Associate Dean Research & Innovation, School of Business

About the role

Torrens University Australia is hiring an Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in its School of Business. This is a new role providing strategic and operational leadership across research, innovation, research training, industry-partnered research and external engagement, working closely with the Dean of the Business School and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation. It contributes to the University's aim of being a university for the real world, strengthening research capability, performance and external partnerships. The position is permanent and full-time, with a workload split of 40% research leadership, 40% teaching and 20% personal research, and can be based at any campus: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Brisbane.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the School's Research & Innovation Plan, aligned with University strategy.
• Support the School in meeting research performance targets, including quality outputs, research income, HDR completions, external engagement and measurable impact.
• Build research capability by supporting academic staff with research planning, grant applications, publications and collaborative research profiles.
• Support Higher Degree by Research activity, covering recruitment, supervision quality, progress, completion outcomes and student experience.
• Promote research quality, integrity, ethics, governance and evidence-informed performance improvement.
• Develop industry, government, community, professional body and international partnerships for applied research and innovation.
• Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross-School collaboration, especially where research links with curriculum, employability and work-integrated learning.
• Represent the School in University-wide research strategy, governance, policy and performance initiatives.

Required profile

• Accomplished academic leader with a strong record in tertiary education, research and/or HDR leadership.
• Postgraduate or doctoral qualification, preferably relevant to the School, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Significant track record of leadership in tertiary education, research and/or HDR programs, including contributions to policy, processes and governance.
• Demonstrated contribution to knowledge and research, and experience leading innovation, external relationships and collaborative research or industry partnerships.
• Experience developing and leading high-performing teams, with a commitment to positive leadership, inclusion and staff development.

Required skills

• Strong communication, relationship-building, analytical and influencing skills.
• Ability to work across schools, disciplines and professional teams.

To apply, candidates submit a current CV and a brief statement (maximum two pages) outlining their suitability, research and leadership experience and vision for the role. Applications close on 29 November 2026.