Director, Research Infrastructure

• Full time, continuing position

• Lead strategic operations across the University's research platforms and services

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

As the Director, Research Infrastructure (Research Platforms), you will lead the operations and strategy implementation of the University's central research platforms, including eight Core Research Facilities and multiple Research Services Units. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to deliver transformative infrastructure initiatives, oversee governance and compliance, and enable continuous improvement of our research infrastructure processes and workflows. This role is pivotal in both shaping the future of research infrastructure at the University of Sydney and delivering capacity to our researchers on a daily basis.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide operational leadership and strategic advice across Core Research Facilities and Research Services Units

• develop and implement continuous improvement in physical and digital business systems

• engage senior academic and professional stakeholders and represent the University nationally and internationally

• provide input into infrastructure and capital planning at a University-wide level, including influencing campus master planning

• oversee financial planning, budgeting, and workforce development across research platforms

• manage risk and ensure compliance with WHS policies and legislative requirements

• coordinate business cases, proposals and submissions for new research infrastructure initiatives.

About you

• graduate qualifications in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of training and experience (postgraduate qualifications desirable)

• demonstrated leadership experience in a university or similarly complex research organisation

• experience developing stakeholder relationships and delivering strategic goals in science and technology-rich settings

• strong capability in business systems analysis and management optimisation

• excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills across diverse partnership environments

• proven commitment to continuous operational improvement and team leadership in research-oriented environments.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey, Recruitment Operations by email to

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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