Director, La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture & Food

Details - Director, La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Job no: 567554 Work type: Fixed Term Location: Melbourne (Bundoora) Categories: Leadership, General Manager/Director, ESMC2

• Full Time, 5 Year Fixed Term Appointment/Bundoora Campus
• Build strategic relationships with research, industry and government partners both domestically and internationally
• In the pursuit of excellence, provide strategic oversight of the LISAF and build on the University's international reputation for research excellence

About the position La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food is one of two flagship Institutes within La Trobe University and represents a key strategic initiative that supports La Trobe University’s world‐class research, innovation and research training in the agri-food value chain from “paddock to gut”. This appointment comes at a time of growth for La Trobe University across sustainable agriculture and food value chain with initiatives such as the University City of the Future, the Research & Innovation Precinct, and the Australian Food Innovation Centre (AFIC). With the impending retirement of a current Director, the successful incumbent will report to the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Industry Engagement and will perform a pivotal and instrumental research leadership role in the University’s organisational structure, carrying significant accountability for providing a coherent vision and direction for the Institute and for management of the LISAF budget. The Director LISAF will work closely with members of the Research and Industry Engagement senior leadership team in workforce and infrastructure planning, and executing strategies for research translation, industry and global partnerships, and revenue generation. The Director LISAF will lead the Institute and deliver on this vision bringing an outstanding record of international achievement in research, a breadth of academic vision, strategic thinking, and demonstrable experience leading and inspiring teams in an innovative industry or academic environment. The appointee will be a world expert in at least one aspect of the science of food, particularly plant-based foods. Duties at this level:

• Working in collaboration with the DVC-R&IE and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the effective and efficient achievement of the Institute’s Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Development and implementation of a strategic plan for LISAF consistent with La Trobe’s research strategy; including setting strategic goals, defining priorities, and outlining action plans.
• Providing exemplary research and innovation leadership, and develop a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration across the research domains of the Institute.
• Providing leadership and mentorship within the Institute to build strong high functioning teams who work towards clear goals and targets. Develop, with the domain leads, funding pipelines to support the largescale programs of research across the research domains.
• Exercising a strategic academic and administrative leadership role and assuming overall responsibility for the operations of the Institute.
• Fostering excellence and advancement of the research discipline of agri-food biotechnology for value chain impact. Play a major role in elements of major research projects including management and leadership.
• Providing leadership and fostering excellence in research and policy development across the agri-food sector, with research institutions, industry and government, nationally and internationally.
• Supporting the development and, where necessary, lead large multidisciplinary research proposal submissions to external funding bodies and industry.

Skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated previous experience in research leadership at Professorial Level, including proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that achieve set key performance indicators.
• Outstanding record of original, innovative and internationally recognised research in the agrifood sector with evidence of its impact and significance in agrifood value chains.
• Strong understanding of the food and agriculture industries and the policy settings shaping these sectors.
• Demonstrated high level strategic leadership and management experience in leading research teams or programs fostering the research activities of others and contributing effectively at multiple levels within the organisation.
• A substantial record of success in external research funding through competitive national or international grants, philanthropy, and/or industry funding.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in liaising with, and delivering outcome-focused programs with, collaborators and industry partners, and in promoting research links with outside organisations/agencies.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills with an ability to lead and motivate others.

How to apply *Please note, only candidates who hold the full rights to work in Australia will be eligible to be considered for this appointment* Position Enquiries: Professor Chris Pakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Industry Engagement, Email: Phone: 0407 669 085 Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• An up-to-date resume and
• Response to the Key Selection Criteria located in the position description.

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement. Advertised: 07 Feb 2025 AUS Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: 11 May 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time #J-18808-Ljbffr