Associate Director, Aerospace and National Security Research Pipeline

• Full time, 3-year fixed term opportunity. Located on Camperdown Campus

• Rare opportunity to shape nationally significant aerospace and national security research, working at the intersection of academia, government and industry

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an Associate Director, Aerospace and National Security Research Pipeline to lead the expansion of a nationally significant research portfolio, strengthening partnerships and opportunities across defence, security and government‑aligned research.

Reporting to the Director, Research Pipeline and Pre‑Award, this role is responsible for shaping and delivering strategy to expand research opportunities, partnerships and funding across the aerospace and national security domains. Working closely with academics, industry and government, the Associate Director will oversee the identification, development and progression of complex research initiatives and partnerships that enhance the University’s research impact and reputation.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead the development and execution of the aerospace and national security research pipeline

• provide strategic advice on national security and defence‑related research opportunities

• build and manage senior relationships with government, defence and industry stakeholders

• support the development of competitive funding applications and industry‑linked initiatives

• prepare high‑level briefings, business cases and committee submissions for senior leadership

• maintain expert knowledge of national and international aerospace and national security landscapes.

Occasional travel will be required to support stakeholder engagement

About you

• significant experience working within aerospace, defence or national security environments

• strong government and/or industry networks relevant to national security research

• demonstrated success building and progressing complex research or partnership pipelines

• practical understanding of defence, security and government operating environments

• ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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 LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold 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 Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© 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 Close

Sunday 24 May 2026 11:59 PM