Associate Professor/Professor in Occupational Therapy - Academic Lead

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

· Permanent academic leadership role located in Launceston.

· Drive excellence in Occupational Therapy education, research and workforce development.

· Work within The Shed, UTAS Health's state-of-the-art teaching, simulation and research environment.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Professor or Associate Professor as Academic Lead in Occupational Therapy to play a pivotal role in continuing to shape the future of occupational therapy education, research and workforce development across Tasmania.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to make a significant strategic contribution through a holistic portfolio spanning program leadership, curriculum innovation, stakeholder engagement, workforce development and teaching and research excellence.

Leading the Master of Occupational Therapy program, the successful candidate will work collaboratively with government, health services, industry partners and local communities to strengthen allied health capability across the state. As Academic Lead, they will drive program quality, accreditation, growth and student success while fostering a high-performing and collaborative academic culture.

This appointment presents an opportunity to play a leading role in advancing allied health education and workforce capability across Tasmania. Working in partnership with government, health services, industry and community stakeholders, the successful candidate will help shape innovative educational pathways, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and support the development of a sustainable allied health workforce. Their contribution will have a lasting impact on health outcomes and service delivery for Tasmanian communities.

About the University

The University of Tasmania is a mission-driven institution dedicated to making a difference for Lutruwita/Tasmania and a distinctive contribution from Tasmania to the world. As the sole university on the island, the University is deeply embedded in the social, economic, and environmental fabric of Tasmania, working in close partnership with communities, industry, and government to address key challenges in education, health, productivity, and climate action. The University takes pride in its place-based identity, leveraging Tasmania’s unique geography, culture, and resources to offer world-leading research and education.

What We are Looking For?

We are seeking a highly skilled and accomplished academic leader with demonstrated expertise in occupational therapy, education and research. The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leadership, strategic relationship building and innovation, with the ability to lead programs, inspire teams and drive meaningful outcomes. They will be passionate about advancing the profession, shaping future workforce capability and creating lasting impact through education, research and community engagement.

What’s on Offer?

As we look toward 2050, we remain committed to fostering excellence, collaboration, and transformative education - preparing graduates to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, and shape its future. While remaining true to our Tasmanian roots, this career defining role will see you significantly contribute to our dedication to making a difference for, and from, Tasmania. In return for your experience, you’ll have access to an array of staff benefits and discounts including:

· 26 Weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers

· 17% Superannuation contribution

· Health and fitness membership options

· Accommodation and Car Hire discounts

· Health Insurance and Banking

· Novated Leasing

· Generous relocation support to Tasmania

Salary Details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level D or E and will have a total remuneration package of up to $244,987 comprising base salary within the range of $166,014 to $209,391 plus 17% superannuation. Relocation support may be available to the successful candidate, helping make a move to Tasmania as seamless as possible.

How to Apply?

If this role is of interest, we look forward to hearing from you. Please provide your up-to-date resume and:

· A 1-page cover letter outlining your motivation for the role at the University of Tasmania

· A separate addressal of the selection criteria, outlining how your skills and experience align with the role specific skills, knowledge and experience listed below, in relation to which position you are applying for:

Role Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Level D

· Demonstrated leadership and recognised standing in occupational therapy practice, education and/or research, with evidence of sustained professional engagement and contribution to the advancement of the discipline.

· Demonstrated leadership in curriculum strategy, course development and educational innovation, including the implementation of evidence-informed pedagogies, simulation-based education and emerging digital technologies across programs.

· Extensive experience leading high-quality coursework learning and teaching initiatives, including curriculum transformation, quality enhancement, accreditation activities and the achievement of outstanding student outcomes.

· Nationally and internationally recognised expertise in occupational therapy across the lifespan, including occupational performance, participation, health and wellbeing, with an established profile in one or more specialist areas of practice, education and/or research.

· An internationally recognised research profile in occupational therapy or a related field, demonstrated through leadership of significant research programs, success in securing competitive funding, influential publications, successful HDR supervision and completion, and the development of research collaborations and teams.

· Demonstrated academic leadership, including mentoring academic staff, leading multidisciplinary teams and contributing to organisational development and academic culture.

· Demonstrated success in establishing and sustaining productive national and international collaborations with academic, healthcare, professional and community partners that generate substantial teaching, research and engagement outcomes.

Academic Level E

· Demonstrated distinction and leadership in occupational therapy practice, education and research, with a sustained record of advancing the profession and influencing policy, practice, education and/or research nationally and internationally.

· An outstanding record of leadership in higher education curriculum innovation, educational strategy and learning and teaching excellence, with evidence of significant influence on institutional, national and/or international educational practice, accreditation standards or policy.

· A distinguished record of leadership in learning and teaching, including major contributions to curriculum transformation, educational quality enhancement, workforce development and student success at institutional, national and/or international levels.

· Internationally distinguished expertise in in occupational therapy across the lifespan, including occupational performance, participation, health and wellbeing, evidenced through sustained and influential contributions to the advancement of the discipline, profession and broader community.

· An internationally distinguished record of research achievement and impact in occupational therapy or a related field, demonstrated by leadership of major research programs, centres or networks; substantial success in securing competitive funding; highly influential scholarly outputs; successful development of research capability; and significant impact on policy, professional practice and societal outcomes.

· Exceptional leadership, mentoring and strategic relationship-building capabilities, with a demonstrated record of developing future academic leaders, building organisational capability and shaping the strategic direction of academic programs and research agendas.

· An outstanding record of establishing and leading strategic national and international partnerships with universities, healthcare services, professional bodies, industry and community organisations that enhance institutional reputation and generate significant educational, research and community impact.

Qualifications and Licences

· Completion of a PhD Degree in a relevant health discipline.

· Current registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board, under the auspices of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Authority (AHPRA).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Angela Berndt, Academic Lead, Occupational Therapy, prior to submitting an application to learn more about the role. Angela can be contacted at angela.berndt@utas.edu.au.

Position Description - Associate Professor and Academic Lead of Occupational Therapy .pdf

Position Description - Professor and Academic Lead of Occupational Therapy .pdf

Applications close 11.55pm Sunday the 11th of October.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfill the requirements of this role.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police background checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.