Director Research

The University of Fiji is seeking an exceptional, innovative, and strategic leader to join our institution as the Director Research. This role is instrumental in advancing the University’s research agenda, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, and ensuring alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026. The Director Research will report directly to the Vice Chancellor and will be based at the Saweni Campus but may be required to work from other University Campuses and sites.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing the University’s research policies and priorities;
• Enhance the University’s research profile by fostering collaborations with government agencies, industry partners, international institutions, and funding bodies;
• Drive high-impact research initiatives, ensuring alignment with national and global priorities;
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and research governance policies, promoting integrity in all research activities;
• Establish and oversee research funding strategies, securing external grants and fostering sustainable research growth;
• Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for staff and students to enhance research output and academic contributions;
• Strengthen publication standards by encouraging research in peer-reviewed and ranked journals as per University expectations;
• Support multidisciplinary and interdepartmental research projects, promoting knowledge exchange and academic synergy;
• Organize and lead conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote research dissemination and academic networking;
• Develop and implement research commercialization strategies, ensuring that research outcomes contribute to economic and social development;
• Enhance the University’s participation in international research consortia and initiatives to improve global recognition;
• Work closely with the University’s Human and Animal Research Ethics Committee and ensure adherence to regulatory and compliance frameworks.

Requirements:

• A PhD in either commerce or science discipline from a recognized university with at least 12 years of extensive experience in senior academic and administrative leadership roles in a higher education setting;
• A proven track record in strategic research leadership, including policy development and institutional research planning;
• Demonstrated success in securing research grants and managing large-scale research projects;
• Strong understanding of higher education research trends, including open-access publishing, interdisciplinary research, and digital transformation;
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities;
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with experience in forging industry and government partnerships;
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and ethical research environment;
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to represent the University at national and international forums; and
• Deep commitment to academic integrity, quality assurance, and the long-term research excellence of the University.

The University requires all staff to proactively undertake community, environmental, and social responsibilities as well as participate in University Committees in accordance with the themes established by the Strategic Plan 2022-2026

An attractive remuneration package will be provided, aligned with the University’s salary structure.

The University offers a three-year full-time contract with renewals subject to performance reviews.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide:

1. A covering letter explaining their interest in the position
2. A copy of their full Curriculum Vitae with names and addresses of three (3) Professional Referees, one of whom must be the current or immediate past supervisor of the applicant,
3. And certified copies of their academic qualifications and transcripts. Completed applications, quoting the Post Reference Number and marked “Confidential” must be posted to:

The HR Department, The University of Fiji, Private Mail Bag, Lautoka, Fiji with The Post Reference Number and the Position Title as the subject. For further enquiries please contact the HR Department on hr@unifiji.ac.fj or via phone contact 6640600/ 9999100. A copy of the advert is also available on the University website- www.unifiji.ac.fj

Registered with the Fiji Higher Education Commission as a University under the Higher Education Act 2008. Registration Certificate Number (RGN0020/11)

Closing date for all applications: 14th November, 2025

The University is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes diversity in appointments. People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.