Director, Office for Research

Job Description

Griffith University is recognised as a comprehensive research-intensive university, deploying a transformational research vision in recent years that has delivered an exponential uplift in research metrics and redefined how we support research. With our recently published Research and Innovation Plan (2025-2030) we are now poised to enter a new era – one where we scale our efforts, deepen our impact and lead with purpose; it is an exciting time to be a research leader at Griffith University.

The Office for Research drives the University’s research agenda by providing end-to-end research management support across the research lifecycle. Griffith’s Office for Research has tactically combined research functions that are often separated in other universities, to streamline our end-to-end systems and processes, providing a fully integrated model of embedded and comprehensive research support. As such, the Director’s role is pivotal in its influence of the University’s research success. Collaborating with other business units within the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) portfolio, including Griffith Enterprise and Griffith Graduate Research School, as well as other central units and academic groups, the Director reports directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research). This key position provides strategic advice and risk management on all research, research funding and research policy matters affecting the overall research performance of the University. The role will lead and direct the overall operations of the Office for Research to support the University’s research performance targets and enhance its research profile with its principal external and internal stakeholders at state, national and international levels.

About you

As a key member of the leadership team and advisor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), we seek a leader who has the vision and ambition to help us deliver on our new Research and Innovation trajectory, and who can see the opportunities available, and respond quickly to leverage them. This role is about leading and delivering more than Griffith has already achieved, whilst remaining cognisant of the governance and compliance framework in which research excellence must thrive. The next Director of Griffith’s Office for Research can demonstrate their success in establishing systems, policies and procedures underpinning the delivery of client-focussed services that enhance institutional performance.

The successful candidate will be a high achieving individual with strategic and dynamic leadership experience, driving performance at the nexus of private and public sectors. Strong interpersonal and relational skills, an inherently collaborative approach, the ability to think big, and to address challenges in the context of an ever-evolving governance and funding environment will be key attributes for success.