Job reference: 1597585

Join a globally connected university and help shape the future of data science research, innovation and industry engagement.

The Curtin Institute for Data Science (CIDS) is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Institute as Deputy Director. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in advancing interdisciplinary data science capability, research translation and strategic partnerships across the University and beyond.

Established in 2016, CIDS is Curtin University’s interdisciplinary knowledge accelerator for data science and high-performance computation, bringing together expertise across research, analytics, software engineering and industry collaboration to solve complex real-world challenges. Learn more about Curtin Institute for Data Science at https://datascience.curtin.edu.au/

About the Role
Reporting to the Director, CIDS, the Deputy Director provides strategic and operational leadership across the Institute’s projects, programs and services. The role is responsible for supporting the delivery of the Institute’s strategic objectives while strengthening research partnerships, industry engagement and innovation outcomes.

The successful candidate will lead and support a diverse portfolio of activities spanning data science, analytics, software engineering and research capabilities across the University and with external partners.

This is a highly collaborative leadership position requiring strong academic credibility, strategic capability and a demonstrated ability to build impactful partnerships across industry, government and the research sector.

Key Responsibilities
The Deputy Director will:

• Support the Director, CIDS in delivering the Institute’s strategic objectives and delegated priorities
• Provide leadership across CIDS services and capabilities including data science, analytics, software engineering and research initiatives
• Lead the execution and governance of strategic projects and programs aligned with University priorities
• Develop and strengthen relationships with industry, government, funding bodies, universities and research partners
• Promote the profile, impact and reputation of CIDS nationally and internationally
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, commercialisation pathways and revenue growth initiatives
• Contribute to workforce planning, staff development, recruitment and performance management
• Oversee financial planning and budget monitoring in collaboration with the Business Manager
• Work closely with the CIDS Project Management Office to ensure effective project governance and delivery
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing workplace culture aligned with Curtin University’s values

SELECTION CRITERIA
About You

We are seeking a collaborative and future-focused leader with the credibility, standing and leadership capability to succeed within a research-intensive university environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a complex research, innovation or higher education environment.
• A strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate institutional priorities into actionable outcomes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Proven experience building productive partnerships with industry, government and research organisations.
• A strong reputation and standing within academia and/or industry.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and fostering an inclusive culture.
• A commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
• The ability to identify opportunities for research translation, commercialisation and impact.
• Current academic standing as Associate Professor (ALD), with a strong track record of research leadership, impact and engagement is highly desirable.
• Experience managing organisational units within a university environment will be highly regarded.

Role Requirements
Applicants must hold valid Australian work rights that align with the tenure of the appointment. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be considered for the preferred candidate, depending on individual circumstances. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

About the Team: Curtin Institute for Data Science (CIDS)
The Curtin Institute for Data Science (CIDS) is Curtin University’s interdisciplinary hub for data science, AI and high-performance computing. Established in 2016, the Institute brings together a diverse team of researchers, technologists and professional staff to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions to complex real-world challenges.

Working across government, industry and academia, CIDS combines expertise in machine learning, big data analytics, software engineering, modelling and simulation with world-class computational infrastructure to accelerate research, innovation and impact. The Institute leads collaborative, multi-partner projects that support discovery and translate advanced digital capability into practical outcomes for industry and society.

CIDS sits within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a vibrant, research-intensive community with world-class facilities and strong industry partnerships. The Faculty’s researchers tackle major challenges across energy, minerals, environmental science, digital technologies and engineering, transforming research excellence into real-world impact.

About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

What We Offer You
This position attracts a remuneration package of $173,635 - $ 191,099 (ALD) + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. While we are proud of our achievements to date, we also recognise that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives; some of which include leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

We offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Excellent Leave Entitlements: Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• On-campus childcare (priority given to Curtin staff and students), breastfeeding facilities, and medical centre
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and comprehensive wellbeing initiatives (for more information please visit: https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/)

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up to date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above).

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note, late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Saturday 27 June 2026.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.