Professor of Healthy Ageing

Australia

School of Health, UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs

Academic Level E, $210,571 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

Full-time, Ongoing position

The Opportunity

UniSC has designated Healthy Ageing as one of the school’s strategic priority areas. The goal is to better integrate and extend university-wide efforts to address the health and social needs of an ageing population through research, training and practice, and encourage more students to pursue careers where they can make a difference in this field.

To achieve this ambition, the School of Health is establishing a new academic position, the Professor of Healthy Ageing, to provide leadership and join an integrated multidisciplinary team of researchers in the recently formed Healthy Ageing Research Cluster. Our vision is to enhance the health and wellbeing of older adults living in regional communities through innovative and proactive approaches to promote functional ability and independent living. This vision is reflected in the six research themes of the cluster and recognises that the health of older adults is determined by the functional capacity of the individual, and their functional capability determined by the environment and communities in which they live.

The Healthy Ageing Research Cluster brings together more than 50 members of academic staff, including nine research active staff at the level of Professor or Associate Professor, and a large group of early-mid career researchers. Cluster members represent a wide range of discipline from the School of Health, the School of Business and Creative Industries, the School of Science, Technology and Engineering, the School of Law and Society, as well as the UniSC Thompson Institute. As a collective, members of the research cluster have generated more than $6million in research revenue and published ~700 papers over the past five years. Our research is partnered with local and international collaborators, including leading providers of residential and in-home aged care services.

The Professor of Healthy Ageing will aim to:

Consolidate Healthy Ageing as a focal area for the school and build the reputation of UniSC as a national and international leader in teaching, research and practice related to health and ageing.

Enhance collaboration across the university and build partnerships with industry for training, education and research in healthy ageing.

Address contemporary policy and practice consequences and challenges associated with population ageing focusing on aged care and healthy ageing.

Forge interdisciplinary research teams, pursue teaching innovation, and enhance collaboration with government, peak bodies, health and aged care services, and community groups.

Provide leadership in the development and evaluation of new models and approaches to healthy ageing and the care of older people

About you:

Our ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the strategic issues and political priorities within the Aged Care and higher education sectors. Your leadership will be instrumental in designing innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Allied Health/Nursing, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for professional practice. Your proven track record in people leadership, mentoring early career researchers, and guiding research candidates to completion accentuates your commitment to academic excellence and student success.

You will also be a renowned figure in Aged Care research, with a national and international reputation supported by competitive grants and impactful publications. Your extensive network of relationships within the Aged Care community, spanning academic, industry, and professional spheres, will be leveraged to enhance our institution's standing and foster collaboration. With your exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, you will navigate diverse stakeholder landscapes, forging mutually beneficial partnerships on regional, national, and international levels.

Selection criteria:

Completion of a doctoral qualification in Nursing (Aged Care) or related discipline and extensive experience as an academic leader.

An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key strategic issues and political priorities in the Aged Care and higher education sectors.

Strategic leadership for designing contemporary undergraduate and postgraduate Allied Health/ Nursing programs that prepare graduates for professional practice and registration with AHPRA.

Experience in people leadership within the higher education sector, including demonstrated success in supervising and/or mentoring others towards success.

Experience in mentoring early career researchers and supervising higher degree by research candidates in health research to completion with evidence that students have completed on time with research output.

National and international reputation in Aged Care research, with a supporting research profile including competitive research grants, publications, evidence translation impact in the Aged Care sector and recognition as a contemporary leader within the broader research community.

Wide network of established relationships in Aged Care with key academic, industry and professional institutions, partners and stakeholders that can be leveraged to enhance the standing of the School and University.

Ability to develop and maintain impactful regional, national and international Aged Care partnerships.

Interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiation skills, including the demonstrated ability to develop and sustain collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Professor of Healthy Ageing_candidate prospectus.pdf

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Friday 2 June 2024.

Your completed application will include a detailed response to the selection criteria, an up-to-date CV and a cover letter expressing your interest in this role.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact [email protected]

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Tony Perkins

Foundation Dean of Health,

[email protected]

or

Kristie Husk

Talent Acquisition Manager

+61 418 884 610 or [email protected]

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. In 2023 we recorded the biggest improvement in Australia for research quality, moving up more than 331 places in the world rank.

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.

Modern teaching & research facilities.

Professional development and career pathway opportunities.

We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.

Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.

Salary packing options + 17% Super.

EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.

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