Polytechnic Institute Australia – Melbourne VIC

Founded in 2010, Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) is a leading Institute of Higher Education accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). With campuses in Melbourne CBD, Geelong, Parramatta and Sydney CBD, PIA is a registered provider of courses for international students through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

We are committed to fostering a creative, supportive, and inclusive culture, PIA empowers students to achieve their qualified aspirations while providing a safe and enriching learning environment tailored to real-world success.

Why your role matters:

The Director of Research provides strategic leadership and operational management of the Institute's research activity. The position is responsible for advancing research excellence, fostering innovation, strengthening collaborations with industry and community partners, and ensuring compliance with all research governance, ethics, integrity, and regulatory requirements.

Employment Status : Full-Time

Reporting to : Dean

What you'll do:

In this role, the responsibilities include the following:

1. Strategic Leadership

- Lead the development and implementation of the Institute's research strategy and priorities;
- Advise on research policy, performance, and emerging opportunities;
- Drive initiatives that enhance the Institute's research culture;
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities in research; and
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) relating to research excellence.

2.



Research Governance and Compliance

- Ensure compliance with legislation and institutional policies;
- Oversee research ethics, integrity, and responsible conduct of research frameworks; and
- Monitor institutional compliance with relevant national and international research standards.

3. Research Performance and Excellence

- Oversee institutional research performance reporting and benchmarking;
- Manage strategic initiatives that improve research outputs and engagement; and
- Promote knowledge transfer, research translation, and innovation activities.

4. Research Leadership

- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing research services team;
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement; and
- Support workforce planning and professional development initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Extensive senior leadership experience in a higher education research environment
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing research strategies
- Experience managing research governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks
- Commitment to equity and diversity principles, and Work Health & Safety.
- Relevant current professional memberships and registrations




- Understanding of research assessment and ranking methodologies
- Understanding of Higher Education regulatory requirements, including the ESOS Act and the Threshold Standards

PIA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or age. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All employees must hold and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the duration of their employment.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening and probity checks, which will include reference checks and declarations relating to any relevant findings from workplace investigations or disciplinary action.

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen and or be a permanent resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.

Workplace Culture and Values:

Our institution is committed to academic excellence, student success, and innovation in learning. PIA employees are required to act in accordance with PIA's values and behaviours of:

- Accountability
- Collegiality
- Commitment
- Recognition
- Respect
- Trust

If you meet the criteria above, you will have a great opportunity to join PIA.

PIA reserves the right to withdraw, amend or close an advertised position at any stage of the recruitment process.

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📌 Director of Research (Melbourne)
🏢 Polytechnic Institute Australia
📍 Melbourne