Closes: 05 November 2026

Classification: Senior Officer Grade B
Salary: $149,172 - $167,151 plus superannuation
Position No: 72423
Directorate: Canberra Institute of Technology
Advertised (Gazettal date): 22 October 2026
Contact Officer: Angela Ryan on [email protected] or (02) 6207 4981

Details: About the role:

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is seeking an accomplished research leader to establish and lead the National TAFE Educator-Led Research and Praxis Centre - a nationally significant capability being built at CIT under the National TAFE Network.

This role sets the strategic direction for the Centre and is accountable for its outcomes. Its central purpose is to develop VET educator applied research capability to meet national and international standards, laying the foundation for a body of educator-led research that is credible, rigorous and recognised. In doing so, the Centre paves the way for a new approach to how TAFE works with industry and drives innovation positioning educator research as a genuine contributor to sector knowledge and practice.

The Lead will build and hold the partnerships that make cross-jurisdictional research possible, working with partner TAFEs, universities and sector bodies including NCVER and AVETRA. A significant early priority is the establishment of a current National TAFE Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and securing its registration with the NHMRC, providing the ethical foundation on which the Centre's research depends. The Lead is accountable for the Centre's governance, milestones, budget and reporting, and for ensuring the investment leaves CIT with lasting research capability and standing - not only national outputs

The role combines strategic leadership with close involvement in the quality and dissemination of the Centre's research. Day-to-day delivery is coordinated by the Research and Capability Manager, enabling the Lead to concentrate on direction, partnerships and research quality.





We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated standing in applied education or VET research, a sound understanding of research and ethics governance, and the credibility to lead a national research capability in partnership with universities and TAFEs. A doctoral qualification and a track record of research leadership would be well regarded. An understanding of how TAFEs operate is highly desirable.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

- Postgraduate qualifications in adult education, research or a related. A doctoral qualification and a track record of research leadership would be highly regarded.
- Vocational qualifications are not required.

Desirable Experience

- Experience establishing or holding membership on a Human Research Ethics Committee.
- Experience working across the VET or TAFE sector, and an understanding of how TAFEs operate, is highly desirable.

Registration/licensing

- All CIT and ACTPS employees are required to complete a criminal history record check prior to employment.
- Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information refer to Apply for or renew a WWVP registration — Access Canberra.
- This position does require a pre-employment medical.

Note: This is a temporary position available immediately up until 31 December 2028 with the possibility of permanency.

How to Apply: A tailored curriculum vitae, including any research outputs, publications or a link to your research profile.

A written response (maximum three pages) addressing the following:





- Describe a research capability, programme or body of work you have built or led, and the standing it achieved. What was your role, and what made it credible?

- Outline your experience with research and ethics governance, including any involvement in establishing, registering or sitting on a Human Research Ethics Committee.

- Describe a complex, multi-partner initiative you have held together- across institutions, jurisdictions or sectors - and how you navigated competing interests while keeping the work coherent.

- Tell us how you would approach building VET educator applied research capability to meet national and international standards, and why these matter for the sector's future work with industry and innovation.

Please also refer to the Position Description- Professional and Personal characteristics - for the full position role, responsibilities and selection criteria.

We’d love to hear from you - we encourage prospective candidates to contact Angela Ryan to discuss the role and the Research Centre.

Applications should be submitted .

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

#LI-DNI

Note

This is a temporary position available immediately up until 31 December 2028 with the possibility of permanency.

📌 Research Centre Lead | Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency (Canberra)
🏢 Canberra Institute of Technology
📍 Canberra