Director, Research Facilities & Infrastructure

Job no: HRC0006009

Salary: A competitive remuneration package commensurate with your qualifications, skills & experience will be offered, plus 17% superannuation

Position: Fixed Term Full Time For 5 Years

Location: Newcastle (Callaghan) Campus 

●       Exciting opportunity to lead and manage the University’s centrally managed research facilities which include the Bioresearch, Central Analytical Facilities and Research Precinct teams.  

●       Deliver a strong safety culture and results focused environment ensuring the provision of accurate and timely advice and a quality service to all stakeholders. 

●       Executive responsibilities include strategic planning, coordination of precinct management committees, stakeholder change and relationship management, the development and implementation of the operational plans, policies, and procedures that continuously drive the improved management, service delivery and operations of these facilities. 

About our university 

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for and of our regions. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability. The University’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 conceptualises our vision and maps our way forward; it outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

About the Research & Innovation Division 

The Research & Innovation Division promotes and enhances the University's strong and vibrant research culture by attracting, training, and supporting researchers and industry partnerships to solve real-world problems. Please click on the following link to find out more – Research and Innovation Division. 

Be challenged and imagine with us 

Reporting to the General Manager, Research & Innovation, the Director leads the Research Facilities and Infrastructure team that incorporates the BioResearch Facilities (BRF), Central Analytical Facilities (CAF) and Research Precinct teams. 

The BRF facilitates the housing and management of research and teaching animals and provides quality care and technical support to ensure all services align with the University’s and legislative requirements, policies, and objectives.

The CAF provide specialised technical support, expert advice and training to students, academics, and industry partners in the operation of core scientific equipment and the analysis process. 

The Research Precinct Team, lead the coordination of Precinct Management Committees and are the interface between the Precinct Committee, precinct stakeholders and the wider precinct community. They work closely with researchers undertaking their research activities in these precincts to support safe research practices and ensure appropriate infrastructure and technical support is in place. 

Be part of large University wide strategic initiatives focused on the continual improvement and operation of research facilities across all University campuses.  

How you will inspire us 

We are looking for a leader with a strong business acumen, demonstrated experience in the provision of research facilities or precinct management, regulatory compliance and infrastructure planning in a complex organisation. 

You will have outstanding planning skills and a demonstrated ability to establish and communicate a long-term strategic vision and manage large-scale research resources. 

Critically important will be a demonstrated ability to strategically manage all technical and operational aspects of complex research laboratory facilities and research precincts. 

Post graduate qualifications or a related degree and extensive relevant experience; or

equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training are required. 

In submitting an application, candidates commit that, if appointed, their primary residence will be in the Newcastle (Hunter) area with the primary place of employment being Callaghan Campus. It is a requirement to be physically at the primary place of employment for a minimum number of days per working week to be specified to meet the operational requirements of the role (unless on approved leave, approved business / travel or under circumstances approved by the relevant University Executive). 

Please note, as part of the application process you will be required to formally address each criterion of the Essential Criteria in your application. You will find the complete list of Essential Criteria in the attached Position Description. 

What we offer 

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

 These include: 

• flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy);
• 17% super and salary packaging;
• additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, and additional purchased leave scheme;
• discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more;
• wellbeing programs. 

For information on our employee benefits please visit here.   

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this document to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

 Your application must include:

• A copy of your current CV.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for the role (maximum 2 pages).
• A formal address of each criterion of the Essential Criteria as outlined in the Position Description (maximum 3 pages). 

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. 

For a confidential conversation please contact:

Dr Paula Jones,

General Manager, Research and Innovation Division

T: +61 2 4921 5300

E: paula.a.jones@newcastle.edu.au 

To request a copy of the candidate information booklet, please contact Dr Paula Jones on +61 02 4921 5300 or at Paula.a.Jones@newcastle.edu.au 

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at 11.59pm AEST 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you! 

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 particularly encouraged to apply.   

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