1. Role Summary:
Reporting to the PVC and President of Curtin Singapore, the Director of Research is a leadership role within Curtin Singapore with responsibility for leading, guiding and supporting the implementation of Curtin Singapore's research strategy. The Director of Research will also provide oversight and support for Curtin Singapore research training programs, research funding KPIs and development, and research performance and quality.
The Director of Research will work with functional and strategic teams in Curtin Singapore, Curtin University Australia, and the Academic Schools. The Director of Research will contribute to the development of strategies relating to research and research training across Curtin Singapore with the goal of ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach that supports Curtin Singapore and the university’s core goals for research.
2. Key Responsibility Areas:
Leadership
- Work with the PVC and President as part of the Curtin Singapore Leadership Team (CSLT) to contribute to the formulation, implementation and ongoing review of the strategic planning, performance and direction of Curtin Singapore in support of the research strategy.
- Provide leadership within Curtin Singapore to create and maintain a positive, productive and supportive culture in the context of the Curtin values of integrity, courage, impact, respect, and excellence.
- In consultation with the PVC and President, plan, develop and ensure the implementation of Curtin Singapore research priorities and targets.
- Lead the development of research initiatives and programs of Curtin Singapore's research ecosystem.
- Lead a culture of excellence in research training including skills development for supervisors and students.
Management
- Working with the Graduate Research team, lead and support the HDR candidature cycle from recruitment through to admissions, candidature management and submissions working to ensure that different stages are timely.
- Problem proactively address issues and implement support for students to succeed in their studies.
- Lead, support, encourage and enable the development of opportunities for HDR students to gain experience external to the university including through internships and related industry programs, as well as providing proactive leadership, mentorship, and advice to develop and grow opportunities for HDR funding programs.
- Provide mentorship to researchers at all career stages to help them achieve their individual potential as well as support and encourage them to actively engage and lead and broker the development of impactful, cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional research initiatives and opportunities that require collaboration internally and externally.
- · Working with Research Services and other functional areas, support and enable a coordinated and consistent approach to research funding development, internal peer review and mentoring, applications submission, and providing proactive support for troubleshooting and problem-solving.
- · Support the development of strategic research infrastructure, including identification, planning and establishment.
Performance, Quality and Compliance
- Lead by example to encourage, grow, maintain and oversee a strong and vibrant research culture underpinned by research excellence, integrity, quality, performance and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and coordinate research compliance and quality processes and undertake local level performance reviews from time to time.
- Promote and support professional development and training associated with the research needs of research staff and ensure they are encouraged to take part in career development activities designed to improve staff performance against research expectations.
- Enhance potential in research engagement with industry. This includes particularly working with staff to develop appropriate strategies to assist them with obtaining research grants and publishing, particularly early career researchers.
Innovation and Change
- Provide strategic leadership for the development of new financially sustainable growth directions for research at Curtin Singapore, including funding diversification through new types of research funding including from industry and government sources.
- As part of the Curtin Singapore Leadership Team (CSLT), lead and drive change through staff development and engagement programs to build the capability of researchers to deliver on the strategic vision and plans of Curtin Singapore.
- Support the development, planning and implementation of campus-wide innovation and change initiatives and programs.
Engagement
- Build and maintain positive ongoing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the development and reputation of Curtin Singapore research activities and programs.
- Work with the Global and Research portfolios to establish and nurture relationships and programs with international partners and agencies in support of Curtin Singapore research strategy.
Other
- Undertake additional responsibilities as required and directed by the PVC and President.
3. Reporting, Committees, and Support
- The Director of Research reports to the PVC and President of Curtin Singapore for the responsibilities of this role.
- Teaching and research workloads for this role are set by the relevant Head of School.
- The Director of Research will be a member of the Curtin Singapore Leadership Team (CSLT) and a member of the Curtin Singapore Research Committee.
- The Director of Research liaises with a broad range of stakeholders across Curtin Singapore and Curtin University. The Director of Research will be a member of relevant university committees and working groups as required and directed by the PVC and President.
- An Academic Director Research Training role may be established within Curtin Singapore, reporting to the Director of Research for their areas of responsibility that align with this role.
4. Qualifications and Selection Criteria
- PhD in a related discipline.
- A desire to assume leadership responsibility with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, continuous improvement and strategic alignment.
- Experience in research leadership and the development of researchers.
- Track record of research excellence in a relevant discipline.
- Understanding of the University’s research policies and procedures.
- Experience in leading and contributing to collaborative cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral teams.
- Demonstrated a high level of interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build strong working relationships with a diverse range of people.
- Ability to build productive relationships and networks within the University, across the sector and with industry and other external organisations to establish and sustain collaborations and performance.
- Ability to manage various stakeholder interests and expectations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Gym membership
- Health insurance
- Parental leave
- Professional development
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
Work Location: In person