Deputy Dean (Research & Sustainability)

Sunway University; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Malaysia is seeking a Deputy Dean (Research & Sustainability) to provide academic leadership and drive research excellence. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have 3 to 5 years of experience in a leadership role, complemented by a strong track record in research and sustainability initiatives. Responsibilities include overseeing research programs, mentoring teams, and contributing to undergraduate and graduate teaching. This role offers an opportunity to influence education and sustainability at the university level.

Qualifications

• PhD with a strong research track record.
• 3 to 5 years in a leadership role within academia.
• Established academic credibility evidenced by high-impact publications.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for research and sustainability.
• Lead and mentor research teams to build excellence.
• Contribute to teaching and develop undergraduate and graduate courses.

Skills

Academic leadership

Research management

Sustainability initiatives

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD

Job description

Sunway University is seeking a Deputy Dean (Research & Sustainability) within the School of American Education to provide academic leadership, drive research excellence and postgraduate development, integrate sustainability, strengthen partnerships, ensure governance quality, and contribute to teaching within the School.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for research, research degrees, ethics, and sustainability at School and University levels.
• Contribute actively to School Management and advise the Dean on research and sustainability priorities.
• Lead and mentor research and sustainability teams to build capacity and excellence.
• Strengthen the School’s research profile, outputs, and impact.
• Oversee postgraduate research programmes and research degree quality.
• Support faculty in securing internal and external research funding.
• Promote interdisciplinary, collaborative, and high-impact research initiatives.
• Develop and implement School-level research and sustainability strategies aligned with University goals.
• Drive the integration of sustainability and planetary health principles into research, education, and operations.
• Monitor and report on research and sustainability KPIs.

Engagement & External Relations

• Build partnerships with industry, government, community, and international collaborators.
• Represent the University at internal and external meetings, conferences, and events.
• Enhance the visibility and impact of the School’s research and sustainability activities.

Administration & Quality Assurance

• Ensure strong governance, policy compliance, ethics oversight, and quality assurance.
• Oversee research data management, reporting, and contributions to rankings (e.g. MyRA, QS, THE).

Teaching-centered duties

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, utilising innovative and effective teaching methods.
• Mentor and advise students, providing guidance on academic and career pathways.
• Contribute to the academic community through active research, publications and participation in professional conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance the department’s curriculum and contribute to interdisciplinary projects across the university.

Requirements

• Possess a PhD and an outstanding research track record.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience as an academic Head of Department, or equivalent.
• Demonstrate established academic credibility, evidenced by high‑impact publications and other recognised scholarly contributions.
• Proven leadership experience in research management and/or sustainability initiatives.
• Strong understanding of academic governance, research funding, and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build collaborations across diverse stakeholders.
• A passion for sustainability, interdisciplinary innovation and future‑focused education.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants for this position. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.