At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful disability research to improve lives and drive policy change.
- Company: La Trobe University, a global leader in innovative research and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 17% superannuation, and discounts on courses for staff and family.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and flexible interview formats.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities through research leadership.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and proven research leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 $ per year.
La Trobe University is seeking an outstanding research leader to take on the role of Director, The Summer Disability Research Centre, established through a strategic partnership between The Summer Foundation and the School of Psychology and Public Health at La Trobe University. This unique position is funded by The Summer Foundation and provides the opportunity to lead a nationally significant program of disability research.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a purpose-driven research centre focused on generating evidence that improves housing, support and living outcomes for people with disability with high support needs. The Director will provide strategic leadership for the Centre's research agenda, secure competitive and philanthropic funding, build a high-performing, multidisciplinary research team, and ensure that research findings are translated into policy, practice, and systems change.
Working at the intersection of research, policy, innovation and practice, the role draws on The Summer Foundation's extensive sector expertise, lived experience partnerships and national policy influence to generate rigorous evidence that informs policy reform, service innovation and systems change for people with disability with high support needs. The Director will foster a collaborative, inclusive research culture grounded in co-design and participatory research, ensuring people with lived experience of disability are central to the Centre's work. Reporting to the Dean, School of Psychology and Public Health, the role contributes to the School's research strategy, performance and external engagement at a national and international level.
Skills and Experience
- A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as psychology, public health, social sciences, rehabilitation or disability studies
- A distinguished record of research achievement at Associate Professor/Professor level or equivalent, including high-impact publications, competitive research funding and demonstrated research impact
- A strong track record of translating research into policy, practice or systems change, particularly within the disability, housing or health sectors
- Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership to a research centre or large research program, including staff leadership and performance management
- Proven success in building and sustaining collaborative partnerships with government agencies, disability organisations, service providers and people with lived experience
- A deep understanding of issues affecting people with disability and a commitment to inclusive, accessible and ethical research practices
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Capacity to contribute to research supervision, HDR supervision and research capability development
- A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including creating respectful and accessible working environments
Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
Our commitment to safety
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.
National Code on Gender Based Violence in Higher Education
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability.
Why La Trobe
Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you'll collaborate with community and industry to create impact. Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics. Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future.
Director, Summer Disability Research Centre in Brisbane employer: La Trobe
La Trobe University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and shared accountability. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful research that impacts communities. The university also provides ample opportunities for professional growth through its sector-leading Leadership Academy, ensuring that all staff can develop their skills and excel in their careers.
