Job Overview & Organization Mission

Direct doctoral researcher training, RTP scholarship governance, and thesis completion pathways across all university faculties.

Curtin University is recruiting an accomplished academic leader to serve as Director of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) & Doctoral Academy at the Bentley campus in Perth. You will champion research training excellence, enhance doctoral completion rates, and drive international research scholarship recruitment across science, engineering, and humanities.

As a key member of the team at Curtin University in Perth, WA, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Provide strategic: Provide strategic leadership for the Graduate Research School and University Doctoral Academy.
• Administer Commonwealth: Administer Commonwealth Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships and industry PhD placement fellowships.
• Oversee thesis: Oversee thesis examination processes, ethics clearances, and academic progress monitoring.
• Design researcher: Design researcher professional development curricula building post-doctoral employability and commercialization skills.
• Represent the: Represent the university on national Councils of Deans and Directors of Graduate Studies (DDoGS).

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Curtin University, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD & Extensive Academic Research and Doctoral Supervision Experience.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Doctoral degree (PhD).
• Distinguished record of academic research, peer-reviewed publication, and successful PhD completions as principal supervisor.
• Demonstrated executive leadership in higher education research management.
• Thorough knowledge of Australian Higher Education Standards Framework (TEQSA) regarding HDR.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Curtin University, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$170,000 – AU$205,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $170,000 – $205,000 + 17% employer superannuation contribution.
• Vibrant Bentley campus with cutting-edge research facilities and public transit hub.
• Executive leadership appointment shaping the future of Australian research talent.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Curtin University

Curtin University is an innovative, global university known for its high-impact research, strong industry partnerships, and academic ranking.

Curtin University is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Curtin University careers gateway.