"Executive Director, Institute for Agriculture, Climate and the Environment"

Lead UniSQ’s newly established Institute for Agriculture, Climate and the Environment to deliver world class research that addresses critical challenges in agriculture, climate and environmental science.

Senior leadership role based at UniSQ’s Toowoomba, Springfield or Ipswich campus. Visa sponsorship may be considered for the preferred candidate, subject to eligibility.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for agriculture, climate, and environmental research and innovation? Do you thrive on building impactful partnerships and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver real-world solutions?

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) invites you to lead our newly established Institute for Agriculture, Climate and the Environment. Commencing from 1 January 2026, the new Institute has been established to reshape and build on the legacy of the current Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment (ILSE), recognising the University’s longstanding research and teaching expertise in agriculture, climate, and environment, as an identified Flagship for the University. The Institute for Agriculture, Climate and the Environment brings together research in agricultural engineering and technology, climate science, crop health, drought mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agricultural systems and environmental management to shape the future of global food production and environmental sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the direction of the new Institute, driving research to deliver innovative solutions to emerging challenges through the creation of large-scale research initiatives, such as the Broadacre Cropping Initiative, Southern Queensland Northern New South Wales Innovation Hub and the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration.

Who you are

You are a visionary leader and internationally recognised scholar with a passion for driving impactful research in agriculture, climate, and environmental sciences. With a proven track record of strategic leadership, high-quality research outputs, and successful industry partnerships, you thrive in multidisciplinary environments.

What you’ll do

As Executive Director, reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Commercialisation), you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and advocacy for the Institute’s research programs and champion the development of research relevant to the Institute.
• Drive research excellence, innovation, and impact across agriculture, climate, and environmental domains.
• Work collaboratively to develop a multidisciplinary, collaborative culture and actively contribute to the integration of research and education efforts.
• Foster strong partnerships with government, industry, and international collaborators.
• Mentor and develop the next generation of researchers and HDR students.
• Ensure operational excellence, compliance, and financial sustainability of the Institute.
• Represent UniSQ in national and international forums.

What will help you succeed

To excel in this role, you will bring:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant field and internationally recognised research expertise which aligns to the Institute’s research activities.
• A strong record of high-impact publications, effective industry partnerships and successful large-scale research funding acquisitions.
• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary research environments, strategic thinking, an agile mindset, and the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• A commitment to UniSQ’s values of respect, integrity, and excellence.

What we offer

At UniSQ, we’re committed to transforming lives and solving the problems that matter. As Executive Director, you’ll enjoy:

• The opportunity to shape and lead a new research institute to deliver world-class research and real-world impact.
• A collaborative and supportive academic environment.
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and a strong network of industry and government partners.
• A senior executive salary package and work location across Toowoomba, Springfield, or Ipswich campuses.
• A vibrant University culture that values innovation, diversity, and community engagement.

For further information about this role, please contact Professor Robert Sang, incoming Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Commercialisation), via email Robert.Sang@unisq.edu.au.

Building on its strengths as Australia’s leading regional University, UniSQ’s vision is to be renowned for innovation and excellence in education, student experience, research and engagement. Guided by our core values of respect, integrity and excellence, the University’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025 outlines our commitment to creating and sharing knowledge, transforming lives and solving the problems that matter to our world.

If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to the 'Expectations' in the position description. For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey available on our website.