"Research Lead, Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine"

Job Description

• Lead a nationally significant, industry‑embedded research agenda
  Drive a high‑impact research program in formal partnership with Ambulance Victoria, shaping the future of paramedicine, emergency services and community health.
• Senior leadership role with real system influence
  Provide strategic academic leadership across university, industry and government, guiding research translation, governance and sector-wide impact.
• Be part of a flagship initiative within VU’s Research & Impact Portfolio
  Join a high‑profile centre that integrates research, education, simulation and industry collaboration—supporting VU’s vision to be a global leader in dual‑sector learning and research by 2028.

About VU

At Victoria University, our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in our Strategic Plan 2022-2028: Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers “Thriving place to Study and Work” will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.

About the Team

The Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine (CoEP) is a flagship initiative within Victoria University’s Research & Impact Portfolio, delivered in formal partnership with Ambulance Victoria. The team brings together senior academics, researchers and industry experts to tackle complex challenges in emergency services, paramedicine practice and community health.

The Centre delivers research, education and innovation with a strong focus on co‑design, real‑world impact and workforce-centred solutions. It works collaboratively with government, community organisations and First Nations partners to drive system improvement and future workforce capability.

Joining the Centre means being part of an engaged, purpose‑driven team committed to ethical practice, innovation and genuine partnership—contributing to research that strengthens community outcomes and supports VU’s ambition to be a leading impact‑driven university by 2030.

About the Role

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Impact, the Research Lead provides strategic leadership, governance and impact oversight for the Centre’s research program. The role focuses on translating industry and system priorities into coherent, ethical and high-impact research programs, while representing the Centre at senior institutional and sector levels.

Consistent with Academic Level D expectations, the position makes a substantial contribution to research leadership, partnership development and academic citizenship. While scholarly expertise is essential, the emphasis of the role is on program leadership, translation and impact, rather than individual research output alone.

Position Key Duties

• Provide senior academic leadership for the Centre’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with Ambulance Victoria priorities and Victoria University’s Research & Impact Plan.
• Lead and govern a portfolio of applied, industry-embedded research projects, from strategic conception through to delivery, evaluation and impact.
• Build and sustain high-level partnerships with industry, government, community and First Nations stakeholders to enable co-designed research and shared outcomes.
• Oversee research governance, including prioritisation, ethics, reporting, data governance and risk management across the portfolio.
• Drive translation of research into policy, practice, workforce development and system improvement.
• Contribute to research capability building, mentoring and academic leadership within the University and the Centre.

Salary

Academic Level D, $166,999 – $183,978 per annum (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions

Employment Type

Fixed term position available for 18 months

Hours

14.7 hours per week (0.4FTE)

Location

Footscray Park

For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine – Research Lead Position Description

About You

You are a senior researcher and research leader with a strong track record in applied or industry-embedded research. You bring credibility with external partners, confidence operating in complex governance environments, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams toward shared impact.

You will have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline, or equivalent senior industry research experience, with evidence of national standing.
• Demonstrated leadership in shaping, governing and delivering complex applied research portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of research governance, ethics and compliance in university–industry contexts.
• Proven experience building and leading high-level partnerships across industry, government and community.
• Excellent communication and influence skills, including experience preparing senior-level advice and reports.
• A demonstrated contribution to research leadership, academic governance and collegial life consistent with Level D standards.

Experience in emergency services, health systems, workforce-focused research, or large-scale university–industry initiatives will be highly regarded, as will experience embedding First Nations knowledges and culturally safe research practice.

The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following:

• A cover letter that includes a short statement addressing the key selection criteria located in the position description
• Your curriculum vitae/resume

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 22 March 2026 @ 11:55PM. Early Applications are strongly encouraged.