Research Director

• Based in Barcelona, collaborative and dynamic international team

• High level proficiency in English

• Full time, continuing role

• Salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate

RMIT Europe and the RMIT STEM College are seeking a dynamic, driven and strategic Research Director to lead and expand RMIT Europe's research and industry partnerships across Europe, for the RMIT Europe Infrastructure Cluster, with a focus on Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure.

This role is central to advancing RMIT's strategic priorities in Europe, particularly in areas such as Energy, Water, Materials for infrastructure and Decarbonisation and Circularity, Resilience and Security.

Based in Barcelona and reporting to the Executive Director, this senior academic role offers a unique opportunity to shape RMIT's European research footprint and drive interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses complex global challenges.

Internal candidates will need to be endorsed by their relevant Head of School/Dean prior to submitting their application. This role will be offered on a 2-3 year secondment for RMIT staff.

What will you be accountable for?

• Lead the development and execution of the European Research Strategy on Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure to deliver interdisciplinary, high-impact research aligned with RMIT's global priorities.

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships and networks with academic institutions, industry, government, and civic stakeholders across Europe in the Infrastructure cluster areas.

• Drive innovation and collaboration between RMIT's campuses in Melbourne, Vietnam, and Europe, connecting researchers to global opportunities.

• Drive impact of existing research projects and secure major research funding through European and national programs, working closely with RMIT Europe's pre-award team and building research capacity in selected RMIT STEM College areas.

• Provide academic leadership in research, scholarship and mentorship to a growing cohort of researchers at RMIT Europe.

• Represent RMIT Europe at senior governance forums, advocating for research excellence, knowledge exchange, and public engagement.

• Deliver original and innovative contributions to research and scholarship at a national and international level.

• The Research Director can be expected to provide strategic advice in learning and teaching

Let's talk about you

• Recognised track record with international standing and experience in dissemination and engagement activities.

• Extensive research leadership experience with the ability to build and develop collaborative research teams, mentoring staff to deliver high-quality outcomes, and managing complex research projects and budgets.

• Commitment to research development and industry and community engagement, with demonstrated interest in establishing and developing research and education collaborations with European academic and industry partners.

• Proven ability to attract and secure external research funding, including success in leading large-scale competitive schemes.

• Strong network across Europe's academia, industry, and research centres, with demonstrated ability to leverage these for strategic partnerships.

• International expertise in a research field relevant to RMIT's priority sectors in Europe (e.g. Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure, Infrastructure security, Climate Adaptive Built Environment, Transport, Water, Energy, Materials for Infrastructure, Decarbonisation).

• Ability and willingness to engage beyond own discipline and represent RMIT University in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaborations with European partners.

• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and act tactically, aligning research and education initiatives with organisational priorities.

• High-level interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills to engage senior executives and external stakeholders within a collaborative environment.

• Understanding of university systems, including financial, governance, and quality management frameworks.

Desirable

• Extensive networks in Europe for research collaboration with industry and high caliber academic institutions

Who is RMIT Europe?

We're the creative and dynamic European hub of RMIT University. Based in the heart of Barcelona, our focus is on successfully extending RMIT's international engagement and strategically growing the University's collaborative research and education activity in Europe.

We facilitate RMIT's collaboration in the development of innovative pan-European projects attracting global knowledge from Europe, Australia, and Asia to deliver local impact. We're a collaborative and dynamic international team, passionate about driving impact through our work, celebrating our achievement

About the team.

You'll be joining an ambitious team of experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference and delivering real impact. Benefits of working at RMIT Europe include hybrid working arrangements, flexible salary benefits (transport, health insurance, childcare, and restaurants) and free languages classes.

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below.

Position Description – Research Director

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. 

RMIT Europe is the European hub of RMIT University, one of Australia's largest tertiary institutions. Based in Barcelona, we're focused on expanding RMIT's reputation as a global university of technology, design and enterprise.