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. 

Who to Contact?

For further information relating to the position, please contact Trevor Lawrence, Program Manager, Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine - Mobile: +61 437 473 457.

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.

Why Join VU

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment to Protecting Country

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share. 

 Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity

VU is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. We are proud to be a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

 Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment

VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including accessible formats of documents, please contact us at inclusivecareers@vu.edu.au or call (03) 9919 5999.

Centre of Excellence Paramedicine – Research Lead

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