RMIT University

Dean, Research and Innovation

Ho Chi Minh City Full time

Overview:

RMIT Vietnam is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to join us as Dean, Research and Innovation, playing a pivotal role in advancing the University’s research agenda, fostering innovation, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration across our Saigon South and Hanoi campuses.

WHY JOIN RMIT VIETNAM?

At RMIT Vietnam, international exposure meets real-world impact through strong industry and government collaboration. Working at RMIT means building a meaningful career while creating impact in a high-performing environment.

Further insight into our mission, impact and global connections is available at Working at RMIT Vietnam.

WHAT WE OFFER

Expatriates

  • Competitive remuneration package in USD for expatriate candidates

  • Relocation allowance package starting at US$6,000

  • Relocation flights from home location to Vietnam for the new staff and direct dependents (if applicable)

  • International repatriation flights for the staff and direct dependents at the end of their contract

  • School tuition fees for children to attend the K-12 program in Vietnam, up to US$20,000 per child or US$40,000 for two children per year

  • Premium private medical insurance for employee and immediate family, plus Personal Accident Insurance

  • Dedicated support from the Global Mobility Team to support with immigration and relocation to Vietnam

Vietnamese candidates

  • Competitive remuneration VND package for Vietnamese candidates.

  • 13th month Tet bonus

  • Private Health insurance for you and your family, plus Personal Accident Insurance

Other benefits

  • Generous annual leave, career leave, volunteer leave and public holidays (Christmas and Tet Holidays)

  • Professional development and career advancement

  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources

  • A vibrant and diverse campus life and more!

POSITION SUMMARY

Championing RMIT Vietnam’s research strategy and innovation growth across Saigon South and Hanoi, the Dean, Research and Innovation, in close collaboration with the Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Vietnam, School Deans, Deputy Deans R&I, academic and professional communities, and the R&I Portfolio at RMIT Australia, will lead strategic initiatives aimed at expanding RMIT Vietnam’s research and innovation impact in Vietnam and the Southeast Asian region more broadly.

Key Accountabilities

  • Strategic leadership and governance: Develop, lead and implement a comprehensive research and innovation strategy aligned with the University's mission and goals. As a senior academic leader for research you will be a critical member of the Executive Leadership Team and support good governance through membership of University research committees and as Chair of the Vietnam Research Committee.

  • Research training culture: RMIT Vietnam has ambitious goals to support Vietnam's growth of the research and innovation ecosystem. Driving a vibrant cohort of Higher Degree by Research candidates based at RMIT Vietnam will be critical to the role that RMIT plays in the R&I ecosystem in Vietnam.

  • Research quality and capability: Oversee the design, development and delivery of a research capability framework that uplifts research quality, establishes research expectations, improves performance and places RMIT as a top employer for talent in the region where academic careers with thriving opportunities of research are made available. This will also include opportunities to attract leading research fellows to Vietnam to lead a research agenda of impact that aligns with the University's Knowledge with Action strategy.

  • Research partnerships and translation: Lead and support the research community at RMIT Vietnam and enable researchers to realise the social, environmental and commercial impact of their research. Lead and facilitate the commercialisation of research outcomes, including patents, licensing, and startups (where required) and promote RMIT's research impact around the region.

  • Transdisciplinary collaboration and large-scale initiatives: Foster a culture of transdisciplinary research collaboration among faculty, departments and external partners to advance interdisciplinary research and partnerships with industry, government and local universities. This will include the strategic direction of large-scale research initiatives such as Horizon Europe and international development funding.

  • High quality research services: Oversee the implementation of research services and enablers with the Head of the Office for Research and Innovation at RMIT Vietnam to promote best practice in research management and administration at RMIT Vietnam that ensures research is conducted with integrity.

  • Research reporting and systems: Monitor and assess the performance of research programs and initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and impact as aligned with the University's Knowledge with Action goals.

  • Compliance and ethics: Be a leader that drives a culture of research integrity and promote the conduct of research in line with ethical standards, regulatory requirements and university policies.

  • Resource management: Oversee the allocation and management of central research funds, facilities and resources which includes things like PhD scholarships, seed funding and research spaces.

  • Collaborative approach: Engage with staff and HDR candidates across all relevant teams at RMIT Vietnam, Melbourne and Europe to ensure consultation, communication and good governance for research and innovation.

  • Champion a positive research culture: Any other initiative, as required, to build a strong and supportive research culture at RMIT Vietnam that inspires the academic community to contribute to the uplift of the communities we serve.

Key Selection Criteria

  • Educational background: A PhD in a relevant field.

  • Experience: Extensive experience in academic research, with a strong track record of impactful scholarship and leading large-scale research initiatives and PhD programs. It is expected that the Dean will continue to develop their scholarship and research impact within their field of expertise.

  • Leadership skills: Proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams, with excellent organisational and strategic planning skills. A passion for developing emerging researchers through our PhD programs and Early Career Researchers in collaboration with senior researchers across our academic schools.

  • Research excellence: Demonstrated success in enabling research excellence with a focus on research impact and government, industry and academic partnerships.

  • Innovation expertise: Experience in promoting and managing innovation and commercialisation activities.

  • Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Ethical standards: Deep understanding of research ethics, compliance and regulatory requirements. Ability to display appropriate behaviours in line with the position and RMIT Values (Inclusion, Courage, Imagination, Impact, Integrity and Passion). An understanding of the Australian higher education sector is beneficial but not required.

More information is available in the Job Description.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, it is mandatory to submit both a resume and a cover letter. Please click on the 'Apply' link provided in this Job Ads to initiate the application process.

Please note that we will be running a rolling recruitment process, so please apply as soon as possible.

Compliance Requirements 

All academic appointments at RMIT Vietnam must meet University and local regulatory requirements, including English proficiency, background checks, and (for international candidates) eligibility for a work permit.  

English is the language of teaching and communication at RMIT Vietnam. For this role, the minimum requirement is IELTS (Academic) with a score of at least 7.0 with no competency less than 6.5 (or equivalent, as outlined in the Recruitment, Selection and Onboarding Guidelines).  

Further guidance will be provided during the recruitment process. 

RMIT University Commitment

RMIT is committed to the rights of students and staff to be safe, respected, valued, and treated as an equal in their place of study and work.  All staff are expected to share this commitment and contribute to a safer community. While carrying out their role, staff are in a position of trust with students.  Staff have a duty of care to report wellbeing concerns about students through the designated channels and uphold to the code of conduct. RMIT Vietnam expects all staff members to comply with its Code of Conduct, policies and procedures, which relate to legal and regulatory requirements and our ways of working.

Importance Notice

  • Please ensure that your application is submitted through our Workday system on the RMIT Careers page. We do not accept applications through other means.

  • RMIT Vietnam will never request any fees or payments during the application process. Be vigilant about scams asking for payment to apply.

  • For any questions or support, feel free to reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at employment@rmit.edu.vn

#RMITVN

Applications Close:

5 thg 4 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT University Vietnam (RMIT Vietnam) is a campus of RMIT University. RMIT Vietnam is creating an innovative research, teaching and learning culture. We are committed to providing internationally recognised high-quality education and professional training for our students, clients and members of the community.  As an internationally recognised Australian university based in Asia, RMIT Vietnam is assisting in the development of human resources capability in Vietnam and the region.

https://www.rmit.edu.vn/about-us