James Cook University

Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor

James Cook University

Closes: Jan 1, 1900

Salary: A$111,960 – A$128,567 per year

495426
Townsville
Professional
Full time
Closing on: Jul 26 2026
12 month Fixed Term Contract
Full time - 36.25 hours per week
HEWL 8 - $111,960 - $128,567 + 17% Super and great benefits
Shape the next generation of researchers
Based in Townsville where you can enjoy a tropical lifestyle and have a career!

At James Cook University (JCU), we are committed to creating a brighter future for the people of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide. As Australia’s leading tropical university, our research tackles some of the world’s most pressing challenges and creates meaningful impact for communities locally and globally.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor to join the Graduate Research School within the Research Division. In this rewarding role, you'll play a pivotal part in enhancing the experience of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, researchers and research support staff through the development and delivery of engaging research training and researcher development initiatives.

Why you'll love this role

This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the research community at JCU. You'll design and deliver impactful learning experiences, foster meaningful connections across the university, and help develop the skills and capabilities of emerging and established researchers.

You'll enjoy a highly collaborative environment where creativity, innovation and continuous improvement are valued, while working alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to research excellence.

What you'll be doing

As the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor, you will:

Design and deliver contemporary research training and researcher development programs across multiple campuses and online platforms.
Create engaging learning materials and content that maximise participant engagement and learning outcomes.
Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to source expert presenters and facilitators.
Evaluate program effectiveness, analyse feedback and outcomes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Collaborate across the university to strengthen pathways into Higher Degree by Research programs and support successful research outcomes.
Contribute to the strategic objectives and success of the Graduate Research School, Research Division and the broader university.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who is passionate about learning, community building and supporting researcher success.

You will demonstrate:

Experience working within a university or research-focused environment and an understanding of the needs of researchers and research students.
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
Experience developing networks, fostering community engagement and coordinating events, workshops or professional development activities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Excellent written and digital communication skills, including the development of engaging online content and learning resources.

Why James Cook University?

At JCU, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to developing the skills, knowledge and capability of our staff while fostering a culture of respect, excellence and sustainability.

When you join JCU, you'll become part of a university that is:

Driven by purpose and impact.
Committed to research excellence and innovation.
Focused on creating opportunities for growth and professional development.
Guided by the values of Excellence, Authenticity, Integrity and Respect

You'll enjoy

A collaborative and supportive team environment.
Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate.
Generous superannuation and leave entitlements.
Professional development opportunities.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're excited about empowering researchers, building vibrant learning communities and contributing to world-class research outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit the JCU Careers Page and follow these steps:

Complete the online application form
Upload your current resume
Upload a cover letter outlining your experience and how your skills align with the role

For more information, please contact Gabby Ryan via email gabby.ryan@jcu.edu.au

Job details

Title: Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor
Employer: James Cook University
Location: Townsville QLD, Australia
Published: Jul 9, 2026
Closes:: Jan 1, 1900
Job type: Full time, Staff / Administration, Technical and Career
Field: Laboratory and Research
Salary: Salary: A$111,960 – A$128,567 per year

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About the employer

James Cook University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover JCU jobs, connecting talented professionals with exciting career opportunities at one of Australia’s leading tropical research universities. James Cook University, with campuses in Townsville, Cairns, and Singapore, is renowned for its world-class research in tropical environments, making JCU uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals globally. JCU careers offer a dynamic and purpose-driven environment for individuals to thrive. JCU university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the university’s key areas of academic specialization, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical medicine, Indigenous studies, and engineering. Employment JCU includes roles such as lecturers, research fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing JCU jobs Queensland, the university’s tropical campuses provide a vibrant workplace surrounded by unique ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. JCU uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, groundbreaking research, and administrative roles. Jobs at JCU cover fields like biodiversity conservation, public health, and sustainable development, aligning with the university’s mission to address global challenges in tropical regions. Each JCU vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives within a supportive academic community. JCU Employment Opportunities are extensive, with JCU job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A JCU Career offers the chance to join an institution that values innovation, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship. JCU uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest JCU vacancies. Jobs at JCU uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge and sustainability. JCU job postings include positions in education, social sciences, and professional services such as IT and student support. JCU Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with JCU Uni vacancies, offering a seamless way to join a prestigious university driving progress in the tropics and beyond.

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Exciting Opportunity for Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor at James Cook University

James Cook University is currently seeking a dedicated professional to fill the position of Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor based in Townsville, Queensland. This 12-month fixed-term full-time role offers an attractive salary range of $111,960 to $128,567 plus 17% superannuation and represents a chance to directly influence the skills and capabilities of higher degree by research candidates and established researchers across the institution.

The Graduate Research School at JCU plays a central role in supporting the university's research mission, and this advisor position sits at the heart of efforts to deliver high-quality training programs that prepare researchers for success in both academic and non-academic pathways.

JCU's Commitment to Tropical Research Excellence

As Australia's leading tropical research university, James Cook University focuses its efforts on addressing challenges relevant to Northern Australia and the broader tropics. Research at JCU spans marine science, tropical health, environmental sustainability, agriculture, and Indigenous knowledge systems, creating a vibrant ecosystem where training and development initiatives must be tailored to unique regional contexts.

The university maintains campuses in Townsville and Cairns, along with international operations in Singapore, allowing the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor to design programs that reach participants across multiple locations and through online platforms.

The Growing Importance of Structured Researcher Development in Australian Higher Education

Researcher development has become a cornerstone of successful higher education institutions in Australia. Higher Degree by Research programs, which include doctoral and masters by research degrees, produce graduates who contribute significantly to the national innovation system. Effective training goes beyond core research skills to encompass project management, communication, ethical conduct, career planning, and engagement with industry and community stakeholders.

Recent surveys of early- and mid-career researchers highlight widespread career uncertainty and the need for targeted support programs. Institutions that invest in comprehensive development frameworks see improved retention, higher completion rates, and stronger research outputs from their cohorts.

Key Responsibilities of the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor

In this role, the successful candidate will design and deliver contemporary research training and researcher development programs. This includes creating engaging learning materials for workshops, seminars, and online modules that maximise participant outcomes across diverse research disciplines.

Building partnerships with internal faculties and external experts forms another core duty, ensuring access to high-caliber facilitators and relevant content. The advisor will also evaluate program effectiveness through feedback analysis and outcome tracking, identifying areas for continuous improvement and innovation.

Additional responsibilities involve collaborating to strengthen pathways into HDR programs and supporting successful research outcomes for both candidates and supervisors. Contribution to the strategic goals of the Graduate Research School and the wider Research Division rounds out the position's scope.

Essential Skills and Experience Required for Success

Applicants should bring experience working in a university or research-focused environment, along with a clear understanding of the needs of researchers and research students. Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities are essential for engaging stakeholders from varied backgrounds.

Proven experience in developing networks, coordinating events or professional development activities, and fostering community engagement will be highly valued. Strong analytical skills, combined with a focus on continuous improvement, help drive program enhancements over time.

Excellent written and digital communication capabilities, including the creation of compelling online content and learning resources, complete the profile of an ideal candidate.

Supportive Work Environment and Professional Benefits at JCU

James Cook University emphasises a collaborative and supportive team culture where creativity and innovation are encouraged. Staff enjoy flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate, generous leave entitlements, and access to ongoing professional development opportunities.

The role aligns with JCU's core values of excellence, authenticity, integrity, and respect, providing a meaningful platform for individuals passionate about empowering the next generation of researchers.

Impact on HDR Candidates and Broader Research Community

Effective researcher development programs directly enhance the HDR experience by equipping candidates with transferable skills that improve thesis completion rates and post-graduation employability. At JCU, initiatives through the Graduate Research School and Researcher Development Portal already provide frameworks for skill-building in areas such as research planning, management, conduct, personal development, and career management.

The advisor will extend these offerings, helping address common challenges faced by early-career researchers including building confidence in communication, navigating funding landscapes, and establishing productive collaborations.

Regional Advantages of the Townsville Location

Based in Townsville, the position offers the rare combination of a rewarding professional role and a tropical lifestyle. The city provides access to the Great Barrier Reef, diverse natural environments, and a growing regional economy supported by research and education sectors.

This setting allows the advisor to develop programs with strong connections to local industries such as marine science, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management, enriching training content with real-world relevance.

JCU top careers on Academic Jobs Australia

Future Directions in Researcher Training and Development

The field of researcher development continues to evolve with increasing emphasis on digital delivery, integration of generative AI tools in ethical research practices, and stronger links between academia and industry. Programs must also address equity, diversity, and inclusion to support researchers from all backgrounds.

Roles like the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor are instrumental in positioning universities to meet these emerging needs while maintaining high standards of research integrity and impact.

How to Apply for the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor Position

Applications close on 26 July 2026. Interested candidates should complete the online application form via the JCU careers portal, upload a current resume, and provide a cover letter that clearly outlines relevant experience and alignment with the role requirements.

For further information, prospective applicants can contact Gabby Ryan at gabby.ryan@jcu.edu.au. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to make a tangible contribution to research excellence in one of Australia's most distinctive university environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

📋What does the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor role involve at JCU?

The role focuses on designing and delivering contemporary training programs, creating learning materials, building stakeholder partnerships, evaluating program outcomes, and supporting pathways into Higher Degree by Research programs through the Graduate Research School.

📈Why is researcher development important in Australian universities?

Researcher development equips Higher Degree by Research candidates and early-career researchers with essential skills in project management, communication, ethics, and career planning, leading to higher completion rates and better research outcomes across the sector.

💰What salary and benefits are offered for this position?

The role is classified at HEWL 8 with a salary range of $111,960 to $128,567 plus 17% superannuation. Additional benefits include flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and generous leave entitlements.

🎓What experience is needed to apply for the Research Training and Researcher Development Advisor role?

Ideal candidates have experience in a university or research environment, strong communication and relationship-building skills, event coordination or professional development experience, and proficiency in creating digital learning resources.

🏛️How does JCU support researcher training through its Graduate Research School?

The Graduate Research School offers workshops, scholarships, advisor support, professional development programs, and resources via the Researcher Development Portal to help candidates succeed throughout their research journey.

🔍What challenges do early-career researchers face in Australia?

Surveys of early- and mid-career researchers reveal widespread career uncertainty, high competition for funding, and the need for clearer progression pathways, making dedicated development roles increasingly valuable.

📅Is this a permanent or fixed-term position?

This is a 12-month fixed-term full-time contract offering valuable experience in a dynamic higher education setting with potential for future opportunities within the university.

🌟How can the role contribute to research excellence at JCU?

By enhancing training programs and fostering skill development, the advisor helps improve HDR completion rates, research quality, and the overall capability of the university's research community.

🌴What makes Townsville an attractive location for this role?

Townsville combines professional opportunities at a leading tropical research university with a relaxed tropical lifestyle, access to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, and strong connections to regional industries.

🔗Where can I find more information about applying?

Visit the official JCU careers page for the full position description and application instructions. Contact Gabby Ryan at gabby.ryan@jcu.edu.au for role-specific enquiries.

🇦🇺How does this role align with national research priorities?

The position supports Australia's need for highly skilled researchers by strengthening training frameworks, which aligns with reports from Universities Australia and other bodies emphasising workforce development in research and innovation.