Research Centre Lead | Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) seeks an accomplished Research Centre Lead to establish and lead a national educator-led research centre. You will set strategic direction, build partnerships with TAFEs, universities and sector bodies, and oversee governance, milestones and budgets to create lasting research capability.

The role focuses on delivering rigorous educator research that informs policy and practice within the VET sector and supports national and international standards.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications in adult education or related research field.
• Doctoral qualification would be highly regarded for leadership in national research.
• Experience establishing cross-institution partnerships is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the centre and be accountable for outcomes.
• Establish governance, milestones, budget and reporting for the centre.
• Develop partnerships with TAFEs, universities and sector bodies.
• Lead research quality, dissemination and impact of educator-led research.

Skills

Research leadership

Ethics governance

VET research

Cross-jurisdiction Partnerships

Education

Doctoral qualification

Postgraduate qualifications in adult education

Job description

Research Centre Lead
Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is seeking an accomplished research leader to establish and lead the National TAFE Educator-Led Research and Praxis Centre - a nationally significant capability being built at CIT under the National TAFE Network.

This role sets the strategic direction for the Centre and is accountable for its outcomes. Its central purpose is to develop VET educator applied research capability to meet national and international standards, laying the foundation for a body of educator-led research that is credible, rigorous and recognised. In doing so, the Centre paves the way for a new approach to how TAFE works with industry and drives innovation positioning educator research as a genuine contributor to sector knowledge and practice.

The Lead will build and hold the partnerships that make cross-jurisdictional research possible, working with partner TAFEs, universities and sector bodies including NCVER and AVETRA. A significant early priority is the establishment of a new National TAFE Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and securing its registration with the NHMRC, providing the ethical foundation on which the Centre's research depends. The Lead is accountable for the Centre's governance, milestones, budget and reporting, and for ensuring the investment leaves CIT with lasting research capability and standing - not only national outputs

The role combines strategic leadership with close involvement in the quality and dissemination of the Centre's research. Day-to-day delivery is coordinated by the Research and Capability Manager, enabling the Lead to concentrate on direction, partnerships and research quality.

We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated standing in applied education or VET research, a sound understanding of research and ethics governance, and the credibility to lead a national research capability in partnership with universities and TAFEs. A doctoral qualification and a track record of research leadership would be well regarded. An understanding of how TAFEs operate is highly desirable.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• Postgraduate qualifications in adult education, research or a related. A doctoral qualification and a track record of research leadership would be highly regarded.
• Vocational qualifications are not required.
• Experience establishing or holding membership on a Human Research Ethics Committee.
• Experience working across the VET or TAFE sector, and an understanding of how TAFEs operate, is highly desirable.

Registration/licensing

• All CIT and ACTPS employees are required to complete a criminal history record check prior to employment.
• 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.

Please also refer to the Position Description- Professional and Personal characteristics - for the full position role, responsibilities and selection criteria.

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 .

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Note

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