Research Office
Full-time fixed-term position for up to 5 years
Based across our St Lucia and Toowong Locations
As Associate Director (Research Programs, Outcomes and Impact), you will play a pivotal leadership role within UQ’s Research Office, driving how the University designs and delivers large, interdisciplinary research programs that create real-world impact. Reporting to the Executive Director (Research Office), this role sits at the heart of UQ’s research ecosystem, working in close partnership with researchers, senior leaders and external stakeholders to advance research outcomes, impact and public good.
You will lead a high-performing professional services team and work across boundaries to catalyse collaboration, strengthen community partnerships and support mission-oriented, place-based and programmatic research initiatives. This is an opportunity for a strategic, inquisitive and collaborative leader to influence UQ’s research agenda at scale and work at the centre of a globally recognised research institution.
For more information about this opportunity, please view the Appointment Booklet at this link.
You are an experienced research professional or higher education leader with a deep understanding of the national and international research environment. You bring a strong track record of enabling complex, interdisciplinary initiatives, building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders and translating strategic intent into practical frameworks, programs and outcomes. Your approach is thoughtful, empathetic and outcome-focused, with the confidence to engage credibly with senior academics, executives and partners.
You will demonstrate excellent leadership capability, including the ability to guide and develop teams in high-demand environments, manage competing priorities and communicate complex ideas with clarity and influence. Your experience in developing large-scale proposals, business cases or submissions, alongside strong analytical and project management skills, will enable you to support researchers to articulate compelling societal purpose, impact pathways and aligned value propositions.
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
If you would like any further information, please reach out to Dr Jodi Clyde Smith, Executive Director, Research Office at [email protected].
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.
We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Tuesday 9 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63479).
Skills Required
- Experience as a research professional or higher education leader
- Strong track record in enabling complex, interdisciplinary initiatives
- Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Experience in developing large-scale proposals and project management skills
What We Do
The University of Queensland is a prestigious educational institution known for its world-class research facilities and comprehensive educational programs across multiple disciplines.
