Principal Research Fellow (Research-only, Level D)

Job Description:

• Part-time (0.8 FTE), Fixed-term until November 2029
• Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
• Academic Level D | Research-only

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About the role

La Trobe University is seeking an outstanding Principal Research Fellow (Research-only, Level D) to provide research leadership and strategic oversight across the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine (LASEM) Research Centre, with a particular focus on the HERknee Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) and associated HERsport research programs.

This senior role combines high-level research leadership with executive and operational responsibility for large-scale, multi-institution research initiatives. The successful candidate will lead nationally and internationally recognised programs aimed at reducing the burden of musculoskeletal injury and arthritis in women and girls, while strengthening La Trobe’s profile as a global leader in sport and exercise medicine research.

The role is ideal for an established researcher with a strong record of competitive grant success, experience leading complex research portfolios, and a commitment to mentoring researchers and higher degree research (HDR) candidates.

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Key responsibilities

The Principal Research Fellow will:

• Provide strategic research leadership across the HERsport research programs and HERknee CRE, including Prep‑to‑Play, protectHER and By Her Side initiatives
• Lead, manage and coordinate large, multi‑disciplinary research projects and teams, ensuring alignment with Centre, School and University priorities
• Secure competitive research funding (NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and other Category 1 grants) and oversee robust governance, compliance and financial management across multiple grants
• Provide executive leadership for HERknee CRE operations, including planning, governance, performance monitoring and capability building
• Build and sustain high‑impact partnerships with industry, government and national and international research collaborators
• Supervise and mentor researchers, research support staff and HDR candidates to completion
• Drive knowledge translation activities, including professional education, conferences, public engagement and digital platforms
• Contribute to the collegial life, reputation and research culture of LASEM, the School and La Trobe University

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Skills and experience

To be successful, you will have:

• A completed PhD (or equivalent standing) with a strong research profile in sport, exercise or health‑related fields aligned to HERsport
• An outstanding, nationally and/or internationally recognised research record, including high-quality publications and research impact
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive external research funding
• Proven experience leading large research teams and managing complex research budgets and governance requirements
• A strong record of supervising HDR candidates to completion
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including performance development, inclusive team culture and change leadership
• A commitment to reflective practice, equity, inclusion and respectful research environments

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Why work with us?

La Trobe University is a values‑driven institution with a strong commitment to research excellence, social justice and community impact. We offer:

• Flexible work arrangements to support work‑life balance
• A collaborative, inclusive and purpose‑led research environment
• Access to outstanding research infrastructure and multidisciplinary networks
• Salary packaging benefits and leave loading
• Opportunities to lead nationally significant research with real‑world impact

Discover our staff benefits: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/jobs/working/benefits

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How to apply

Closing Date: By 11:55pm on 17 May

Position Enquiries: Melissa Magaton Senior Talent Partner E: m.magaton@latrobe.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: recruitment@latrobe.edu.au

Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• An up‑to‑date resume; and
• cover letter

Please scroll down to apply.