Director, Research Ethics, Governance and Assurance

• Full-time continuing position
• Senior leadership role within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Portfolio, with direct influence on the University's research integrity, risk posture and regulatory standing
• SPSC role offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity


As the Director, Research Ethics, Governance and Assurance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how world‑class research is conducted, governed and trusted. As a senior member of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Portfolio leadership team, you will lead the University's research ethics, integrity, governance and assurance functions, ensuring research involving humans, animals and data is conducted ethically, legally and with integrity - while actively enabling high‑quality, efficient and scalable research delivery.


In this highly influential role, you will work in close partnership with the Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Research), senior executives, Faculties and external regulators to strengthen institutional frameworks, guide decision‑making on complex and high‑risk matters and enhance the University's research risk posture and reputation. With significant autonomy and visibility, this role offers the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on research culture, trust and performance across the University.


We are also seeking a leader who is confident and capable in navigating and leveraging modern digital tools-particularly AI-both to enhance and streamline operational capability, and to engage effectively with its growing implications for the research environment.


With strong connections across Faculties, central research teams and external regulators, this role is based in Sydney to support close collaboration, senior stakeholder engagement and effective leadership across the University's research enterprise.


Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead the design and continuous improvement of the University's research governance and assurance framework
• provide strategic leadership of human research ethics, animal ethics and animal welfare governance systems
• advise on complex, high‑risk and sensitive research proposals and integrity matters
• lead institutional research integrity frameworks, including the management of allegations and investigations
• oversee research data governance frameworks, including emerging risks such as artificial intelligence
• establish and oversee research assurance, compliance monitoring and risk reporting across the research lifecycle
• provide authoritative advice to the Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Research) and senior leaders on governance, ethics and integrity matters
• represent the University with regulators and external stakeholders as required
• lead, develop and mentor high‑performing teams and build institutional capability in ethical research practice.

About you

• extensive senior‑level experience in research governance, ethics, integrity or regulatory compliance within a complex organisation
• demonstrated ability to exercise sound professional judgement on matters with legal, regulatory and reputational implications
• proven experience leading institutional frameworks, policy development and continuous improvement initiatives
• strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior executives and committees
• demonstrated leadership capability, including developing high‑performing teams and fostering a culture of trust and accountability
• postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia


Visa sponsorship is available for this appointment.


Pre-employment checks and declarations


Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.


EEO statement


At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.


We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.


How to apply


Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.


For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.


For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey Recruitment Operations by email to kale.claffey@sydney.edu.au


© The University of Sydney


The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role. Applications CloseWednesday 17 June 2026 11:59 PM