Evaluation Lead Role Emerges as Key Driver in QUT's New School of Medicine
Australia's higher education landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with universities placing greater emphasis on rigorous program evaluation to ensure educational quality, regulatory compliance, and positive student outcomes. At Queensland University of Technology, the establishment of the new School of Medicine has created a timely opportunity for an Evaluation Lead to shape these processes from the ground up.
This fixed-term position offers a unique chance for experienced professionals to contribute to a forward-thinking medical education program designed to prepare the healthcare workforce of the future. The role focuses on building an integrated evaluation framework that supports curriculum development, learner success, and accreditation standards.
Understanding Program Evaluation in Health Professions Education
Program evaluation in higher education refers to the systematic collection and analysis of information about the effectiveness of educational initiatives. In medical and health professions contexts, it encompasses assessing curriculum design, teaching methods, clinical placements, and graduate readiness for practice. Evaluation leads use established frameworks to gather both qualitative insights from stakeholders and quantitative data on performance metrics.
Effective evaluation goes beyond simple feedback surveys. It involves designing robust tools, ensuring data governance meets ethical and privacy standards, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for continuous improvement. This process helps institutions like QUT maintain high standards while adapting to changing healthcare needs and regulatory expectations.
The Rise of Dedicated Evaluation Positions in Australian Universities
Over recent years, Australian universities have expanded professional roles dedicated to evaluation and quality assurance. These positions have grown alongside increasing demands for accountability in teaching and learning outcomes. Factors driving this trend include national regulatory requirements, the need for evidence-based decision making, and a focus on equity in student experiences.
Universities are recognising that strong evaluation practices lead to better resource allocation, improved student retention, and stronger graduate employability. In the health education sector particularly, evaluation supports alignment with clinical practice standards and prepares students for complex real-world environments.
QUT School of Medicine: A New Chapter in Medical Training
Queensland University of Technology's School of Medicine represents an ambitious addition to the Australian medical education sector. With a vision centred on innovation, compassion, and excellence, the school aims to deliver courses that combine rigorous academic preparation with extensive real-world clinical experience.
Research within the school spans key areas including cardiology, genomics, emergency medicine, oncology, and paediatrics. The Evaluation Lead will play a central part in ensuring that these educational offerings meet the highest possible standards from day one, supporting both internal quality goals and external accreditation processes.
Core Responsibilities of the Evaluation Lead Position
The successful candidate will lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive evaluation strategy for the entire medical program. Key duties include selecting appropriate evaluation methods, managing data collection and analysis, and synthesising results into reports that inform curriculum refinements.
Collaboration is essential. The role requires working closely with academic leaders, clinical educators, professional staff, and external partners to align evaluation activities with broader institutional objectives. Oversight of technology-enabled tools and adherence to governance protocols will also form important parts of the workload.
- Developing integrated evaluation plans across multiple program components
- Applying mixed-methods approaches to assess educational effectiveness
- Ensuring alignment with accreditation and quality assurance frameworks
- Building capability among faculty through training and guidance
- Producing evidence for continuous improvement and regulatory submissions
Essential Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in higher education, health professions education, or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent expertise through substantial professional experience. Demonstrated success in leading program-level evaluation in medical or health education settings is highly valued.
Strong capabilities in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, combined with knowledge of medical education accreditation standards, will be critical. Experience working in complex organisational environments and engaging diverse stakeholder groups will further strengthen applications.
Benefits and Working Arrangements at QUT
QUT offers a supportive environment for professional staff, including hybrid working options at the Kelvin Grove campus. The fixed-term, part-time role runs until the end of 2026, providing flexibility for those seeking to make a meaningful contribution without a permanent commitment.
Remuneration is competitive, with ranges reflecting the level of responsibility. Additional benefits include generous superannuation contributions, leave loading, parental leave provisions, and access to professional development opportunities. The university actively supports work-life balance and career growth.
Broader Impact on Australian Higher Education Quality
Roles like the Evaluation Lead at QUT contribute to national efforts to strengthen medical education standards. High-quality evaluation practices help ensure that graduates are well-prepared for clinical practice, which ultimately benefits patients and healthcare systems across Australia.
As more universities establish or expand health-related programs, the demand for skilled evaluation professionals is expected to continue growing. This creates pathways for individuals passionate about educational improvement to advance their careers while making tangible differences in student and institutional success.
How to Pursue This Opportunity
Current QUT staff and eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to consider this position. The role offers the chance to influence a new medical school at a critical stage of its development.
Applications close on 15 June 2026. Interested candidates can find full details and submit applications through the official channels. This represents an excellent opportunity to apply expertise in evaluation within one of Australia's dynamic higher education institutions.
For more information on this specific role, visit the dedicated listing on AcademicJobs.com.
