Research Capability Manager | Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) invites applications for a Research Capability Manager to lead the National TAFE Educator-Led Research and Praxis Centre. You will shape research methodology, design professional learning for TAFE educators, and coordinate cross-jurisdictional research pods to translate findings into practice.

In collaboration with the Centre Lead, you will help establish the National TAFE Human Research Ethics Committee, oversee partner engagement, and build educator

Qualifications

• Full Training and Assessment Certificate IV (TAE40116) and Diploma in Vocational Education and Training required.
• Postgraduate qualification in education, applied research, curriculum design or related field desirable.
• Criminal history check and pre-employment medical are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Centre's research methodology and quality of professional learning for educators.
• Coordinate cross-jurisdictional research pods and form/guide pods with partners.
• Support translation of research into improvements in teaching practice.
• Contribute to establishing the National TAFE Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
• Oversee the Research and Mentoring Coordinator and partner engagement.

Skills

Research methods

Curriculum design

TAFE sector knowledge

Education

TAE40116 Training and Assessment Certificate IV

Diploma of Vocational Education and Training

Postgraduate qualification in education or related field

Job description

Research Capability Manager
Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is seeking a Research Capability Manager to serve as the operational lead of the National TAFE Educator-Led Research and Praxis Centre - a national capability being built at CIT under the National TAFE Network.

This role sits at the meeting point of research design, curriculum development and educator capability. The Manager is responsible for the Centre's research methodology, for designing and quality-assuring the professional learning that prepares TAFE educators to undertake research, and for coordinating the cross-jurisdictional research pods at the heart of the Centre. Working closely with partner TAFEs, the Manager will form pods, provide methodological guidance to participants, and support the translation of their research into demonstrable changes in practice.

An early priority for the role is contributing to the establishment of the National TAFE Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), working alongside the Research Centre Lead to put the Centre's ethical foundations in place. The Manager works in close partnership with the Lead, who sets direction and holds the partnerships to deliver the Centre's work, and provides oversight of the Research and Mentoring Coordinator.

We are seeking a candidate with sound knowledge of practitioner or applied research methods, strong curriculum design skills in a VET or adult education context, and an understanding of the TAFE sector and the conditions that support educators to engage in research.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

Mandatory Qualification

Refer to the ACTPS CIT Educators EA 2023-2026, sub-Clause M10.8. All employees at Educator Level 1.3 to the Head of Department Level must hold a full Training and Assessment Certificate IV level qualification (such as a TAE40116 or equivalent) and a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (or equivalent).

Industry Experience and Desirable Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in education, applied research, curriculum design or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience in VET workforce development or educator professional learning, particularly in a national or cross-jurisdictional context.

Registration/licensing

• All CIT and ACTPS employees are required to complete a criminal history record check prior to commencement.
• This position does require a pre‑employment medical.

Note: This is a temporary position available immediately up until 31 December 2028 with the possibility of permanency.

We’d love to hear from you - we encourage prospective candidates to contact Angela Ryan to discuss the role and the Research Centre.

Applicants should note that a Joint Selection Committee (JSC) established in accordance with the collective/enterprise agreement provisions will assess all applications for this position.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed‑term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .

Note

This is a temporary position available immediately up until 31 December 2028 with the possibility of permanency. Angela Ryan