Fixed Term (4 years), Full-Time
Professor Classification Level E
Base salary fromPROFESSOR LEVEL E + 17% superannuation
About the position
La Trobe University is seeking an outstanding research leader to take on the role ofDirector, The Summer Disability Research Centre, established through a strategic partnership between The Summer Foundation and the School of Psychology and Public Health at La Trobe University.This unique position is funded by The Summer Foundation and provides the opportunity to lead a nationally significant program of disability research.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a purpose-driven research centre focused on generating evidence that improves housing, support and living outcomes for people with disability with high support needs. The Director will provide strategic leadership for the Centre's research agenda, secure competitive and philanthropic funding, build a high-performing, multidisciplinary research team, and ensure that research findings are translated into policy, practice, and systems change.
Working at the intersection of research, policy, innovation and practice, the role draws on The Summer Foundation's extensive sector expertise, lived experience partnerships and national policy influence to generate rigorous evidence that informs policy reform, service innovation and systems change for people with disability with high support needs.
The Director will foster a collaborative, inclusive research culture grounded in co-design and participatory research, ensuring people with lived experience of disability are central to the Centre s work. Reporting to the Dean, School of Psychology and Public Health, the role contributes to the School s research strategy, performance and external engagement at a national and international level.
Skills and Experience
To be considered for this position, you will have:
A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as psychology, public health, social sciences, rehabilitation or disability studies
A distinguished record of research achievement atAssociate Professor/Professor level or equivalent, including high-impact publications,



competitive research funding and demonstrated research impact
A solid track record of translating research into policy, practice or systems change, particularly within the disability, housing or health sectors
Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership to a research centre or large research program, including staff leadership and performance management
Proven success in building and sustaining collaborative partnerships with government agencies, disability organisations, service providers and people with lived experience
A deep understanding of issues affecting people with disability and a commitment to inclusive, accessible and ethical research practices
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
Capacity to contribute to research supervision, HDR supervision and research capability development.
A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including creating respectful and accessible working environments

Please refer to thePosition Descriptionfor other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
Benefits
17% employer contributed superannuation
On site child care facilities
Flexible work arrangements
Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply
Position Enquiries:
Bircan ErbasAssociate Dean Research & Industry Engagement, ******
Recruitment Enquiries:******
Only candidates withFull Working Rights in Australiamay apply for this position.
Please submit anonline application ONLYand include the following documents:
An up-to-date resume; and
cover letter
Response to Essential criteria

Please scroll down to apply.
Director Summer Foundation PD...docx
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
Our commitment to safety
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act ****. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
National Code on Gender Based Violence in Higher Education
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create secure and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability.
Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.
Why La Trobe
Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses the perfect hub for industry, students and academics.
Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future.

📌 Director, Summer Foundation Disability Research Centre (Melbourne)
🏢 School Of Education, La Trobe University
📍 Melbourne