Professor, Regional and Community Development

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.

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