• Employment Type: Full-time, Continuing role.
• Remuneration: Competitive total package
• Location: Kensington, NSW

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.  We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. 

Why your role matters

The Head of Research Data provides strategic leadership for UNSW’s institutional approach to research data governance, infrastructure, and stewardship. The role sets the strategic direction for how research data is created, managed, shared, and preserved in line with the University’s research integrity, compliance, and innovation objectives. It holds significant responsibility for ensuring enterprise-wide alignment in research data practices.

A pivotal element of the role is advancing UNSW’s research data strategy through frameworks, policies, and programs that embed the FAIR principles - making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. The position offers expert guidance to senior stakeholders, represents UNSW in national and international forums, and leads cross-functional initiatives with faculties, the Research Office, IT, the Library, and external partners.

Reporting to the Director, Data Management and with no direct reports, the role carries substantial strategic influence over the University’s research data management and governance approach.

About the Role               

The successful applicant will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Lead the development and implementation of UNSW’s Research Data Strategy and institution-wide governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with Digital, Data, and Research strategies.
• Oversee the design, integration, and sustainability of enterprise research data systems, including repositories, catalogues, and preservation infrastructure.
• Provide expert advice to executive leaders and committees on research data policy, risk, compliance, and capability development.
• Champion FAIR principles and drive a culture of responsible research data stewardship across all disciplines.
• Represent UNSW in national and international collaborations, influencing sector-wide research data initiatives.
• Build institutional capability through training, communities of practice, and performance monitoring to enhance UNSW’s research data maturity.

About You 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (or equivalent experience) in information management, research administration, or a related field, supported by extensive practical experience.
• Demonstrated capability to design and implement enterprise-level research data frameworks, infrastructure, and metadata standards, with strong knowledge of FAIR principles and major research data platforms.
• Strong understanding of privacy, ethics, data sovereignty, and funder compliance requirements affecting research data management.
• Proven experience delivering high-level strategic advice and influencing decision-making at executive and sector levels.
• Advanced leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills across technical, research, and policy environments, including the preparation of strategic documents and reports.
• Recognised expertise in research data management, with a commitment to data ethics, research integrity, continuous improvement, and alignment with UNSW’s values and standards.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before Sunday 1 February 2026 by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.