Centre Director, Margaret Roderick Centre for Mental Health Research

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

Are you a passionate leader in mental health research, ready to make a tangible difference in healthcare? Join us as the Centre Director of the Margaret Roderick Centre for Mental Health Research.

• Part-time: 0.5 FTE (18.125 hours per week)
• Fixed-term to June 2027
• Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas
• Academic Level E: $198,653 per annum (pro-rata) plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of mental health research and drive meaningful change within the healthcare sector. As the Centre Director, you will lead strategic initiatives and partnerships, working closely with an External Advisory Board of clinical representatives and key stakeholders. Your role will be pivotal in aligning the Centre’s research with societal and clinical priorities, ensuring that our work remains responsive to evolving healthcare challenges. This position calls for a visionary leader who can translate complex clinical and research insights into actionable strategies, drive research that bridges the gap between academic research and clinical practice, and enhance the Centre’s reputation as a leader in mental health research translation.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A clinical or professional background in mental health (from any health discipline).
• Deep understanding of the processes and challenges of translating academic research into real-world clinical practice.
• Previous experience in aligning research outcomes with societal and clinical needs, ensuring practical impact.
• Demonstrated experience in developing research strategies and enhancing capacity-building initiatives for researchers.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community, government, and clinical stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex clinical and research insights into actionable strategies for diverse audiences.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading (pro-rata)
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year (pro-rata)
• Cash out annual leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare, medical services, gym and cafes.

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the selection criteria and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.

Applications close on 8 December at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Pauline Calleja on (07) 4781 6790 or via email - [email protected].

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

Interviews will be held in January 2025.

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

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

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 community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.