Director, Research Services

Terms: Full time, Fixed term up 5 years
Location: Canberra based, Australia
Application closing date: 11:55 pm AEST on Sunday 23 August 2026

The Australian National University is one of the world’s leading research universities, with excellence embedded in our approach to research and education, and a dedication to cultivating an outstanding and diverse student community that reflects our unique national mission.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), the Director, Research Services provides leadership across the research services function end to end, from funding and contracts to research systems, ethics, integrity and compliance.  Working closely with College Deans, Research School Directors, Associate Deans (Research), and Research Managers, the Director will be a leader who can set direction and hold a complex function to account, while building the kind of high-performing team that earns confidence across the University.

As a trusted advisor to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight of research services administration. The role is responsible for ensuring that the Portfolio’s administrative functions, policies and procedures are aligned with, and support, the strategic objectives of the R&I Portfolio and University researchers. The Director also provides high‑level strategic advice to the University Executive on emerging opportunities, risks and policy changes affecting the research landscape.

The successful candidate will be a highly accomplished senior leader with a demonstrated track record of leading complex organisations through transformation and delivering strategic outcomes. They will bring exceptional leadership, analytical and conceptual capability; outstanding stakeholder engagement and partnership‑building skills; and experience in research‑intensive higher education, government or similarly complex environments. A strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and high‑performance team leadership is essential.

This is a genuine opportunity for an accomplished senior leader to play a key role in shaping and advancing how research and innovation are supported across the University.  The Director will play a central role in positioning the University as a strong national resource, enhancing research performance, and partnerships with government, industry and international stakeholders.

Confidential enquiries:

For further information and a copy of the Candidate Booklet including position description and selection criteria, please contact Sarena Bunce, Executive Search Business Partner, ANU Executive Search at executivesearch@anu.edu.au  

Please note, applications close at 11:55 pm AEST on Sunday 23 August 2026.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position. Exploratory stakeholder meetings, presentations and/or psychometric testing may be required as part of the selection process.

The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia, and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.    

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au