecology, natural resource management, climate adaptation and decision science, you will help create practical, evidence-based solutions for healthier ecosystems, more resilient communities and a sustainable future.

Based within the Gulbali Institute at Albury-Wodonga, you will build research capability, grow external investment and develop partnerships spanning government, industry, Traditional Owners, communities and research organisations. You will lead a collaborative research culture that supports emerging researchers and translates excellent research into policy, practice and measurable environmental outcomes. As a senior leader within the Institute, you will also contribute to its strategic direction and strengthen Charles Sturt's reputation and impact in water and environmental systems research.

About you

• A distinguished researcher in environmental science, water or a related field
• A strong record of impactful research and high-quality scholarly outputs
• Proven success securing major research funding and building external partnerships
• An inclusive leader who brings people together around a shared purpose
• A strategic thinker who turns research opportunities into lasting impact

About us

Learn more about the Gulbali Institute here.

Visit our website to learn about our great range of employee benefits.

To apply

Click the Apply button and complete your application online, submit a “statement of suitability” demonstrating your skills, knowledge and/or experience relevant to the position (referencing the selection criteria in the applicant information brochure) and upload your CV. You will also be asked to submit a max 1 page response on "What is your philosophy for managing and growing productive research teams?". If you experience difficulties applying online or for further information on completing the application process please visit our how to apply page or contact us.

This position is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents; or applicants who hold a current valid work visa commensurate with this position.

Further information

Additional information is available in the applicant brochures:

Applicant Brochure - Level D - Associate Professor of Environmental Science

Applicant Brochure - Level E - Professor of Environmental Science

Or by contacting: Professor Lee Baumgartner | Executive Director, Gulbali Institute | [e-mail]

Closing Date: 11pm, 6 October 2026