Job Description

As Director, Griffith Asia Institute, you will shape the Institute’s next chapter—setting its strategic direction, leading its globally connected research community and advancing its ambition for Asia and the Pacific to lead the world in sustainable development. You will champion interdisciplinary research and expand GAI’s influence in policy, practice and public debate.

Reporting to the Dean (Research), you will align GAI’s priorities with the research and engagement ambitions of Griffith Business School and the wider University. You will lead and support a high-performing community of researchers and professional staff, oversee governance and resources, and grow and diversify external funding, research, education and capacity-building opportunities.

As a visible ambassador for GAI, you will deepen strategic relationships with universities, governments, industry, donors and communities across Asia and the Pacific. You will translate the Institute’s regional expertise into meaningful impact and position Griffith as a trusted partner on the issues shaping the region’s future.

About you

You are an internationally respected academic leader with the vision and cooperative style to guide GAI’s next phase.



You bring a doctoral qualification and significant national and international standing, deep Asia-Pacific expertise, a strong record of research and thought leadership, and experience leading a prominent institute, centre or complex academic enterprise. Associate Professor (Level D) and Professor (Level E) are encouraged to apply.

You will demonstrate:

- Inspiring and inclusive leadership, with a record of developing people and building high-performing teams.
- Strong regional networks and the cultural capability to build trusted partnerships across sectors and borders.
- Success translating interdisciplinary research into policy, practice and public debate.
- A proven ability to secure and diversify external funding and income.
- Sound strategic, governance and resource-management capability.

What we can offer

This is a fixed-term (for five years), full-time position and you will be primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) or Gold Coast. Please note that Griffith Business School at Brisbane South (Nathan) will be relocating to Griffith CBD, with an intended relocation date of early 2027. As Griffith is a multi-site university you may be required to work across other locations

📌 Director, Griffith Asia Institute (Brisbane)
🏢 Griffith University
📍 Brisbane