Seeking Expressions of Interest

Role Overview

The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) is seeking expressions of interest for the position of an Interim Director, Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of our critical data infrastructure and compute services.

This interim appointment presents an exceptional opportunity to lead the ARDC Services business unit during a pivotal period, ensuring continuity of our essential services while contributing to the strategic direction of Australia's research data infrastructure.

About the Role

The Interim Director, Services will be responsible for:

• Strategic Leadership: Providing direction for the ARDC's national information infrastructure and research cloud compute agenda, including the Nectar Research Cloud, Research Data Australia, and persistent identifier services
• Service Management: Overseeing a team of 29 professionals across DevOps, software development, system administration, and product management
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with universities, research institutions, and government bodies across Australia
• Operational Excellence: Ensuring the continued delivery of critical research infrastructure services that support thousands of Australian researchers

Key Services Under Management

• ARDC Nectar Research Cloud: Australia's research cloud computing platform
• Research Data Australia: National data discovery service
• Persistent Identifiers (PIDs): Essential research infrastructure for data citation and tracking
• Research Vocabularies Australia: Standardised terminology services for research

What We're Looking For

We seek candidates with:

• Extensive experience in IT service provision and digital research infrastructure
• Strong background in cloud computing, software development methodologies, and service frameworks
• Proven leadership capabilities with geographically dispersed, multi-disciplinary teams
• Deep understanding of research data management, FAIR data principles, and research workflows
• Strategic planning and business acumen with a track record of delivering complex programs
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience in the Australian research sector would be highly valued

Why This Opportunity Matters

The ARDC plays a crucial role in accelerating Australian research and innovation through world-class data infrastructure. As Interim Director, Services, you will:

• Lead a team delivering services used by researchers across all Australian universities
• Shape the future of research data infrastructure in Australia
• Work with cutting-edge technologies in cloud computing and data management
• Collaborate with leading researchers and institutions nationally and internationally
• Contribute to Australia's research competitiveness on the global stage

Terms of Appointment

This is an interim appointment covering a 6 month paternity leave period between May to October 2026. We would be looking for someone to commence in the role in between March and April 2026 and conclude in November The period of employment is estimated to be between 8-9 months depending on commencement dates.

• Competitive remuneration package
• Flexible working arrangements across our distributed team model
• Professional development opportunities
• The chance to make a significant impact on Australian research infrastructure

Application Process

The ARDC values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate:

• Immediate availability or ability to commence within a short timeframe
• Proven ability to provide stability and continuity during transition periods
• Strong networks within the Australian research community
• Experience managing critical infrastructure services with minimal disruption

Expressions of interest should address the key selection criteria outlined in the full position description and demonstrate your capacity to fulfil this important interim leadership role.

A copy of the position description is available here:

Applications should be submitted to by 5pm, Friday 7th November. To find out more about the opportunity or to have a confidential discussion please contact Matt Dailey, Chief Operating Officer on or via email on