Professor of Psychology and Discipline Lead

About

Academic 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. They have attained international recognition in their discipline and can demonstrate significant involvement in and impact on the development of their discipline internationally, which are recognised by their peers as international leadership in the field. They have had consistent success applying for external competitive grants, manage significant research projects and lead and mentor other researchers. The quality and impact of their research can be demonstrated by, for example: the status and consistency of publications or exhibitions with the expectation that publications are in leading journals in the discipline/field; commercialisation or the uptake of intellectual property; citation rates; and the value of their research for social, environmental, cultural and commercial benefit. They can demonstrate sustained and consistent quality supervision of candidates for higher degrees by research (HDR) and mentor other HDR supervisors.
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. They make significant contributions to the teaching effort of the School through both exemplary teaching practice and leadership in teaching. For example, they can: undertake high level management and administrative functions in learning and teaching; be responsible for strategic leadership and policy-making in learning and teaching; provide leadership and foster excellence in the design and development of innovative curricula and program development; demonstrate the ability to influence, motivate and inspire both students and other academic staff. Additional outputs can include: a consistent and substantial record of scholarship in learning and teaching (publications) that is nationally and internationally recognised and has demonstrable impact on learning and teaching in the discipline/field; and grants for teaching innovation (especially external competitive grants). A Professor often provides scholarly leadership that is recognised externally through national learning and teaching awards and grants, and invitations to serve on national panels and deliver keynote addresses at significant learning and teaching conferences.
3. A Professor makes significant contributions to the development and standing of the University and/or regional development. Through leadership in engagement, a Professor is able to demonstrate sustained excellence that has resulted in major outcomes and high levels of recognition and prestige for the University and significant social, economic and cultural impact outside the University. For example, external engagement can involve significant contributions to and outcomes from developing and maintaining strategic and productive partnerships, connections and relationships with people, groups and organisations at local, national and international levels and serving on national panels (for example, ARC panels of experts and other assessment panels) and international panels.
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.

Key Accountabilities

Specific accountabilities for this role include:

1. Learning and Teaching The Professor of Psychology 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.. Utilising technology and innovative teaching methods, you will create engaging learning experiences for students while ensuring that the Biomedical Science programs meet the highest educational standards.
   Your comprehensive support and constructive feedback to students will be essential for their success. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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, modeling 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. In particular, you will be instrumental in leading the accreditation process for the new Masters of Dietetics program.
4. 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 modeling 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 behaviors 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 Psychology and extensive experience as an academic leader.
2. Experience of leadership at a School, Discipline or Program level, specifically in Psychology.
3. Involvement in the development of the Psychology profession at a national and international level, and evidence of having made a clear and formative impact in Psychology.
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-career and early-career Researchers; substantial leadership contributions in the area of Psychology 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. Experience in leading external accreditation of Psychology programs/degrees by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
10. The ability to develop and maintain productive regional, national and international partnerships that reap significant benefits for the University.
11. Formal external and/or internal recognition for excellence in learning and teaching and/or research. (Desirable)

Recruitment process

How to apply

Your application should include:

• Resume
• A cover letter not to exceed one page. This statement should outline your skills, knowledge and qualities that will make you a success at UniSC.
• A response to key selection criteria, provided within the application form process online.

Closing date 

Applications close: Sunday 27 July 2025.

Contact 

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

Professor Tony Perkins, Dean, School of Health or

Kristie Husk, Talent Acquisition Manager

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.