Director - Jawun Research Institute

• Fixed Term (5 year contract), Full Time 
• Office of the Vice-President – Research 
• CQUniversity Cairns or Townsville (Relocation support available)
• Total Remuneration of $238,957 pa (including a salary of $201,922 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Working at CQUniversity

The Jawun Research Institute is a dynamic hub of innovation and collaboration, driving First Nations research and self-determination. Since its establishment in 2017, the Institute has achieved significant growth and impact, securing competitive grants, producing high-quality research, and fostering meaningful community engagement. Recently re-designated as an Institute, Jawun is poised for transformative expansion, with research clusters focusing on health service implementation, language and culture, community resilience, systems reform, Indigenous pedagogies, and biodiscovery. Guided by a commitment to creating impactful outcomes, the Institute cultivates strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community to address critical challenges and deliver lasting change.  

As Director, you will drive the evolution of the Institute by building high-impact collaborations, mentoring research teams, and advancing Indigenous research excellence. You’ll lead dynamic research clusters spanning health, culture, community resilience, biodiscovery, and education, ensuring the Institute remains at the forefront of meaningful change. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to champion First Nations self-determination through innovative partnerships, capacity building, and impactful knowledge creation. 

Join us in shaping a future that honours First Nations culture, advances knowledge, and empowers communities to thrive. 

Be Rewarded

• 6 weeks annual leave (incl. Christmas / New Year closure).
• Generous carers and parental leave.
• 17% superannuation (with the choice of joining an award-winning superfund).
• Flexible and inclusive work / life balance.
• Fantastic staff professional / career development opportunities.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Position Requirements

• Possession of doctoral qualification/s and recognised significant experience in a relevant field of Research (Indigenous Studies; Health Sciences; Language, communications and culture) with a specific focus on First Nations research. 
• Demonstrated academic leadership, including a record of building successful multi-disciplinary teams and driving performance in a large and complex organisational environment. 
• International and/or National reputation for excellence in research as evidenced by peer-reviewed papers in high impact journals. 
• Demonstrated expertise in staff management including performance management, mentoring and motivating a team to obtain high quality outcomes. 
• Development and maintenance of strong professional partnerships with government, industry and community. 

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 12 January 2025

Please note, CQUniversity will be closed from Friday, 20 December 2024, and will reopen Thursday, 2 January 2025. For any vacancy-related questions or technical issues experienced during this time, please email the contact person listed below, and they will respond to you upon their return in the New Year. We wish you a safe and enjoyable festive season. 

Job Requisition ID: 5431

Contact Details: 

Adrian Miller

(07) 4726 5382

[email protected]

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Please note, applicants for the position must have full time work rights.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.