Assistant Associate Dean, Occupational Therapy

Assistant Associate Dean, Occupational Therapy

• Play a pivotal role as the founding head of the Occupational Therapy (OT) discipline at RMIT University
• Provide senior leadership, vision, and drive to enable an innovative program and engagement model for OT
• Fixed term (3-year) appointment as Assistant Associate Dean (AAD), underpinned by an ongoing Professor or Associate Professor position
• Salary Academic Level D ($170,080 - $187,373) or E ($219,084) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based predominantly at the Bundoora West Campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University

RMIT is seeking a senior academic leader to take on the combined role of Professor/Associate Professor & Assistant Associate Dean (Head of Discipline), Occupational Therapy within the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences. This is a fixed-term appointment (3 years) as Assistant Associate Dean (AAD), underpinned by a continuing position.

This is the inaugural appointment in the Discipline of Occupational Therapy at RMIT University and will be integral in leading the design and development of a new program in OT (subject to review by the Occupational Therapy Council and receiving full approval from the University). As the first appointment in the discipline, the successful candidate will have substantial autonomy in designing curriculum, building a team of academic staff, engaging community and industry partners, and developing research that builds on their expertise.

As an Associate Professor/Professor, you will be an established researcher with a strong track record in research, teaching, and leadership. As Assistant Associate Dean (Head of Discipline), you will oversee the academic performance and strategic development of the Discipline, including curriculum quality, research leadership, staffing, and resources. You will lead and support staff to deliver excellence in learning, teaching, and research.

This leadership role is suited to an academic who thrives on building collaborative teams, leading change, and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.

Key Selection Criteria include:

• Demonstrated strategic leadership within a large organizational unit or university-wide initiative
• Nationally recognized research track record with success in attracting funding and leading research teams
• Excellence and innovation in teaching, including use of technology and curriculum development
• Knowledge of trends and developments in OT and health/higher education sectors
• Strategic thinking aligned with organizational goals, with experience in governance and management systems
• High-level interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Ability to foster collaboration and build partnerships nationally and internationally

Mandatory Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field
• Eligibility to register as an Occupational Therapist with Ahpra

Note: Appointment is subject to passing a Working with Children and Police Check.

The School comprises Clinical Sciences, Health Sciences (including Occupational Therapy), and Medical Sciences. It is based at Bundoora and focuses on teaching and research across various health disciplines. The School's research is ranked above world standard in several areas, with a strategic focus on chronic disease and integrative health.

For more information, visit https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/stem-college

Candidates meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply. Please submit:

• Current CV
• Cover letter
• A separate document addressing the Key Selection Criteria

For inquiries, contact Professor Adam Bird at adam.bird@rmit.edu.au. For recruitment questions, contact Aleksandra Besia at aleksandra.besia@rmit.edu.au (please do not send applications to this email).

Position descriptions are linked below. Applications close 20 Aug 2025, 11:59 pm.

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer and supports adjustments for applicants with disabilities. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.