Creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally, and globally, James Cook University (JCU) is looking to appoint a Research Lead, FNQ Connector Team within the Cairns Institute, Division of Research.

This position is offered on a Full time, fixed term basis to May 2027 and is based at our Cairns Nguma-bada campus. ACAD Level D the salary is $155,180 - $170,518 + up to 17% employer superannuation contributions.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF RESEARCH

The Research Division plays a pivotal role in the University by developing and implementing research strategy and policy, identifying and fostering research strength, delivering research services including grants, ethics and commercialisation, managing research infrastructure and promoting and coordinating collaboration with governments, industry, publicly funded research agencies and other universities.

ABOUT FNQ CONNECT

FNQ Connect was created in response to a groundswell of interest and concern from FNQ people with lived experience of disability, their families and communities, together with stakeholders responsible for supporting them. They expressed an urgent need for service reform: current supply of services is outweighed by needs and is well below national standards; inaccuracies in national data conceal these inequities.

WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH IN THE ROLE

The Research Lead, FNQ Connector Team plays a vital role in FNQ Connect, a transformative initiative aimed at integrating and strengthening disability and rehabilitation services in Far North Queensland (FNQ). This position will oversee establishment of a network of hubs across three pilot sites - Kowanyama, the Tablelands and Cairns - bringing together place-based Community Action Groups with Stakeholder Action Groups to implement FNQ Connect’s priorities: connecting care and support; strengthening the local workforce and services; and fostering inclusive communities. Strait Islander communities.

In this role you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of FNQ Connect priorities, ensuring alignment with FNQ Connect’s vision and priorities.
• Mentor, guide, and support the Implementation Team, fostering high performance, professional development, and leadership capabilities within the team.
• Collaborate with regional councils to strengthen and expand existing hubs and provide strategic leadership in planning a central hub in Cairns.
• Strengthen partnerships with health and disability organisations to develop inclusive and culturally safe, responsive integrated care pathways.
• Lead developmental evaluation processes to generate actionable insights, support strategic decision-making, and drive iterative improvements across FNQ Connect.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• PhD or equivalent experience in public health, disability and health, community development or a related field.
• Proven leadership in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, with a demonstrated ability to drive place-based and system-level change through innovative and collaborative approaches.
• Established track record in leading high-impact research on systems change, resulting in widely recognized reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Advanced organisational, project management, and change management skills, with a demonstrated capacity to coordinate and deliver outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with expertise in community development approaches, developmental evaluation methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to foster respectful, effective, and culturally safe collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 12 months paid parental leave
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU?

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

HOW TO APPLY

If you are a passionate academic interested in contributing to this valuable area of our university, please obtain further information and apply via the JCU website by clicking ‘apply for this job’ below.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact either:

Ruth Barker (Project Lead) on 0402 216 786 or email [email protected]

Katrina Bird (Deputy Lead) on 0419 891 618 or via email [email protected]

Applications close 11 April at 11.59pm

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.