Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research, ranking in the top 1% of universities globally and among the top 40 for impact. Its vision is to be a world-leading university for its regions, creating a better future locally and globally. Underpinned by the values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University’s Strategic Plan, Looking Ahead 2030, sets out a commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving the University’s communities.

About the Role

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research leads four portfolios that together determine the quality, ethics and integrity and standing of the University's research. The role reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation. It sets strategic direction, monitors performance and drives collaboration across colleges, schools, institutes and professional divisions, to ensure the portfolios collectively advance the ambitions set out in Looking Ahead 2030.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research leads a portfolio team comprising the Director, Graduate Research, the Director, Research Ethics & Integrity, and managers responsible for researcher development and for international rankings, ensuring the portfolios collectively advance the research ambitions set out in Looking Ahead 2030.

Growth in higher degree by research (HDR) is one of the University's headline research priorities, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor is central to it. Working through the Director, Graduate Research, the role drives enrolment growth against ambitious targets, quality supervision and a strong candidate experience.

This is a role for a leader with ambition, energy and strong commitment to research excellence. The University has set demanding research goals, and much of the work of reaching them sits in this portfolio. It is offered full time for a fixed term of five years, and some local, domestic and international travel is required.

About You

You are a credible researcher and an experienced leader who builds trust and confidence across disciplines. Leading and developing an established professional team genuinely interests you. In a large university where much of the authority sits with colleges and schools, you achieve outcomes through influence rather than direct authority.

You share the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to a safe and respectful workplace, and to strengthening Indigenous higher education.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

•  A distinguished track record of academic achievement in research, supported by a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline;
• Experience shaping or influencing strategy, policy frameworks and priorities across complex research areas, aligned with organisational plans and emerging national and global trends;
• A record of providing authoritative, high-level advice to senior executives in areas such as research ethics and integrity, HDR, researcher development and training, or rankings, including advice on risk and sector developments;
• Experience overseeing governance, compliance and assurance frameworks that meet statutory, regulatory and reputational obligations across research-related areas;
• Demonstrated capability in executive oversight of institutional performance through KPIs, dashboards and reporting, and in integrating portfolio areas to support a cohesive researcher and HDR experience;
• Highly developed leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to lead and inspire staff, build strategic partnerships, and influence across academic and professional domains.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Candidate Information pack.

The Research and Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division underpins the University’s research enterprise, providing the leadership, strategy, governance, systems, infrastructure and services that support research excellence, integrity and impact. The Division supports HDR candidates and researchers, strengthens research capability, and ensures research activity aligns with Looking Ahead 2030 and with national and international standards.

The Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research sits within the Division. The Pro Vice-Chancellor works in close partnership with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation, and with leaders of colleges, institutes, schools and research centres across the University.

The University of Newcastle

Newcastle is a one-university city, and the connection between the University and its region is unusually direct. The Hunter carries manufacturing, mining and renewable energy industries, and a strong health and medical research precinct in the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the John Hunter Hospital. These partnerships are among the University’s real advantages.

The University of Newcastle is proud to be one of the first two universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity and inclusion.

The University is committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities. We are the sector leader of Indigenous student enrolments and employment of  Indigenous staff.

For more information, visit University of Newcastle.

What the University Offers

The University offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development and work-life balance, including:

• Flexible working arrangements in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy, supporting diverse family and personal commitments
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical and emotional health
• Career development opportunities, including structured training and leadership development, support for research excellence, and opportunities for global collaboration and recognition
• A great lifestyle — Newcastle offers the best of coastal living, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene and easy connectivity to Sydney and other major cities.

For further information please visit the University’s benefits and conditions.

How to Apply

The University of Newcastle has appointed Devereaux Consulting to manage this search.

To request the candidate information pack, please email PVCResearch@devereauxconsulting.com, or for a confidential discussion, please contact Dr Jackie Besley, Managing Partner, on +61 (0) 413 633 195.

To apply, please submit the following to Devereaux Consulting:

• A cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your interest in the role and your suitability against the essential criteria;
• A curriculum vitae detailing your career history, qualifications and significant achievements;
• The names and contact details of three referees (referees will not be contacted without your prior consent).

Please do not apply through the University's recruitment system.

The University is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for every member of its community. This commitment is central to the University’s values and its efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026 the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of its recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

The University’s adherence to the Code is about more than compliance: it is about living its values and ensuring the University remains a place where respect, safety and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let Devereaux Consulting know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. Anything you share will be treated respectfully and in confidence.

Applications close: Friday 2 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are warmly encouraged to apply.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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