Director of Indigenous Research (Indigenous Identified)

• Full-time, Senior Position on a 5-Year Fixed-Term Contract
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive senior-level remuneration, commensurate with experience.

Identified Position
This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australians for the requirements of this position.

• Click here to view Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australian Staff
• Click here to view the Community Confirmation Template
• Click here to view the Statutory Declaration Form

The Opportunity
Western Sydney University is seeking an outstanding Indigenous research leader to take up the role of Director of Indigenous Research within the Division of the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Indigenous Leadership. 

This is a senior, identified academic leadership position that provides strategic, scholarly and cultural leadership for Indigenous research across the University. The Director leads the implementation of Indigenous research priorities outlined in the 2026–2030 Indigenous Strategy and the Indigenous Research Strategy 2024–2028, while contributing to broader University research and graduate research priorities. 

The role is central to strengthening Indigenous research excellence, growing Indigenous Higher Degree by Research (HDR) participation and success, and ensuring Indigenous knowledges, methodologies, ethics, and Indigenous cultural and intellectual property are embedded and respected across all research activity at Western. 

Working in close partnership with the Pro Vice‑Chancellor Indigenous Education, Pro Vice‑Chancellor Research and Innovation, Dean of Graduate Research Studies, Faculties, Institutes and Indigenous communities, the Director drives a coordinated, whole‑of‑University approach to Indigenous research impact, accountability and leadership. 

What Success Looks Like:

• Indigenous research priorities are delivered and monitored in line with University strategies.
• Indigenous HDR pathways, retention and completions show sustained improvement.
• Indigenous research capacity and external funding outcomes are strengthened.
• Indigenous research ethics and cultural and intellectual property are upheld across projects.
• Indigenous research is visible, respected and community-led across the University

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You
You are an Indigenous researcher and academic leader with the credibility, cultural authority and strategic capability to lead Indigenous research at a whole‑of‑University level. You can: 

• Provide evidence of a relevant doctoral qualification and a strong record of research excellence, including competitive grant success, publications and research leadership. 
• Demonstrate experience providing academic and strategic leadership across complex organisations. 
• Display a strong record of mentoring HDR students and developing the research careers of Indigenous academics. 
• Show a deep knowledge of Indigenous research ethics, community‑led research and Indigenous cultural and intellectual property. 
• Work collaboratively with Indigenous communities, senior leaders, academics and external partners. 
• Commit to culturally safe, ethical and community‑driven Indigenous research. 

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Susan Page, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education, via email [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1269P
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 10th May 2026. 
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.  

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.