Shape UNSW’s research strategy for the future
Play a pivotal role in driving the research agenda and enhancing our global reputation for excellence in research
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
UNSW is one of the world’s leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact. Since our foundation in 1949, we've aimed to improve and transform lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. With partners across every continent, delivering our mission on the global stage is central to UNSW’s ambition and underpins all our programs and activities.
The Division of Research & Enterprise is responsible for UNSW’s overall research performance, attracting and retaining outstanding research talent, developing external research collaboration, translation, and commercialisation opportunities, research infrastructure, higher degree research, and embedding entrepreneurship in UNSW’s research culture.
As an integral member of the senior leadership team in the Division of Research & Enterprise, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) will report to and support the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research & Enterprise in the management of the division, and in achieving the objectives of the University’s 2025 strategy and beyond.
With executive responsibility for Research Strategy, Research Grants & Contracts, and Research Ethics and Compliance Support, as well as oversight of the Scientia Academic Program, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) & Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), and UNSW’s research centres & institutes, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) will continue to enhance UNSW’s reputation for creating opportunities for world-class research and collaboration for global impact.
Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
UNSW is a top 50 global university that strives to improve lives through excellence in research and education, and the advancement of a just society. Recognised as pioneers in the fields of photovoltaics, climate science, quantum computing, and public health, our commitment to research excellence and impact drives the University’s world-class research environment, transdisciplinary focus, and local and international research collaborations.
We’re looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader to amplify UNSW’s research performance, attract and retain outstanding researchers, and foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research. Strengthening our research quality, funding, impact, and reputation, will be a key focus to meeting our strategic goals and objectives.
As Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), you will support the work of researchers and staff providing strategic advice and services, proactively address changes in the Australian and international policy environment that affect research, promote the University's research capability and research profile, and embed a culture of excellence that leads to real-world impact from our research.
At UNSW, we are motivated by a strong desire to make the world a better place and continually demonstrate our social and economic value. We aim to create a stimulating place to collaborate and hope you will consider joining us.
This is a key opportunity, and if you have the passion to lead UNSW’s research excellence and the enthusiasm and dedication to contribute to our ongoing success, we would love to hear from you.
Professor Nicholas Fisk
- Position description
- Terms
- How to apply
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You have a PhD and are recognised as a leading international authority in your discipline, with a strong track record of research and research training. You’re also a collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial leader, with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Australian and international higher education research environments, and can demonstrate your capacity to develop organisational research, manage budgets, and deliver on UNSW Sydney’s strategic objectives. Please note full Australian Working Rights are required.
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The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) is a senior leadership role at UNSW Sydney supporting the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) in the management of the Division of Research & Enterprise, and in achieving the objectives of the University’s 2025 Strategy.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) has executive responsibility for the Research Strategy Office (RSO), the Research Grants & Contracts Office (RGC), and the Research Ethics and Compliance Support (RECS) unit and has oversight of the Scientia Academic Program, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) and Engagement & Impact Assessment (EI), and UNSW’s Centres & Institutes. Additionally, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) has responsibility for research integrity management, working closely with the UNSW Integrity Unit.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) works collegially and constructively with other Divisions and Faculty Deans and Associate/Deputy Deans to ensure that UNSW Sydney is positioned as a leading research-intensive institution and is an advocate for UNSW in all external contexts, in Australia and internationally. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) reports directly to the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) and works closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training), Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Innovation), Executive Director (Research & Enterprise), and other senior staff in the Division of Research & Enterprise.
For further information, please download the full position description.
UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff, and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity.
For further information about this unique opportunity please contact Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au
T: 02 9065 7058Applications close on 11.55pm, Tuesday 30th May 2023.
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Skills
- A PhD and recognition as a leading international authority in a discipline consistent with UNSW Sydney’s strategic objectives, with a strong track record of research and research training;
- A research leader of the highest integrity;
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Australian and international higher education research environments and cross-institutional areas of higher education funding, operations, human resources, international, and advancement;
- Demonstrated outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial skills, with the capacity to think strategically, develop organisational research capacity, implement strategic plans, manage budgets, and lead change in a large, complex and diverse organisation;
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrated strengths in:
- high level national and international advocacy;
- motivating staff and researchers;
- influencing and negotiation skills;
- establishing and maintaining effective relationships across research, industry, and government; and
- the ability to represent UNSW Sydney nationally and internationally;
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
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As places of great inspiration and innovation, Australian universities are crucial intellectual environments where knowledge is created, communicated and challenged. In partnership with government and business, academic research and technologies help to develop vital industries. In addition, Australian universities provide students with the skills to compete in increasingly global workplaces and are ourselves major employers.
Universities are key to Australia’s economic success. In 2018, Australian universities contributed $41 billion to the economy and supported a total of 259,100 full-time jobs. In addition, 1,426,594 students studied at Australia’s 39 universities in 2018. Of these, 71 per cent (or 1,014,027) were domestic students and the remaining 29 per cent (or 412,567) were international students. In the same year, 325,171 students completed their degrees.[1]
When it comes to world university rankings, Australia has a strong, proven track record. Across all global ranking systems, criteria and fields of study, Australia ranks highly for quality of education, student satisfaction and global reputation. The latest ranking shows more than eight Australian universities are ranked in the top 200 universities and almost two-thirds of Australia’s 39 universities are in the top 500.[2] In addition, Australia consistently ranks highly in the Universitas 21 Report – in 2020, it ranked ninth.[3]
Australian university students pursue a wide range of academic disciplines, from health and education to engineering and information technology. While the majority of students study full-time, others balance a part-time load with family or work responsibilities and, in the current environment, many combine on-campus and online study for maximum flexibility.
International education is Australia’s fourth-largest export and the largest services export industry. In 2019, the industry generated $40.3 billion in export income. The higher education sector contributed around 70 per cent (or $27.8 billion) of international education export income in 2019.[4]
The 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) national report, which provides information of the quality of research undertaken by Australian universities, assessed that more than 90 per cent of Australian university research was performing at, or above world standards in 2018.[5]
UNSW is a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, and the prestigious Universitas 21 international network. In world rankings Go8 universities are consistently the highest ranked in Australia. Seven of the Go8’s members are in the world’s top 100 universities and all Go8 members are ranked in the world’s top 150 universities: in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Times Higher Education Rankings (THES) and the QS World University Rankings (QS).[6]
[1] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[2] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[3] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[4] 2020, Universities Australia 2020 Higher Education Facts and Figures
[5] 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 report, produced by the Australian Research Council (ARC
[6] Group of Eight, Australia -
Sydney was recently ranked the sixth best city in the world to live and work in by Global Finance magazine. With world-famous beaches and a thriving arts, music and food scene full of cultural communities to immerse yourself in, our coastal city is not just a destination, but a life experience.
Coastal living
It’s easy to see why the sunshine and coastline of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs beaches attract so many visitors, and UNSW’s Kensington campus sits right next door. It’s less than 30 minutes from campus to Bondi by car or bus, or just 10 minutes to Coogee.
If the beach isn’t your thing, we’re five minutes from beautiful Centennial Park or a short stroll to Randwick’s buzzing shops, cafés and restaurants.
Expand your network
Sydney’s the financial capital of Australia, and our international city is home to many global firms, offering countless opportunities to gain experience, meet people and build your networks.
A city for students
Sydney was ranked as the eighth best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities Index 2022. Our large and inclusive student community benefits from Sydney’s unique blend of outdoor and metropolitan lifestyles. Sydney offers a diverse range of opportunities for employment after graduation.
Something for everyone
There’s always something to do in Sydney, whether you’re flying solo or you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy. You can find the best swimming, snorkelling and surfing spots or watch a film at the local Randwick cinema – one of the cheapest in Sydney. Ride a bike around Centennial Park, stop for a picnic or enjoy an Aussie barbecue with new friends.
Sydney is also home to a number of incredible annual events, including Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and ideas; the New Year’s Eve Fireworks (possibly the most famous fireworks display in the world), and Taste of Sydney – an annual festival celebrating food and culture.
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The Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) position is a five year fixed term contract with potential for extension, based in Sydney, Australia.
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We will offer the successful candidate a salary package commensurate with the position responsibilities and the candidate’s skills, qualifications and experience.
All of our employees (excluding casuals) are entitled to receive 17% employer superannuation contributions. New employees are entitled to select their preferred superannuation fund or UniSuper, the industry fund for the Tertiary Education sector.
Our salary-sacrificing initiatives allow you to pay some or all of the offering before tax.
We also offer the option to salary package a fully maintained vehicle under a lease known as a novated lease. Car parking is available on campus with the ability to pay via fortnightly payroll salary sacrifice deductions.
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Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all required pre-employment or background checks. In addition, your ongoing employment is based upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements.
UNSW requires that all employees have eligible working rights within Australia. As one of Australia’s top employers, we understand that some candidates may benefit from support to relocate and join our university.
If you are offered a position at the university and are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the university may be able to assist with sponsorship arrangements. This includes obtaining the appropriate visa to allow you to work at UNSW.
The type of visa arrangement would depend on the length of your appointment at UNSW. Our external providers, Visa Lawyers Australia, will initially make that assessment of your application on behalf of UNSW and the UNSW Recruitment team will also guide you through this process.
We may also offer financial assistance to successful candidates who are required to move from their current residence in order to take an appointment at UNSW.
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UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do.
Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s why we come to campus each day.
We make it as easy as possible for our staff to have a rich and balanced life at work and home. As part of our approach to flexible working, we have introduced greater flexibility across location, hours, full-time equivalents, schedules and job sharing.
In terms of other benefits, we offer various types of leave, lifelong learning, discounts, entitlements, health and wellbeing support. Further information can be found on Jobs@UNSW.
For further information about this unique opportunity please contact Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au
T: 02 9065 7058
Applications close on 11.55pm, Tuesday 30th May 2023.
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
