Executive Director - Research Services

• Full time, 5 year fixed term position
• Contribute to the University of Sydney’s research ambitions by delivering innovative, scalable and researcher-centered services that enable world-class research outcomes.
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an accomplished and strategic senior leader to join the Research Portfolio as Executive Director, Research Services, with responsibility for leading and transforming the services that enable research across the University.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), the Executive Director provides senior executive leadership for the University’s researcher-facing services. The role leads five key areas: Research Pipeline and Pre-Award; Post-Award Research Services; Clinical Trials; Research Ethics, Governance and Assurance; and Research Services and Improvement, bringing these functions together through an integrated, end-to-end service model.

The Executive Director will lead the continued transformation of research services, creating a more integrated, consistent and researcher-centred approach that reduces administrative burden, simplifies processes, strengthens accountability and compliance, and makes it easier for researchers to navigate the University’s research environment. The portfolio encompasses research funding and development, pre- and post-award administration, research contracts, clinical trials, ethics and governance, research integrity administration, research data governance, research security, research systems and service improvement.

Working in close partnership with DVCR Executive team faculty and academic leaders, multidisciplinary initiatives, and professional service units, the Executive Director will ensure research services effectively support the University’s strategic ambitions and the delivery of world-class research. The role will provide trusted advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), drive service and operational excellence across the Research Portfolio, and champion continuous improvement and innovation in how researchers are supported.

The role will engage with and maintain exceptional relationships with internal stakeholders including academic leaders and university central portfolios to enable the development and implementation of seamless 'end-to-end' processes and systems that support service delivery, as well as with key external stakeholders to influence policies, processes and systems that impact on the research activities of the portfolio and university.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

• Significant senior executive leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary professional teams and develop high-performing senior leaders.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the research lifecycle and research services environment.
• A strong track record of leading complex service transformation and organisational change, including redesigning operating models, simplifying processes, improving systems and reducing administrative burden for researchers.
• Demonstrated capacity to translate strategy into effective operational delivery, establishing clear accountabilities, service standards and performance measures and delivering measurable improvements in service quality and researcher experience.
• Excellent stakeholder leadership and influencing skills, with the credibility to build trusted relationships with senior academic and professional leaders, researchers, government and funding bodies, regulators, affiliated institutions and external partners.
• Highly developed judgement and risk management capability, with experience navigating complex regulatory, governance, compliance, reputational and operational issues.
• Strong financial and organisational acumen, including experience managing significant budgets and resources, workforce planning and making strategic investment and prioritisation decision.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and executive advisory capability, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity, resolve competing priorities and provide clear, trusted advice on sensitive and high-impact matters.
• Demonstrated resilience, composure and sound judgement under pressure, with the ability to remain calm and solutions-focused when managing competing priorities, sensitive issues, tight deadlines and complex or high-risk situations.

Key benefits 

• a University contribution of 17% of your base salary to your superannuation fund 
• tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund 
• generous relocation allowance if moving from interstate or overseas 
• access to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centers 
• gain the recognition of working in a leading University. 

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

The successful candidate will be offered a five-year fixed term position on a full-time basis, with the possibility for renewal subject to performance and funding agreement. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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. Please refer to the candidate information brochure and position description for further details.

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 John Flynn (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on +61 481 564 562 or by email [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 16 November 2026 11:59 PM