Programs Architect

Classification: Senior Manager 1 
Salary package: Competitive salary plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full Time, Continuing (contingent funded)

This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of 30 June 2028.

Located in the ANU ARDC Canberra office

We offer a rewarding and challenging role, you will

• support the development and success of important national research services to provide Australian researchers with competitive advantage through data
• make a difference to the national research infrastructure of our world leading researchers with our mission to accelerate research and innovation by driving excellence in the creation, analysis and retention of high-quality data assets
• enjoy workplace flexibility and be part of a supportive and collaborative team environment

Position overview

The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) is Australia’s peak infrastructure for research data. Funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). At the ARDC, we’re accelerating Australian research and innovation by driving excellence in the creation, analysis and retention of high-quality data assets. We partner with the research community, government and industry to build leading-edge digital research infrastructure.

The ARDC strategy puts the researcher at the center. Our purpose is to provide Australian researchers with competitive advantage through data. This is reflected in the matrix structure of the organisation, which groups staff into Business Units (Outreach, National Coordination, Services and Operations), and Strategic Pillars.

The ARDC is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The ARDC seeks to foster an organisational culture that understands the value of individual differences and embraces and promotes treating all people with respect, dignity and equity. This is supported by the ARDC’s organisational values: Ambition, Focus, Collaboration, Flexibility, Transparency.

ARDC’s Translational Research Data Challenges initiative provides innovative, digital infrastructure solutions to address real-world problems such as bush fires, food security, and human diseases. The approach begins with identifying pressing societal issues—like disaster resilience, crop yields, or infectious disease spread—and through consultations with stakeholders, key data challenges are identified. These may include issues related to data scale, sensitivity, availability, and usability, which currently hinder the development of effective solutions to these problems. The focus of the projects is on creating digital infrastructure solutions, leveraging tools like high-quality data collections, analytic platforms, compute and storage support, data science expertise, and relevant governance and policy frameworks.

The Programs Architect is positioned with the Translational Research Data Challenges pillar at the ARDC and collaborates with staff from across the business units to design and specify projects aimed at developing national research infrastructure and capabilities.

The Programs Architect evaluates current capabilities in selected societal challenges, designs and scopes new initiatives, and supports ongoing programs to meet the needs of researchers and research organisations. This role involves significant stakeholder engagement and strategic planning, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of the research community.

The program architecture informs program/project design which in turn, working with ARDC expertise, leads to ARDC’s own service development as well as ARDC-driven national partnerships and initiatives.

The successful candidate will have

• Extensive proven expertise in designing, developing, and managing large-scale, complex programs, particularly in research or infrastructure-related fields. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver outcomes on time and within budget
• Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to analyse complex data challenges and develop effective digital infrastructure solutions that address research and industry needs.
• Demonstrated skill in leveraging data management and analytics platforms to achieve practical outcomes and demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking to advance research capabilities and infrastructure development
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying data governance frameworks, policies, and ethical standards to ensure that research programs and digital infrastructure solutions are compliant, secure, and aligned with broader organisational objectives.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to engage, influence, and build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, government agencies, and industry partners. Skilled in facilitating discussions, managing expectations, and effectively communicating complex concepts to ensure alignment with program goals and outcomes.
• Excellent communications skills both written and verbal that are appropriate to leading technical and business directions
• Proven ability to develop and manage program and project budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with strategic objectives, with expertise in financial planning, cost estimation, and resource allocation within large-scale research infrastructure programs.

For further information please contact Dr Sheida Hadavi, ANU ARDC Director, Translational Research Data Challenges Sheida.Hadavi@ardc.edu.au

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 

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

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.showing how your skills,experience and approach align with the role
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than 3 pages,which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.