Director, Graduate Research

About the Role

The Director, Graduate Research, provides institution-wide strategic and operational leadership for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs at the University of Newcastle. Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, the Director leads the Graduate Research Office and ensures high-quality, consistent and efficient delivery across the full candidature lifecycle, from admissions and scholarships through candidature management, supervision, examination and completion.

In partnership with the Future Students team, Colleges and Schools, the Director also supports strategic HDR recruitment to build a strong, diverse and high-quality cohort. Growing the University’s HDR cohort is one of three headline research priorities in the Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030, supported by investment in HDR recruitment infrastructure. and the Director will hold a pivotal role in advancing this agenda.

A central focus of the role is continuing to enhance HDR candidate experience, wellbeing and research training quality, whilst embedding equitable and inclusive practice that supports diverse cohorts, including international and Indigenous candidates. The Director will build strong, collaborative relationships across the University to ensure coherent and consistently high-quality HDR practice.

This is a senior strategic and operational leadership position with executive visibility, significant scope to shape institutional direction, and the opportunity to position the University as a sector leader in HDR education as we advance toward 2030. The role will be offered for an initial term of two years.