Research Associate, Centre of Excellence

About TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training provider in the State. For more than 140 years, TAFE Queensland has delivered practical and industry-relevant training to provide students with the skills and experience they need to build lifelong careers. TAFE Queensland been named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the prestigious 2023 Australian Training Awards. Our training is delivered to students and apprentices on-site, online, in the workplace, or on-campus to give people the skills they need to enrich their communities, support their industries, and strengthen their local economies.
By working at TAFE Queensland, you can be part of a highly experienced workforce closely connected with their industries and dedicated to delivering best practices and innovative training.
Your Opportunity
The Research Associate, under the direction of the Executive Director, Centre of Excellence will carry out research with an applied research focus as identified by the Research Sub-Committee Centre of Excellence. The role will also provide project-based support to allied academic projects including the fostering of the scholarship of teaching and learning. The applied research approach in this role will require the development of relationships with key internal and external stakeholders involved in the Centre of Excellence facilitation of relationships and connections to relevant industry partners, government and community organisations as appropriate to research activities. Accountability is measured in terms of research outputs; number of research projects designed, implemented and completed, along with published journal articles and refereed conference presentations. There will also be internal opportunities to present research projects at various stages of development, including dissemination of results.
This applied research role is an opportunity for a skilled, self-starting individual, ideally with research experience related to both vocational and higher education sectors. Researchers who are willing to work with fellow vocational and higher education educators and researchers are encouraged to apply. Researchers with experience in managing applied and innovative research projects, through to completion, are further encouraged to apply.
This position reports to Executive Director Centre of Excellence.
There are two (2) Temporary, Full-Time opportunities, to 13 September 2025 available.
The position location is negotiable at any TAFE Queensland Campus, however some travel will be required across other TAFE Queensland campuses.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake high quality academic research, by developing, project managing and contributing to major applied research projects as identified by the Research Sub-committee Centre of Excellence.
- Support the applied research interests and strengths of the Research Sub-Committee Centre of Excellence and assist them to formulate applied research programs and methodologies, and access relevant funding sources as appropriate.
- Developing and managing multiple relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including the National TAFE networks, other National Centres of Excellence, Job Skills Councils (JSC), TAFE Directors Australia (TDA), Unions, industry stakeholders, community, students and staff.
- Publish refereed journal articles and reports in a range of academic and industry publications, including academic journals, monographs and conference proceedings.
- Contribute to the development of an applied research culture, through the design, conduct and implementation of, and reporting on research findings and publications.
- Initiate developments in specified applied research fields and enhance applied research directions and priorities as identified through the Research Sub-Committee Centre of Excellence.
- Undertake all work in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures, including securing research ethics clearance for proposed projects prior to the work beginning.
- Undertake project work as delegated by the Executive Director, Centre of Excellence.

How you will be assessed
The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following key capabilities:
1. Experience in developing and managing applied research projects through to completion, along with demonstrated high level academic skills required for the preparation of research proposals, conducting literature reviews, and disseminating results.
2. Highly developed interpersonal, written and oral communication skills including liaison, consultation and negotiation skills demonstrated in dealing with internal and external stakeholders to achieve team and organisational goals.
3. Demonstrated ability to undertake sourcing of information and present both visually and in text form according to the needs of audience and research protocols.
4. Displays flexibility and responsiveness and has the initiative, attitude