Director, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Director, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics 563469 Canberra / ACT, ACT, Australia, 2601 Fixed Term Closing at: Oct 11 2026 - 23:55 AEDT Add to favourites View favourites Position Description Classification: Academic Level E Terms: Full time, Fixed term up to 5 years The Australian National University (ANU) is seeking to appoint the Director of the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA). RSAA is recognised both nationally and internationally as a leading research institute in astronomy and astrophysics. It operates two world-famous observatories and has a long history of research and technical development at the forefront of the field. RSAA also hosts the National Space Testing Facility and a Laser Space-Communication Optical Ground Station. The School’s mission is to advance the observational and theoretical frontiers of astronomy and astrophysics and their enabling technologies. Reporting to the Dean of the ANU College of Science and Medicine, the RSAA Director provides leadership, develops strategic capability and fosters excellence across the range of the School’s activities including research, education, technology development, and external engagement.  The Director is responsible for enabling academic and professional staff to deliver high-quality research, teaching, policy, and practice outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic priorities. Additionally, the Director oversees the management of the School, including academic, financial, and staffing operations. For a confidential discussion and/or a copy of the information booklet, please contact Priyanka Gaitonde, Executive Search Business Partner, ANU Executive Search on +61 473 426 084 or executivesearch@anu.edu.au. Please note advertising closes on Sunday 11 October 2026, 11:55 pm AEDT. The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au. ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion . Employment in this position is conditional on satisfactory results in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure which sets out the types of checks required by each type of position. All  appointments are required to make relevant declarations to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.

• RSAA is recognised both nationally and internationally as a leading research institute in astronomy and astrophysics.
• It operates two world-famous observatories and has a long history of research and technical development at the forefront of the field.
• Reporting to the Dean of the ANU College of Science and Medicine, the RSAA Director provides leadership, develops strategic capability and fosters excellence across the range of the School’s activities including research, education, technology development, and external engagement.
• The Director is responsible for enabling academic and professional staff to deliver high-quality research, teaching, policy, and practice outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Additionally, the Director oversees the management of the School, including academic, financial, and staffing operations.

• All appointments are required to make relevant declarations to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.