Director, Sponsored Research - closing 30 June 2020

Job No: 509867
Area:Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Salary (FTE):By Negotiation
Work Type:Full Time - Fixed Term
Location: St Lucia

Sponsored Research
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is a member of the University’s Senior Executive and has responsibility for enhancing the University’s performance and reputation in research, research training, and research collaboration with external stakeholders, nationally and internationally. This includes the strategic management of research at an institutional level; development of research policy; management of research strategic initiatives, and development of research collaborations in Australia and overseas.

The DVCR also interacts closely with Executive Deans and Institute Directors who have operational responsibility for research development within the University’s Faculties and Institutes respectively, and chairs the University Research Committee, a committee of the Academic Board that promotes and supports research and research training within the University.

The DVCR is supported by the staff in the UQ Research portfolio. Units within the portfolio have responsibility to support the University’s research community through strategic engagement with external stakeholders, funding organisations and research partners; international collaborations; grants management; research performance data management; research higher degree management; and research ethics and integrity.

Sponsored Research, within the UQ Research portfolio, employs over 40 staff, who work as a team to provide specialist strategic and administrative support towards research grants and tenders, research awards and prizes, as well as post-award corporate recording functions.

About This Opportunity
As the Director, Sponsored Research, you will lead UQ’s Sponsored Research office, applying your extensive knowledge and experience of the national and international higher education sectors to strategically position UQ for current and future funding success in an increasingly competitive and complex research and innovation ecosystem.

As Director, you will articulate and drive forward a clear vision and purpose for Sponsored Research, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, client-centred professional support for research funding in alignment with the Research Portfolio’s overall strategic imperatives, and act as a key contact for major funding bodies and external entities, complex queries and specialist strategic advice.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Lead continuous improvement of sponsored research support functions
  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives to address key risks to funding performance
  • Ensure research support resources are agile and aligned to UQ priorities
  • Develop effective networks, connections and partnerships with key internal stakeholders
  • Provide specialist advice on navigating current and emerging national and International research funding policies and procedures
  • Provide expert recommendations, data, insights and briefings to internal stakeholders
  • Proactively facilitate access to larger research funding opportunities
  • Establish and maintain effective strategic relationships with external organisations, including research funding agencies
  • Evaluate the performance and return on investment of programs, processes, functions or activities designed to enhance the University’s research funding performance
  • Authorise institutional submission of, and accept, research grants on behalf of the University
  • Work with key stakeholders to ensure compliance with external reporting, audit, contractual and legislative requirements

This position is located at our picturesque St Lucia campus, renowned as one of Australia’s most attractive university campuses, and located just 7km from Brisbane’s city centre. Bounded by the Brisbane River on three sides, and with outstanding public transport connections, our 114-hectare site provides a perfect work environment – you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant campus with the tradition of an established university.

Our Ideal Candidate
As the Ideal candidate, you will have extensive knowledge of the research and innovation ecosystem, sponsored research support/management and research funding policy in Australia and Internationally.

You will be a highly strategic thinker, with an ability to develop an agile and flexible team culture and reposition internal resources to adapt to future needs. Your past experiences will make you a strong leader with an ability to effectively develop your team.

You must have ongoing unrestricted work rights in Australia to apply for this opportunity.

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au.

What We Can Offer
This is a full-time, fixed term position for five (5) years at HEW level 10. A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate including 17% Superannuation. 

You will be able to take advantage of UQ Sport Facilities, recreation leave loading (of 17.5%), salary sacrificing options, on-campus childcare, discounted private health insurance, affordable parking, development programs and many other benefits.

For further information, please review The University of Queensland's Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021.

Position Description

 509867_DirectorSponsoredResearch_RecruitmentBooklet.pdf

Questions?
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Mark Blows, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) on (07) 3365 3609 or by email at pvcr@research.uq.edu.au

For questions on the application process, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au.

Want to Apply?
To submit an application for this role please visit our careers page, UQ Jobs. All applicants must supply the following documents:

  • Cover letter addressing key selection criteria
  • Resume

To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQJobs portal by the job closing deadline. Applications received via other channels including direct email will not be accepted.

Applications close: 30 Jun 2020 (11:00 PM) E. Australia Standard Time