• Provide leadership in research education in alignment with Faculty of Engineering’s strategic goals

• Join the leadership team of a preeminent engineering faculty, one of the largest in the world

• Fixed-term role for a period of 4 years with an attractive remuneration package and possibility of a substantive continuing appointment at level D/E in the relevant school

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty Executive as Associate Dean (Research Education) on a four-year fixed-term leadership appointment, supported by a continuing substantive appointment as Professor within an aligned School and discipline.

This opportunity is suited to a senior academic with a strong track record in leadership, collaboration, and academic excellence, who is motivated to contribute to the strategic direction and operational success of the Faculty and University.

The role will be structured as 0.4 FTE Associate Dean and 0.6 FTE Professor (Teaching and Research) for the duration of the four-year term. At the conclusion of the appointment, the successful candidate will transition to an ongoing 1.0 FTE Professor (Teaching and Research) role within an aligned School.

The Associate Dean (Research Education) plays a pivotal role in advancing the Faculty’s and University’s research education strategy, ensuring the quality, integrity, and successful outcomes of Higher Degree Research (HDR) and research training programs as well as the development of postdoctoral researchers.

Working closely with the Deputy Dean and Faculty leadership, the Associate Dean provides high-level strategic and operational leadership, shaping and implementing strategy, aligning Faculty priorities with University goals, and ensuring a high-quality, future-focused research training environment spanning the full early-career research pipeline from HDR candidature through to postdoctoral research positions.

The role leads the full HDR lifecycle over a cohort of about 1000 HDR candidates, including recruitment, admissions, supervision quality, candidate experience, candidature management, and timely completions. It provides strategic oversight of the scholarships framework, budget and allocation models to attract and retain outstanding candidates and ensure alignment with Faculty and University priorities. The role also provides strategic leadership of the Faculty's postdoctoral cohort of more than 300 researchers, including onboarding, mentoring, career development, and progression into independent research careers. Underpinning both portfolios is a strong commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, and a culture of excellence and accountability in supervision and researcher training.

The Associate Dean (Research Education) works in close alignment with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Researcher Training), Research Education leaders across the University, and School-level leaders to ensure coordinated, consistent, and high-quality research training outcomes across the Faculty.

About you

You are an accomplished academic leader with a strong track record in research training, and the potential to lead at scale, influence strategy, and deliver measurable improvements in outcomes.

You will have:

• A strong research profile with national and international standing

• A sustained record of successful Higher Degree Research (HDR) supervision, including timely completions, and an understanding of the distinctive needs and career trajectory of postdoctoral researchers

• Demonstrated experience in research education, graduate research, or a closely aligned portfolio, with evidence of leadership contribution or potential and a sound understanding of research training policy, funding frameworks, and sector trends

• Experience in driving performance outcomes across completion rates, candidature quality, candidate experience, and strategic allocation and budget oversight of HDR scholarships

• Demonstrated ability to support and develop supervisory practice and contribute to a culture of excellence and accountability

• Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and influence across a complex academic environment and build external partnerships that enhance research training outcomes

• Experience in academic governance or quality processes, or the capacity to quickly develop capability in these areas

• Commitment to researcher wellbeing, equity, and inclusion across the full research training and early-career research community

Click to view the Candidate Information Brochure .

Click to view the Position Description .

Term and remuneration

The term of the appointment is four years. This position will be supported by an underlying continuing position at level D/E in the relevant school. A competitive salary and a start-up package will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will also be provided if required.

About us

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university with an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Since our inception 175 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all, and that effective leadership in education and research makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 70,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

The University of Sydney is recognised as one of the top research and teaching universities in the world. We are a globally ranked university , ranked 18th in QS University World Rankings 2025, 1st for sustainability in Australia.

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

Robinson Fitzgerald Executive Search has been engaged to assist the University of Sydney with this appointment process.

For confidential enquiries and to request the comprehensive candidate information booklet, please contact:

Kate Robinson quoting reference RF0270.

Kate Robinson,

Director

T: +61 409 769 560

E: krobinson@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au

Applications close 2 July 2026.

Applications should be emailed directly to krobinson@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au

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