Full time fixed term until 1 September, 2030
Lead and shape the University’s engagement with China, advancing Chinese Studies and strengthening global collaboration.
Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The China Studies Centre (CSC) at the University of Sydney is a leading interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to advancing understanding of China—its society, culture, development, and global interactions. It builds on the University’s long-standing strength in China-related scholarship and serves as a research-informed voice in Australia’s public discourse on China.
The Director China Studies Centre (CSC) is responsible for leading, planning, communicating and achieving the academic and operational vision, strategies and goals of CSC in overall alignment with the whole-of- University vision and strategy. This is achieved through collaborative engagement, support and promotion of progressive and productive research and a clear Centre strategy.
The Director will play a critical role in fostering national and international engagement, developing and sustaining strategic relationships with partners across academia, government, industry and cultural institutions in Australia, China and globally.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
provide strategic and academic leadership across a large, distributed network of scholars and students with an interest in China
work with academic groups and the broader University community to build a cohesive research ecosystem
foster national and international engagement with partners across academia, government, industry and cultural institutions in Australia, China and globally
oversee the Centre’s operations including financial management, staff supervision and development of new funding opportunities
work with the Advancement team to develop a strategy for philanthropic funding
lead engagement with China by providing strategic advice, and hosting university delegations to and from China
lead innovative initiatives that challenge paradigms, leverage diverse resources and enable opportunities to be seized.
About you (skills, capabilities and experience)
A distinguished, internationally recognised track record of scholarly achievement in Chinese Studies or a closely related field, consistent with appointment at Professor level
A PhD in a relevant discipline (or an equivalent combination of training and experience)
A sophisticated and contemporary understanding of China, including the major economic, political, social and cultural forces shaping its development
Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding and building sustainable research programs, including experience attracting external funding and supporting collaborative initiatives
Proven ability to provide strategic leadership across a complex, decentralised academic environment, including influencing and coordinating stakeholders without direct authority
Strong organisational and management capability, with experience overseeing budgets, staff and academic or research programs
Demonstrated capacity to build and sustain high-value partnerships, including with international institutions, government, industry and community stakeholders
A strong commitment to collegiality, pluralism and collaboration, supported by highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
Experience in mentoring and developing early career researchers and higher degree research students.
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 and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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 LGBTQIA+ We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 Andria Bingham, Recruitment Operations by email to andria.bingham@sydney.edu.au
Candidate Information Brochure
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Applications Close
Monday 13 July 2026 11:59 PM
