About the position
La Trobe University is seeking an outstanding research leader to take on the role of Director, The Summer Foundation Disability Research Centre, a newly established centre within the School of Psychology and Public Health.
This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a purpose‑driven research centre at a critical time for disability housing and support in Australia. The Director will provide strategic leadership for the Centre’s research agenda, build a high‑performing multidisciplinary team, and translate rigorous academic research into real‑world impact for people with disability.
Working at the intersection of research, policy and practice, the role draws on the Summer Foundation’s 16+ years of sector expertise and strong national partnerships to influence systems change, inform policy reform, and improve housing and living outcomes for people with disability with high and complex support needs.
The Director will foster a collaborative, inclusive research culture grounded in co‑design and participatory research, ensuring people with lived experience of disability are central to the Centre’s work. Reporting to the Dean, School of Psychology and Public Health, the role contributes to the School’s research strategy, performance and external engagement at a national and international level.
Skills and Experience
To be considered for this position, you will have:
- A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as psychology, public health, rehabilitation or disability studies
- A distinguished record of research achievement at Professor level or equivalent, including high‑impact publications, competitive research funding and demonstrated research impact
- A strong track record of translating research into policy, practice or systems change, particularly within the disability, housing or health sectors
- Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership to a research centre or large research program, including staff leadership and performance management
- Proven success in building and sustaining collaborative partnerships with government agencies, disability organisations, service providers and people with lived experience
- A deep understanding of issues affecting people with disability and a commitment to inclusive, accessible and ethical research practices
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Capacity to contribute to teaching, supervision of HDR students and research training
- A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including creating respectful and accessible working environments
- Demonstrated experience in governance, strategic planning and performance
- A strong record of research leadership and capacity building, including mentoring researchers across career stages, HDR supervision and developing research capability within multidisciplinary teams.
Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
Benefits
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On site child care facilities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
Closing Date:
By 11:55pm on Sunday 30 August
Enquiries:
recruitment@latrobe.edu.au
Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- An up‑to‑date resume; and
- cover letter
Please scroll down to apply.
We’d love to stay connected!
If you would like to find out more about this School, please follow us on LinkedIn:
School of Psychology and Public Health
https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-of-psychology-and-public-health-la-trobe-university/
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
Our commitment to safety
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
National Code on Gender Based Violence in Higher Education
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability.
Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non‑physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.
Why La Trobe
Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics.
Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future.
