Ref 6274/23 - Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

• Western Sydney University Internal Applicants Only
• Senior Leadership Role
• Fixed-Term for 2 years, multi-campus.

Expression of Interest – Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) 1.0 FTE

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be employed by Western Sydney University on an ongoing, fixed term or casual basis at the time of this advertisement.

Appropriately qualified and experienced academic staff are invited to submit their Expression of Interest for the role of Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research).

The newly created role of Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) (APVCR) is a senior leadership role at the University. The APVCR will report to and support the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise and international) in the management of the Research Portfolio, and in achieving the objectives of the University’s Sustain Success Strategy and the Research, Enterprise and International Strategy.

The APVCR will work across the Division of Research, Enterprise and International (DREI) to deliver exceptional service to and support of Western’s researchers and research. The APVCR will also work closely with other Divisions, Deans, Associate Deans and Directors of Institutes and SRIs in the delivery of these ambitions.

The role requires the ability to influence and motivate staff across the organisation and personal actions that deliver increased research performance against key internal and external performance metrics. The APVCR will be expected to work collaboratively with the relevant University community to lead research development and delivery across the University.

Specific accountabilities of this role include:

Strategy and Direction

• Provide strategic advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise and International) on research priorities, and strategies and mechanisms to achieve these.
• Proactively plan for, and respond to, the changes and opportunities in the Australian and international policy environment that affect research.
• Promote the Universitys research capability and research profile, both locally and internationally, to position the University as a research destination for leading researchers, collaborators and higher degree research students
• Deliver strategies for grants, fellowships and large bids that intersect, support and are supported by aligned strategies including researcher development and partnerships.
• Deputise for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise and International) in all aspects of the research portfolio, as and when required.

Operational

• Promote and extend high-quality competitive grant and fellowship applications aligned with WSUs Sustaining Success Strategy and maximise returns in external research income.
• Initiate and implement programs to attract the highest quality fellowship applicants and retain successful research Fellowship holders for WSU Work in collaboration with the Business Services (Enterprise Portfolio) increase WSU’s success in end-user research funding and collaborative research schemes.
• Work in collaboration with the PVC TNE and Global Partnerships to increase WSU’s success in international research funding and collaborative research schemes and to support research development across the Universities global network
• Ensure the promotion of appropriate international funding opportunities, working with International as required
• Implement mechanisms to identify and monitor the effectiveness of new research initiatives in achieving outcomes, including return on investment.
• Contribute to responses to government consultation and assessment exercises pertaining to research
• Primary responsibility for various portfolios within the Division, such as Cooperative Research Centres, etc. and other responsibilities agreed in consultation with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise and International).
• Build effective communication systems with Deans, Associate Deans of Schools, Directors of Institutes and SRIs and key researchers across WSU.
• Develop and manage strong alliances with key partner universities and government agencies.
• Develop forward planning for annual funding rounds including ensuring researchers and research teams are given appropriate strategic support and identifying potentially competitive researchers and supporting their submissions.

Committee and Board Membership

• Membership of University Committees including Academic Senate, the University Research Committee and others as required.
• Represent the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise and International) as required such as at Universities Australia and NSW Deputy and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Committees.
• Represent the University externally at board and committee level, and in international research consortia, as required

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role of APVCR, applicants must:

• Currently hold the title of Associate Professor or above;
• Have an internationally recognised research track record;
• Possess a broad understanding of the national and international funding landscapes;
• Understanding of changes currently occurring within the sector and beyond which impact and/or present opportunities for the University;
• Hold the ability to think broadly and an understanding of disciplinary differences;
• Reflect the ability to inspire teams and encourage shared commitment; and
• Be an innovative and strategic thinker and operator.

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) fixed-term appointment for 2 years. This position will require you to attend the Penrith Campus, however multi-campus travel is essential.

Interested academic staff who meet the above criteria should submit an application via the Apply button below addressing the following:

• How they meet the eligibility requirements
• The reason for their interest in this role
• An area of focus and improvement and how they would lead and participate in this change

Position Enquiries: Tracy Buckridge via [email protected]

Closing Date: 8.30pm, Friday 12 January 2024.

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Western Sydney University is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.

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