Executive Director, MWAC in Sydney

Q: What qualifications are needed for the Executive Director MWAC role at UNSW?

Applicants need proven strategic leadership in research infrastructure, experience managing large multidisciplinary teams (~140 staff), and expertise in advanced analytical platforms. A strong background in funding applications and national/international partnerships is essential. See executive roles in higher education .

Q: What are the main responsibilities of the Executive Director at MWAC UNSW?

Key duties include shaping MWAC strategy , leading 25 laboratories, securing infrastructure investment, building partnerships, and ensuring world-class research support. The role reports to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Infrastructure. Explore similar positions on AcademicJobs executive listings .

Q: Is this Executive Director position full-time and what is the salary?

Yes, it is a full-time role (35 hours per week) based in Sydney. The package is competitive with no specific salary range published. Check current academic salary guides for UNSW executive benchmarks.

Q: How do I apply for the Executive Director MWAC UNSW job?

Applications close June 28, 2026 . Prepare a tailored CV highlighting leadership in research infrastructure and submit via the UNSW careers portal. Review tips in our academic CV guide .

Q: What research facilities does the MWAC Executive Director oversee?

The role covers 25 laboratories including clinical imaging, electron & light microscopy, X-ray, mass spectrometry, and statistics. It supports UNSW faculties, industry, and national collaborations. Learn more about research infrastructure roles .

Executive Director, MWAC

The Opportunity

Lead Australia’s largest shared facility in Australia, a ‘powerhouse’ of UNSW.
Work closely with the PVCRI to shape the future of the Centre to provide leading-edge research infrastructure at UNSW.
Competitive Remuneration Package
Full time role (35 hours per week)

The Executive Director, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre will lead one of UNSW’s most significant research infrastructure platforms through its next phase of growth, impact and service excellence. MWAC is a nationally recognised centre delivering a comprehensive suite of core research facilities across science, engineering, medicine and biomedical research, supporting UNSW faculties, external users, industry and national research collaborations.

This is a major leadership role within the Pro-vice Chancellor of Research Infrastructure portfolio with responsibility for a highly complex, centralised research infrastructure environment comprising 25 laboratories, ~140 staff including eight Senior Directors. The Executive Director will provide strategic direction, operational leadership and future capability planning across advanced analytical platforms including clinical imaging, electron & light microscopies, X-ray, mass spectrometry, statistics and other related interdisciplinary technologies.

Working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Infrastructure and the MWAC senior leadership team, this role will shape the Centre’s strategy, strengthen service delivery, lead major infrastructure planning, support funding applications, build national and international partnerships, and ensure MWAC continues to enable world-class research and translation across UNSW.

Who you are

This role will suit a strategic, operationally excellent leader who can inspire multidisciplinary teams, build high-performing service cultures, plan future capability, secure infrastructure investment, and work across institutional, national and international networks.

🎓What qualifications are needed for the Executive Director MWAC role at UNSW?

Applicants need proven strategic leadership in research infrastructure, experience managing large multidisciplinary teams (~140 staff), and expertise in advanced analytical platforms. A strong background in funding applications and national/international partnerships is essential. See executive roles in higher education.

📋What are the main responsibilities of the Executive Director at MWAC UNSW?

Key duties include shaping MWAC strategy, leading 25 laboratories, securing infrastructure investment, building partnerships, and ensuring world-class research support. The role reports to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Infrastructure. Explore similar positions on AcademicJobs executive listings.

💰Is this Executive Director position full-time and what is the salary?

Yes, it is a full-time role (35 hours per week) based in Sydney. The package is competitive with no specific salary range published. Check current academic salary guides for UNSW executive benchmarks.

📝How do I apply for the Executive Director MWAC UNSW job?

Applications close June 28, 2026. Prepare a tailored CV highlighting leadership in research infrastructure and submit via the UNSW careers portal. Review tips in our academic CV guide.

🔬What research facilities does the MWAC Executive Director oversee?

The role covers 25 laboratories including clinical imaging, electron & light microscopy, X-ray, mass spectrometry, and statistics. It supports UNSW faculties, industry, and national collaborations. Learn more about research infrastructure roles.

Executive Director, MWAC

University of New South Wales

Sydney, NSW