Job Description:

• 5-year fixed-term contract
• Full time - 36.25 hours per week
• Based at either the Townsville campus or in Cairns at The Cairns Institute
• Level E $210,239 + 17% Super and Excellent Benefits

Shape the future of Northern Australia and beyond

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an outstanding and visionary academic leader to join The Cairns Institute as Professor, Regional and Community Development.

The Professor, Regional and Community Development role leads high quality, externally funded research, policy-relevant inquiry, and applied consultancy addressing complex regional and community development challenges, including place-based economic transformations that support sustainable livelihoods, resilient communities and nature positive environmental stewardship.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead impactful, interdisciplinary research that addresses the opportunities and challenges facing regional and remote communities across Northern Australia and comparable global regions. Working at the intersection of research, policy and practice, you will drive innovative approaches to sustainable regional development, resilient communities, and nature-positive economic transformation.

At JCU, our commitment to the tropics, regional communities, reconciliation and sustainability is central to who we are. In this role, you will help shape policy, influence investment and deliver meaningful outcomes that improve social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing.

About the Role

As Professor, Regional and Community Development, you will provide strategic academic leadership across research, engagement and impact. You will build and strengthen partnerships with government, industry, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, communities and research collaborators to deliver high-quality, externally funded research with real-world outcomes.

The role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead nationally and internationally recognised research programs
• Influence regional development policy and practice
• Secure major competitive research and consultancy funding
• Mentor and inspire emerging researchers and HDR candidates
• Build strong collaborative partnerships across sectors and communities
• Contribute to strategic institutional leadership at JCU

About You

You are an established and respected leader with a strong track record of impact in regional and community development, whether through academia, government, industry, consultancy or community leadership.

You will bring:

• A doctoral qualification or equivalent professional standing
• Demonstrated leadership at Professor/Level E (or equivalent)
• A recognised profile in regional and community development
• Success in securing significant external funding
• Experience working collaboratively with regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Strong leadership and mentoring capability
• A passion for delivering research that creates meaningful change

We welcome applicants from diverse career pathways and recognise that excellence can be demonstrated through a range of academic, professional, policy and practice-based achievements.

Why James Cook University?

Located in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, JCU is internationally recognised for excellence in research and teaching that makes a difference to the people and environments of the tropics.

At The Cairns Institute, you will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment focused on complex regional and global challenges. This is an opportunity to undertake deeply meaningful work while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle in one of Australia’s most unique and beautiful regions.

Join Us

If you are passionate about shaping resilient futures for regional communities and delivering research with genuine impact, we would love to hear from you.

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit the JCU Careers Page and follow these steps:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your experience and how your skills align with the role

For more information, please contact Distinguished Professor Stewart Lockie, Director, The Cairns Institute on +61 7 4232 1888 or via email stewart.lockie@jcu.edu.au