Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, and Discipline Leader

Profile

At the University of the Sunshine Coast, a Professor has established and continuing international expert status and is recognised as an eminent authority in their discipline/field. They have substantial involvement in the development of their discipline/field, both nationally and internationally, having made a clear and formative impact, which is recognised and acknowledged as significant by national and international leaders in the discipline/field.  

1. A Professor has a strong, systematic and sustained track record in research. 
2. As a leader in learning and teaching, a Professor has extensive experience as a senior academic and provides strategic leadership in key aspects of teaching and supporting learning.  
3. A Professor makes significant contributions to the development and standing of the University and/or regional development.  
4. Within the University, a Professor makes high level strategic contributions to School and University development, governance and capacity-building.  They make significant leadership contributions to the development of collegial activities and foster academic and professional excellence at all levels. 

All staff are expected to contribute to the achievement of the University’s strategic goals and priorities and provide service to the University commensurate with their level of appointment and the opportunities available to them.

Duties

As a Level E Academic , your day-to-day duties will include:

• Learning and Teaching
  The Professor of Sport and Exercise Science and Discipline Lead will see you offering continuous improvement in teaching practices, staying current in your field, and implementing effective methodologies.
  In addition to designing, evaluating, and enhancing curricula to meet students’ needs, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that the program meets accreditation standards. Your leadership will be pivotal in guiding the program through the accreditation process, coordinating efforts to align curriculum and educational outcomes with accreditation requirements. Utilising technology and innovative teaching methods, you will create engaging learning experiences for students while ensuring that the program meets the highest educational standards.
  Your comprehensive support and constructive feedback to students will be essential for their success. Your leadership in accreditation processes will contribute to the program’s recognition and reputation within the field. This role offers opportunities to demonstrate leadership in educational excellence and accreditation, making a significant impact on the future of the program and its students.
• Research
  You will play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and scholarship. You’ll be encouraged to demonstrate leadership nationally and  internationally in your field, developing expertise and research agendas. Leading teams to address significant research problems, you’ll contribute to the body of knowledge through rigorous project design, execution, and reporting. Securing external research grants and funding will support your endeavours, as will mentoring early career researchers and supervising research candidates.
  Your ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and leverage intellectual property will be integral to your research success.
  Engagement: Your engagement at regional, national, and international levels will be vital to the University’s mission. Through external partnerships and consultations, you’ll apply your disciplinary knowledge to address societal challenges. Your contributions to social, civic, and professional functions will align with the University’s strategic priorities. You’ll also play a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive academic environment, modelling culturally capable, respectful, and ethical conduct. Beyond your primary responsibilities, you’ll be expected to undertake additional duties as needed within the evolving academic landscape. 
  Your role will encompass continuous improvement in teaching practices, staying current in your field, and implementing effective methodologies.
• Health and Safety
  In addition to your learning, teaching and research responsibilities, you will be expected to prioritise health and safety considerations in all aspects of your work. This includes adhering to relevant health and safety protocols and guidelines, both in face-to-face and online teaching settings. You will need to incorporate health and safety considerations into the design and delivery of curricula, ensuring that learning activities are conducted in a manner that minimises risks to students and staff. 
  As a senior academic, it is your responsibility to cultivate a positive and safe work environment by modelling and advocating for conduct that is culturally capable, inclusive, respectful, and ethical. Your leadership sets the tone for the academic community, influencing the attitudes and behaviours of both colleagues and students. By embodying these values in your interactions and decision-making processes, you contribute to a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and fosters mutual respect.

Selection Criteria

Applicants need to demonstrate they meet the following knowledge, skills and experience:

1. Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field and extensive experience as an academic leader.
2. Experience of leadership at a School, Discipline or Program level
3. Involvement in the development of the Sport and Exercise Science professions at a national and international level, and evidence of having made a clear and formative impact in one or more of the Sport and Exercise Science sub-disciplines.
4. A clear and coherent research program with: a strong track record of active, sustained and productive engagement in high quality research; publicly verifiable outputs and outcomes from research; external recognition of research performance and achievement; quality supervision of candidates for Higher Degrees by Research; and impact of research.
5. Quality academic leadership, for example through: effective mentoring to develop the research capability and capacity of individual and teams of Mid- and Early Career Researchers; substantial leadership contributions in the area of Sport and Exercise Science that strengthen the University’s teaching programs, research capacity, capability and culture; and a consistent record of service on national discipline panels, such panels of experts and other assessment panels.
6. Effectiveness as a teacher, which is evidenced by both exemplary teaching practice and leadership in teaching, the ultimate outcome of which is student engagement and success.  For example, by: Leadership and/or implementation of research-led approaches to learning and teaching in the design and development of curricula; Leadership of learning and teaching development processes which improve teaching practice within and/or beyond the University; and Sustained formal recognition for excellence in learning and teaching.
7. Strong leadership contributions and personal qualities that influence the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment which is conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of achievement for both staff and students.
8. Participation and success in academic administrative functions e.g. course/program/discipline coordination and/or leadership, within a University.
9. The ability to develop and maintain productive regional, national and international partnerships that reap significant benefits for the University.

Desirable

1. Experience in the management of course accreditation requirements for Sports and Exercise Science programs with ESSA.
2. Formal external and/or internal recognition for excellence in learning and teaching and/or research.

Recruitment process

How to apply

Your completed application must include

• your Academic CV;
• a response to Selection Criteria; and
• a cover letter addressing your motivation and any notable key achievements as aligned to the position.

Closing date 

Applications close: midnight, Sunday 21 July 2024.

Contact 

If you have any questions about the position or for a confidential discussion, please contact:

Kristie Husk, Talent Acquisition Manager or Professor Tony Perkins, Foundation Dean, School of Health

Candidates may be requested to undergo psychometric testing and give permission for verification of their tertiary qualifications.

Prospective candidates interested in applying for this position must demonstrate eligibility to work full-time in Australia. Employment sponsorship opportunities are available for qualified candidates.