Careers at UniSC

• School of Health, UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Academic Level E, $210,571 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, Ongoing position

The Opportunity

UniSC has designated Healthy Ageing as one of the school’s strategic priority areas. The goal is to better integrate and extend university-wide efforts to address the health and social needs of an ageing population through research, training and practice, and encourage more students to pursue careers where they can make a difference in this field.

To achieve this ambition, the School of Health is establishing a new academic position, the Professor of Healthy Ageing, to provide leadership and join an integrated multidisciplinary team of researchers in the recently formed Healthy Ageing Research Cluster. Our vision is to enhance the health and wellbeing of older adults living in regional communities through innovative and proactive approaches to promote functional ability and independent living. This vision is reflected in the six research themes of the cluster and recognises that the health of older adults is determined by the functional capacity of the individual, and their functional capability determined by the environment and communities in which they live.

The Healthy Ageing Research Cluster brings together more than 50 members of academic staff, including nine research active staff at the level of Professor or Associate Professor, and a large group of early-mid career researchers. Cluster members represent a wide range of discipline from the School of Health, the School of Business and Creative Industries, the School of Science, Technology and Engineering, the School of Law and Society, as well as the UniSC Thompson Institute. As a collective, members of the research cluster have generated more than $6million in research revenue and published ~700 papers over the past five years. Our research is partnered with local and international collaborators, including leading providers of residential and in-home aged care services.

The Professor of Healthy Ageing will aim to:

1. Consolidate Healthy Ageing as a focal area for the school and build the reputation of UniSC as a national and international leader in teaching, research and practice related to health and ageing.
2. Enhance collaboration across the university and build partnerships with industry for training, education and research in healthy ageing.
3. Address contemporary policy and practice consequences and challenges associated with population ageing focusing on aged care and healthy ageing.
4. Forge interdisciplinary research teams, pursue teaching innovation, and enhance collaboration with government, peak bodies, health and aged care services, and community groups.
5. Provide leadership in the development and evaluation of new models and approaches to healthy ageing and the care of older people

About you:

Our ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a passion for advancing healthy ageing research, a dedication to improving aged care services, and the ability to inspire and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.

You will possess a comprehensive blend of academic excellence, leadership prowess, and a deep commitment to advancing healthy ageing research. You will hold a doctoral qualification in ageing research or a related field, and a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in promoting health and well being among older adults. Your expertise extends beyond academia, encompassing extensive experience in supervising and mentoring both emerging and established researchers, ensuring the timely fruition of impactful research endeavours.

Our ideal candidate would boast a profound reputation within the academic community, both nationally and internationally. Your distinguished research program, characterised by competitive grants, strategic industry partnerships, and a portfolio of high-impact publications, will seamlessly complement the existing research profile of the School of Health. In addition to your research strengths, you will possess a proven track record of excellence in teaching, marked by innovative pedagogical approaches and tangible contributions to student learning outcomes. Your leadership will extend beyond the confines of the classroom, with a keen ability to foster collaborative relationships and cultivate strategic alliances with key stakeholders across diverse sectors.

Selection criteria:

1. In-depth knowledge of and completion of a doctoral qualification in ageing research (Healthy Ageing) or a related discipline, and extensive experience as an academic leader.
2. Experience in people leadership within the higher education sector, including demonstrated success in supervising and/or mentoring HDRs, ECRs and MCRs towards success.
3. Experience in mentoring research students and a demonstrated experience in supervising higher degree by research candidates to timely completion with impactful research outputs.
4. National and international reputation in their discipline or area of expertise, with a supporting research program that compliments the existing research profile of the School of Health, including competitive research grants, industry partnerships, high-impact publications and evidence of recognition within the broader research community.
5. Sustained record of excellence in learning and teaching, as evidenced through successful student outcomes, demonstrated impact on student learning, recognition through awards/prizes and innovation.
6. Wide network of established relationships with key academic, industry and professional institutions, partners and stakeholders that can be leveraged to enhance the standing of the School and University.
7. The ability to develop and maintain productive regional, national and international partnerships that reap significant benefits for the University.
8. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop and implement innovative and practical solutions to diverse and complex problems, exercise independent judgement, and accept accountability for outcomes.
9. Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiation skills, including the ability to develop and sustain collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
10. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of a diverse range of students, including those with disabilities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

 Professor of Healthy Ageing_candidate prospectus.pdf

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Friday 2 June 2024.

Your completed application will include a detailed response to the selection criteria, an up-to-date CV and a cover letter expressing your interest in this role.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Tony Perkins

Foundation Dean of Health,

aperkins1@usc.edu.au

or

Kristie Husk

Talent Acquisition Manager

+61 418 884 610 or khusk@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. In 2023 we recorded the biggest improvement in Australia for research quality, moving up more than 331 places in the world rank.

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.