Research Associate, Construction Tech

Facilitate high quality academic research, by developing, project managing and/or contributing to major applied research projects as identified by the Research Sub-committee Centre of Excellence (or equivalent).

About TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training (VET) 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. Our award-winning training is delivered on campus, online, and in the workplace 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 that is closely connected with their industries and dedicated to delivering best practices and innovative training.

Your Opportunity

As The Research Associate, Construction Tech You Will

• Carry out research with an applied research focus as identified by the Research Sub-Committee Centre of Excellence (or equivalent). 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 by the timely delivery of project milestones and final applied research outputs, effective stakeholder engagement and compliant reporting, including the provision of accessible outputs for consideration by the Research Sub Committee (or equivalent). 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 the Executive Director Centre of Excellence.

This is a Temporary, Full-Time opportunity, to 31 December 2028 unless otherwise determined.

The primary location for this position is flexible, however you may be required to perform work at any TAFE Queensland campuses.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate high quality academic research, by developing, project managing and/or contributing to major applied research projects as identified by the Research Sub-committee Centre of Excellence (or equivalent).
• Initiate developments in specified applied research fields and enhance applied research directions and priorities as identified through the Research Sub-Committee Centre of Excellence (or equivalent).
• Facilitate the applied research interests and strengths of the Research Sub-Committee Centre of Excellence (or equivalent) and assist them to formulate applied research programs and methodologies, relevant to the available funding in the TAFE Centre of Excellence.
• Developing and managing multiple relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including the National TAFE network, other National Centres of Excellence, Job Skills Councils (JSC), TAFE Directors Australia (TDA), Unions, industry stakeholders, community, students and staff.
• Contribute to the development of an applied research practice, through the design, conduct and implementation of, and reporting on research findings and publications.
• Undertake all work in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures, including informing research ethics for proposed projects prior to the work beginning.
• Undertake project work as delegated by the Executive Director, Centre of Excellence.
• Contribute to the success of transformation and cultural change through promoting and modelling the values of Safety First, Working Together, Focusing on our Customer, Taking Responsibility and Showing Initiative.

How You Will Be Assessed

The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following key capabilities:

• 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.
• Displays flexibility and responsiveness, showing the initiative and capability to thrive in a dynamic, challenging and changing environment, while balancing competing priorities, coordinating multiple tasks and applying strong time management skills.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake sourcing of information and present both visually and in text form according to the needs of audience and research protocols.
• Demonstrated understanding of the vocation training and higher education environments.
• Research project management experience inclusive of project development, planning, managing and reporting.

Highly Desirable Requirements

• PhD preferred; minimum masters by research degree, or equivalent demonstrated through professional experience and published work.
• Recent research and publication track record in tertiary education, industry skills and workforce development, and/or innovation, enterprise and productivity domains.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with others to achieve high quality research outcomes.

How To Apply

If you’re interested in this role, click the ‘Apply’ button to submit your application via the TAFE Queensland Recruitment Portal. When submitting your application, please ensure you provide the following:

• a detailed resume including the contact details for two referees (one of whom is your current supervisor); and
• a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that outlines your experience, skills and abilities and responds to the ‘How you will be assessed’ criteria.

Closing date: 5:00PM, Thursday 21 May 2026.

Job Reference Number: TQ2026-392

For Further Information, Please Contact

Ms Karyn Kimlin, Manager, Health Care and Support

[email protected]

Occupational group Research