Australian National University

Classification: Senior Manager 1 (Specialist) Salary package: $141,637 to $148,403 per annum plus 17% superannuation Term: Full-time, Continuing (contingent funded). (flexible arrangements, job share, or part time hours will be considered) Position Description and Selection Criteria: PD&PEWER_SM1_Lead Optical Specialist.pdf This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of December 2030 In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80 The Position The Lead Optical Specialist is a senior technical leadership role responsible for the development, delivery and ongoing advancement of complex optical systems supporting astronomy, space and advanced scientific instrumentation programs. Reporting to the Technical Director and operating with a high degree of autonomy, the position provides strategic and leadership in optics across the full lifecycle of projects, from concept development and system design through to integration, testing, commissioning and operational support. As the organisation's principal optical engineering authority, the role leads optical engineering teams, manages specialised laboratories and facilities, and drives the development of optical and metrology capabilities to support current and future programs. The position works closely with multidisciplinary teams, research partners, industry collaborators and national and international stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions for telescope instrumentation, spaceflight hardware and other leading-edge scientific applications. The Person Demonstrated experience in optical engineering, preferably involving the delivery of complex optical systems in astronomy, space, research, or other advanced technology environments. Experience combining technical expertise with leadership of multidisciplinary teams to support successful project outcomes would be highly regarded. You will have demonstrated experience in optical system design, modelling, integration, alignment, testing and verification, together with a strong understanding of optical materials, coatings, metrology, manufacturing processes and opto-mechanical interfaces. Your ability to provide strategic advice, manage resources, assess technical risk and contribute to business planning will be matched by strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.  A collaborative and innovative leader, you are committed to mentoring others, building organisational capability and fostering a culture of excellence, safety and continuous improvement. You thrive in complex environments and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to world-class astronomy, space and scientific instrumentation programs The School The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) is one of Australia's leading centres for astronomical and space research and is located at the iconic Mount Stromlo Observatory, a world-class research facility set within a unique bushland environment near Canberra. RSAA is recognised internationally for its contributions to astronomy, astrophysics, advanced instrumentation and space technologies. Through collaboration with leading research institutions, observatories, industry partners and government agencies, the School delivers innovative scientific and engineering solutions that support major national and international research programs. The successful candidate will join a highly skilled and collaborative team working at the forefront of optical instrumentation and technology development. The role combines computer-based design and analysis with hands-on laboratory, cleanroom and workshop activities, and includes opportunities to engage directly with telescope facilities, observatories and partner organisations through occasional domestic and international travel. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced optical systems that enable world-leading scientific discovery and space exploration. The College The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres.  Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook For further information please contact, Dr Roger Haynes, AITC Technical Director T: +61 2 6125 0313, E: roger.haynes@anu.edu.au.  ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities.  For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details. Application information In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents: A statement addressing the selection criteria. A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form. Other documents, if required. Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position. Please note: Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and be able to maintain all necessary clearances and authorisations required to work within defence export controlled environment. 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. Closing date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 11:55PM (Canberra Time) 

Vice-President (Advancement and Engagement) The Australian National University (ANU) seeks an exceptional senior leader to serve as our next Vice-President (Advancement and Engagement). This role is a member of the University Executive Committee and central to advancing the University’s philanthropic ambition, institutional reputation and national mission. As Australia’s national university, ANU delivers research of consequence, educates for leadership and convenes for national benefit. We are consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and are proud to have been ranked in the top two per cent globally and fourth nationally in the QS World University Rankings for 2027. Philanthropy, engagement, government relations, strategic communications and brand are critical to how ANU fulfils our responsibilities. The Vice-President provides strategic leadership across these integrated functions, designing and delivering fundraising activity, strengthening institutional reputation and building enduring relationships with donors, alumni, government, industry, community partners and friends of the University. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and President and working closely with the Chancellor, the Vice-President fosters a cohesive, high-performing culture across the Advancement & Engagement Portfolio and works collaboratively with senior leaders across the University. ANU has a proud history of philanthropy, including the remarkable Tuckwell Gift in 2013, the largest donation made by individuals to an Australian university at that time, and transformative scholarships such as the Kambri Scholarship program, a $50 million endowment supporting Indigenous students to study at ANU with financial, academic and pastoral support. The successful candidate will be an accomplished advancement and communications executive with a record of securing major philanthropic gifts, leading strategic communications and building institutional brand and reputation, and leading complex engagement portfolios. They will bring strategic insight, professional confidence and the ability to operate at the highest levels nationally and internationally. As a senior representative of ANU, the Vice-President will establish and sustain strong relationships across the University Academic Colleges and Service Divisions, and with external individuals, communities, institutions and organisations that are critical to supporting the innovation and activity of ANU. Contact and confidential enquiries: Please note ANU is not accepting applications via this portal. For further information about the opportunity or for a confidential conversation please contact Janelle Entwistle or Tanu Mehta at anuvpae@heidrick.com or on +61 411 419 680. A comprehensive candidate pack including Position Description and Selection Criteria is available on request. Applications close: 11:55 pm Sunday 25 October 2026 AEDT Exploratory stakeholder meetings, presentations and/or psychometric testing may be required as part of the selection process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Please note: The preferred candidate will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence. 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.

Director, Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Classification: Academic Level E Terms: Full Time, Fixed Term 5 years Application closing date: 11:55PM AEST on Sunday 1 November 2026 The Australian National University (ANU) is seeking to appoint an outstanding Director of the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS). The Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) includes five disciplinary Schools of Demography, History, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, and Sociology, as well as three main centres, all of which have a multidisciplinary quality that encourages collaboration among social scientists across disciplinary boundaries. These include the Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, Centre for Arab & Islamic Studies, and POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research. RSSS is Australia’s pre-eminent institution for theoretical and empirical research in the social sciences, with an international reputation for exceptional research and training. It contributes to public debates in Australia and internationally across the social science spectrum. Reporting to the Dean of the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, the Director provides strategic leadership to the Research School of Social Sciences, fostering excellence in research, education, engagement and policy development. The Director will lead the School through its next phase of evolution, invigorating RSSS and promoting a culture of innovation, dynamic change and growth, bringing in fresh ideas to support collaboration and academic excellence while building strong engagement across the College, University and broader community. The role also serves as an important ambassador for RSSS, enhancing its reputation and profile nationally and internationally, cultivating partnerships and attracting outstanding scholars, students and supporters. The successful candidate will be an internationally recognised academic with a distinguished record of academic achievement in a relevant discipline and a strong understanding of contemporary opportunities and challenges in the social sciences. They will bring a demonstrated capacity to develop and implement a compelling strategic vision, lead large-scale research and education initiatives, and drive innovation in teaching and learning. Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills will be essential, together with the ability to foster a collegial, inclusive and high-performing culture. For further information regarding this appointment or to request a candidate information booklet, please contact Belinda Cartwright, Executive Search Business Partner, ANU Executive Search at executivesearch@anu.edu.au. Please note applications close at 11:55PM AEST on Sunday, 1 November 2026 Application information: To lodge an application for this role please upload the following documents: A Candidate Statement of no more than two (2) pages outlining the basis for your interest in the role and your suitability for the position; and A current curriculum vitae (CV) with three (3) referees included. Referee reports may be sought at a later stage of the process and we will not contact your referees without your express permission. 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 Please note: The preferred candidate will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.