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- Tasks: Lead research and innovation at a top global university, shaping impactful projects.
- Company: University of Newcastle, a globally recognised institution with a strong research focus.
- Benefits: Join a vibrant community with excellent career growth and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact through cutting-edge research and innovative partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research, strategic vision, and a commitment to social impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and community connection.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The University of Newcastle is seeking an outstanding research and innovation leader to join its Executive Leadership Team as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) (DVC R&I). This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a globally recognised, research-intensive university at a moment of strong momentum. The DVC R&I will play a pivotal role in advancing research excellence, driving innovation and translation, and ensuring the University’s research delivers meaningful impact for its regions, Australia and the world.
The University of Newcastle is a top 250 global institution, recognised for its research excellence, industry collaboration, equity leadership and impact. Guided by its vision to be a world leading university for its regions, the University is bold in ambition and deeply connected to place, with its Looking Ahead 2030 strategy setting a clear, shared direction for how the University will serve its communities, support its people and deliver real impact over the next five years. Research and innovation sit at the heart of this mission.
Backed by flagship institutes including the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), and the Institute for Regional Futures (IRF), the University delivers interdisciplinary research translated into real world outcomes across health, energy, resources, sustainability and social futures.
The Opportunity
As a member of the University Executive, the DVC R&I provides strategic, innovative and accountable leadership of the University’s research enterprise. The role is responsible for positioning the University as a global leader in research and innovation that serves its regions, driving excellence, quality, impact and engagement. The incoming DVC R&I will build on strong foundations while shaping the next phase of growth, strengthening research performance, expanding industry and global partnerships, accelerating translation and commercialisation, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive research culture.
Key Challenges and Priorities
- Driving research excellence and impact: Building research scale, quality and influence through a clear strategic agenda that strengthens competitive performance, global reputation, and measurable impact.
- Sustaining and diversifying research income: Growing competitive grant success while expanding industry-derived income, philanthropy and contract research, supported by strong analytics and evidence-based decision-making.
- Translation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship: Advancing research translation through IP development, licensing, spinouts and venture creation, including oversight of the University’s startup incubator and contract research entity.
- Strengthening flagship institutes and partnerships: Championing HMRI, NIER and IRF, and building major national and international partnerships with industry, government, NGOs and global universities.
- Research culture, capability and talent: Developing the next generation of research leaders, strengthening HDR experience and outcomes, and embedding recognition and reward systems that value impact, engagement and translation alongside traditional metrics.
- Governance, integrity and risk: Ensuring ethical, safe and compliant research practice, including national security, foreign interference, data governance and research integrity obligations.
- Infrastructure and digital platforms: Leading strategic investment in research infrastructure, shared facilities and digital research platforms that support open science, sustainability and long-term return on investment.
About You
You will be a distinguished academic leader with an international reputation, and a proven track record of senior leadership within a research-intensive university or comparable environment. The University of Newcastle is seeking a leader who combines intellectual credibility with strategic acumen, and who understands how to translate research excellence into real world impact. You will bring:
- An excellent research record and deep understanding of contemporary research ecosystems in Australia and internationally.
- Demonstrated success in leading large-scale research portfolios, including strategy, performance uplift, and delivery of measurable outcomes.
- A strong track record in research income growth, industry collaboration, and partnership development.
- An entrepreneurial mindset, with experience in research translation, commercialisation and innovation systems.
- A clear commitment to equity, Indigenous research priorities, sustainability and social impact.
- Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to act as an ambassador for the University in high-level national and international forums.
- A leadership style that is collaborative, values-driven and enabling, that fosters trust, accountability and high performance across diverse disciplines and professional teams.
Why the University of Newcastle?
The University of Newcastle offers a distinctive executive leadership environment that is regionally anchored, globally connected and purpose driven. The University is recognised as a national leader in equity and access, including its sector leading Open Foundation program and its strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research. It also hosts Australia’s only UN centre – CIFAL Newcastle – one of the global network of United Nations/UNITAR International Training and Outreach centres. With major investments in research infrastructure, innovation precincts and regional campuses, including the new Central Coast facility, the University is well positioned for its next phase of growth. Newcastle and the Hunter region offer an exceptional lifestyle, vibrant culture and strong community connection.
How to Apply
To request a copy of the candidate brochure or to have an initial conversation, please contact: Dr Courtenay Atwell. Confidential discussions are encouraged. Applications are to be submitted by midnight on Monday, 27th April 2026. Please do not apply through the University's recruitment system.
The University of Newcastle is proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity and inclusion (GEDI). The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) employer: University of Newcastle
Contact Detail:
University of Newcastle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the University of Newcastle on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our pitch! We should be ready to explain how our experience aligns with the DVC R&I role. Let’s highlight our leadership skills and how we can drive research excellence and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us top of mind and show our enthusiasm for the position. Let’s make sure they remember us!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The University of Newcastle is looking for a leader in research and innovation, so make sure your application reflects an understanding of their mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: This is your chance to shine! Highlight your past successes in research leadership, income growth, and partnerships. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've made a real impact in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to align with the key challenges and priorities mentioned in the job description. Show us how your experience directly relates to what they’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to double-check your application for any typos or errors before hitting submit. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Newcastle
✨Know Your Research Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current research trends and challenges within Australia and globally. Familiarise yourself with the University of Newcastle's flagship institutes and their contributions to research excellence. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it fosters collaboration and high performance. Share specific examples of how you've developed research talent and built inclusive teams. Highlighting your values-driven leadership will resonate well with the University's commitment to equity and diversity.
✨Demonstrate Impactful Outcomes
Come armed with concrete examples of how you've driven research income growth and industry partnerships in your previous roles. Discuss measurable outcomes from your initiatives, especially those that align with the University's mission to deliver real-world impact through research and innovation.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University’s Looking Ahead 2030 strategy and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its goals. Show enthusiasm for their commitment to sustainability and social impact, and propose innovative ideas that could enhance their research culture and capabilities.