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JOB PURPOSE

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research is responsible for shaping and leading the research vision, strategy, and ecosystem of Taylor’s University to position it as a leading research-intensive institution in the region and beyond. The incumbent will champion research excellence, innovation, and impact; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and build strategic partnerships with academic, industry, government, and community stakeholders.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Leadership
•    Develop and implement a comprehensive research strategy aligned with Taylor’s University's mission, vision, and academic priorities.
•    Drive the advancement of research quality, output, and impact across all faculties and research centers.
•    Promote a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence in research.

Research Development & Innovation
•    Oversee the development of research clusters, priority areas, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
•    Support faculties in securing competitive national and international research grants and funding.
•    Foster translational research, technology transfer, and commercialisation of intellectual property.

Research Management & Governance
•    Ensure effective research governance, policies, compliance (including ethics and integrity), and reporting.
•    Oversee research infrastructure, including centres of excellence, laboratories, and digital platforms.
•    Monitor research performance using relevant KPIs and international benchmarks.

Partnerships & Collaboration
•    Strengthen institutional research networks with leading universities, research institutes, and global consortia.
•    Establish impactful partnerships with industry, government agencies, and community organisations.
•    Advocate for Taylor’s University’s research capabilities at national and global forums.            

Talent Development
•    Lead efforts in attracting, developing, and retaining high-caliber researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and research students.
•    Oversee training programs and professional development for early-career researchers.
•    Champion inclusivity and diversity in the research community.

Postgraduate Research
•    Provide strategic oversight of the postgraduate research student journey and experience.
•    Enhance research training environments and supervision practices.
•    Drive improvements in postgraduate research enrolment, quality, and completion rates.

UNIVERSITY:
•    Enhance the University's performance and reputation by participating as a member of the university leadership team to lead the strategic direction of the University
•    Provide advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor to ensure a competitive, effectively resourced, academically excellent and service­ oriented University
•    Contribute to University planning, policy and strategy development and implementation to enable the University to achieve its objectives

EXTERNAL:
•    Lead the effort, in collaboration with Heads of School, to work with the Business Development, Recruitment and Marketing Departments and ensure effective and efficient student enrolment strategies for the Faculty are implemented
•    Build and sustain strategic partnerships with employers, industry, government, professional and community organizations and the Faculty's alumni in Malaysia and internationally to ensure the interests of the Faculty are being effectively promoted
•    Continue to build on the Faculty's extensive links with the business community to enhance lifelong learning experiences and develop research

JOB SPECIFICATION

MINIMUM ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
•    A doctoral qualification with a reputable track record in research and higher education within the relevant field

EXPERIENCE RELATED
•    Strong academic credibility and leadership within a research-intensive environment, with a solid understanding of academic values, culture, and governance.
•    Recognised academic standing, ideally at the rank of Professor, in a discipline relevant to Taylor’s University’s academic portfolio.
•    Proven strategic leadership experience at a senior level within a large, complex higher education institution, particularly in shaping and implementing institutional research strategy.
•    Deep domain expertise in research, education, and professional practice, with the ability to lead strategic change that elevates research excellence and impact.
•    Extensive experience building high-value research partnerships with industry, government, community organisations, and international collaborators.
•    Demonstrated success in improving research performance, including driving research quality, outputs, funding, rankings, and postgraduate research outcomes.
•    Track record of leading change and delivering measurable improvements in research culture, capability, and operations.
•    Strong understanding of contemporary higher education issues, including global research trends, funding landscapes, and the evolving role of universities in society.
•    Ability to collaborate across institutional and sector boundaries, including working with government bodies, international universities, and non-academic stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

KEY COMPETENCIES KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
•    Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and people leadership skills, with experience managing and inspiring academic and professional research teams.
•    Collaborative mindset with the ability to foster interdisciplinary and cross-sector research collaborations.
•    Demonstrated ability to shape and drive forward-looking research strategies, aligned with institutional and national priorities.
•    Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop academic talent, particularly in building strong research capacity and culture.
•    Skilled in managing complex institutional change, navigating ambiguity, and building engagement during transformation.
•    Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, underpinned by data-informed and evidence-based leadership.

BEHAVIOURAL
•    Passionate and committed to inspiring research excellence and building a high-impact research ecosystem.
•    A compelling and credible advocate for research, with the presence and confidence to represent the University at national and international levels.
•    A strategic leader with the ability to balance institutional priorities and stakeholder expectations, while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
•    Collaborative and collegial in leadership style, with a strong sense of academic integrity and accountability.
•    A visible, values-driven leader who upholds and promotes the University’s mission, values, and strategic ambitions.
•    Adaptable and resilient, able to operate effectively in dynamic and challenging environments while maintaining clarity and direction.
•    Adaptable and able to manage conflicting requirements whilst focusing on key priorities