About the opportunity The University of Sydney is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Research Portfolio as Academic Director, Graduate Research. This important leadership role provides strategic direction and innovation in researcher training for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and their supervisors, contributing to the University’s commitment to research excellence and transformational graduate education. Working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Researcher Training), the Academic Director will play a central role in shaping and enhancing the University’s graduate research environment through the Graduate Research School (GRS). The role will lead initiatives that strengthen HDR student capability development, supervisor training, and industry engagement opportunities, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and national and international best practice. This position is offered on a 0.5 FTE basis and is well suited to a continuing academic seeking a significant leadership contribution alongside their academic appointment. About you (skills, capabilities and experience) We are seeking a respected academic leader with: A strong track record of supervising Higher Degree by Research students to completion Leadership experience in graduate research, research education, or related academic governance (e.g., Associate Dean, Associate Head, or committee leadership roles relevant to research education) Demonstrated experience in developing researcher training programs, supervisor development initiatives, or industry engagement opportunities The ability to influence and collaborate effectively across disciplines and faculties A commitment to enhancing research culture, student experience, and research excellence Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of researcher training at one of the world’s leading universities, supporting HDR students to achieve excellence and impact that benefits society. Sponsorship / work rights for Australia You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Term and remuneration This is a fixed term (3 years) part-time appointment . The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications. 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. 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. Click to view the Position Description for this role. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Dr Mushtaq Sobhan (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on 61 433 556 642 or by email mushtaq.sobhan@sydney.edu.au © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Applications Close Friday 20 March 2026 11:59 PM
