· Lead a world-class, sector-engaged agricultural research institute · Located at Camden or Narrabri · Five-year fixed-term appointment with an attractive remuneration package and professorial appointment About the opportunity The Sydney Institute of Agriculture (SIA) brings together agricultural research from across the University of Sydney to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time: producing food sustainably, building climate resilience and protecting natural systems. Working through seven sector-facing research themes – crop breeding and production; carbon, water and soil; quality food; animal agriculture; development agriculture; digital agriculture; and urban agriculture – the Institute partners with industry, government and communities to deliver impact in Australia and globally. In consultation with the SIA Internal Management Group and Faculty leadership, the Academic Director is responsible for providing strategic and academic leadership of the Institute. You will lead the planning, development and delivery of SIA’s vision, strategies and goals, in alignment with the University’s Sydney in 2032 Strategy and the Faculty of Science Strategic Plan. The Director ensures the Institute’s research is of the highest quality, enhances collaboration across all agricultural research sites and facilities, and contributes to faculty- and university-level decision making. You will foster a positive, inclusive culture and provide a safe working environment for staff and students. About you – skills, capabilities and experience The successful candidate will be a distinguished academic with an outstanding record in agricultural or related research and demonstrated strategic leadership experience in a complex organisation. You will be able to: provide and sustain a clear, future-focused vision for agricultural research at the University lead the development and implementation of Institute strategy, ensuring excellence, integrity and impact in research enhance academic leadership across the Faculty’s agricultural research sites and facilities develop and promote a world-class research strategy that attracts competitive research funding, philanthropy and outstanding researchers and higher degree by research students ensure sound financial management and efficient operations for the Institute in partnership with the leadership team lead and manage people effectively, building a culture of mentoring, talent development and staff wellbeing (professional and academic) design and deliver effective external engagement strategies with industry, government, community and other partners, supported by appropriate systems and processes contribute to the broader University community and its strategic initiatives establish and maintain contingency plans to ensure continuity of critical resources and business-as-usual activities and services manage risk and workplace health and safety for the Institute and its related entities, ensuring compliance with the University of Sydney WHS Management System. Sponsorship / work rights for Australia Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required. Term and remuneration The term of the appointment is five-year term on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will also be offered a professorial appointment in an appropriate discipline in the school and will retain that position at the conclusion of their role. Pre-employment checks Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus. EEO statement At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion . How to apply Applications ( including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role ) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the candidate information brochure/position description for further details. Candidate Information Brochure Click to view the Position Description for this role. Devereaux Consulting is supporting The University of Sydney with the search for the next Academic Director, Sydney Institute Agriculture. For a confidential conversation or to request the candidate prospectus, please contact Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, Devereaux Consulting on 61 413 633 195 or email DirectorSIA@devereauxconsulting.com © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Applications Close Tuesday 03 February 2026 11:59 PM
