Professor – Director Northern Institute

Fixed Term, Full-time appointment (5 years)

Senior Contract

Education City Precinct (Darwin city campus)

The Director is responsible for achieving and strengthening the University's research performance in the priority areas of: Contemporary Indigenous Knowledge & Governance, Demography & Growth Planning, Evaluation & Knowledge Impact and Regional Economic & Workforce Development.

About the Position

As the Director – Northern Institute, you will support Charles Darwin University (CDU) in developing, leading and implementing strategic research initiatives that successfully meet Northern Institute (NI) and CDU key research priorities outlined in the University Strategic Plan.

Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the Director has responsibility for successfully contributing to the University's performance and reputation in research, research training, innovation and research collaboration with external stakeholders nationally and internationally.

Therefore, the role encompasses the strategic management of research within NI; contributes to the development of research policy; management of strategic research initiatives; and development of research collaborations across the Northern Territory, Australia and beyond.

About You

To be successful, you will require:

• A PhD level qualification/s in a relevant discipline (or related discipline) including original, innovative and distinguished contributions to research, scholarship and teaching as demonstrated through sustained and distinguished performance.

• Demonstrable success in attracting competitive research funding and other income, exceptional research collaborations and partnerships, and high-quality research outputs

• Demonstrable achievements in research planning and program implementation.

• Experience in successful management of complex multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional settings.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrated leadership and academic administration experience in academic program development and co-ordination.

• Outstanding achievement in recruiting and supervision of graduate research students.

To view the full position description please click the apply link to be directed to the vacancy on our CDU job site and then click on job attachments.

This position is subject to Charles Darwin University Affirmative Action Priority Recruitment measures, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992.

First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy.

For information on Affirmative Action Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, please visit

What's in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University

• Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education and research

• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression

• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory

• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)

• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)

• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989

• Employee Assistance Program

• Salary Packaging opportunities

How to Apply

All applications must be received online via the 'apply' button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience and response addressing the selection criteria of the role.

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Prof. Ruth Wallace on email [email protected].

Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment to support applicants and employees with disability. CDU's Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found at If you would like to discuss adjustments, please contact the People Services Team on or email [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We're about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our University community feels they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected University in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Applications Close: 13 July 2025