RESEARCH LEADERS: Health in Underserved Populations

Position Statement

These positions are designed to drive research development and collaboration in areas likely to improve the health of underserved populations in the tropics, and to further bolster the University’s international standing in this field. In our context, rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical populations in northern Australia and our near Pacific neighbours will be the key focus. We aim to appoint high profile scholars who will facilitate an increase in research impact in this field as measured by: high-level publications, external competitive grant monies and recruitment and successful completion of research higher degree students.

The appointees would a) conduct regionally relevant research b) provide research leadership for other staff working in the area of health and health service delivery with underserved populations in the tropics; and c) forge collaborative links across the university and with community partners thus enhancing and building upon the community, workforce and academic networks that already exist.

Given the broad nature of topics and issues that are of direct and current concern to the health of underserved populations in the region, it is envisaged that the appointee would also have a relatively broad range of research interests, with a flexible approach, a focus on social equity and a proven track record in collaborative multidisciplinary research. The successful applicants will have specific expertise in, ideally, at least two of the following areas: Indigenous health care, health services research, rural health policy, neglected tropical diseases, epidemiology and population health, sociocultural aspects of health care provision; and health economics and informatics.

Duties and Accountabilities

The appointee is expected to exercise a special responsibility in providing leadership and in fostering excellence in research/consultancy in the area of the Health of Underserved Communities in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences (FMHMS), within JCU and within the scholarly and general community.

Specific duties include:

• Provision of high level personal commitment to, and distinguished achievement in research and scholarship in the area of the Health of Underserved Communities, or Innovative Health Service Delivery;

• Building a research team studying health and health services of rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical populations;

• Preparation of research/consultancy proposal submissions to external bodies;

• Making a distinguished personal contribution to the conduct of research/consultancy at all levels;

• Management of large research/consultancy projects or teams;

• Participating in community and professional activities related to Health and Health Services Research, including:

• Collaboration and involvement with government and health services sectors where appropriate;

• Involvement in professional activities including, subject to availability of funds, attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of expertise;

• Occasional contribution to the teaching program in the field of the employee's research/consultancy;

• Supervision of major honours or post graduate research/consultancy projects.

Accountabilities:

• Reports directly to the PVC – Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences;

• The two positions in conjunction are directly responsible for oversight of the research agenda of the Health of Underserved Populations cluster within the Faculty.

Key Selection Criteria

1. 1.

   A track record of significant NH&MRC, ARC or other funding (including overseas funding if from overseas);

2. 2.

   Demonstrated ability to lead teams of researchers and to manage research projects;

3. 3.

   Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary research teams;

4. 4.

   Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, thus contributing to their research development (evidenced, for example, by experience in the supervision of higher degree students);

5. 5.

   International recognition of professional contributions made in the area of Health Services, Indigenous Health, Rural and Remote Health or Neglected Tropical Diseases (eg. editor of key journals, keynote speaker at important conferences, etc);

6. 6.

   A commitment to the principles of social justice and equity in health care delivery;

7. 7.

   Demonstrated ability to make original contributions to research on Health and Health Services for Underserved Populations, as evidenced by substantive publications in at least two of the following areas:

• Indigenous Health Care

• Health Services Research

• Rural Health Policy

• Neglected Tropical Diseases

• Epidemiology and Population Health

• Sociocultural Aspects of Health Care

• Health Economics and Informatics

• Understanding of historical and socioeconomic factors affecting the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia today, and cultural sensitivity (or willingness to learn if from overseas)

Desirable Selection Criteria

1. 1.

   Knowledge of key health issues relevant to North Queensland;

2. 2.

   Knowledge of key health and health services relevant to the tropics;

3. 3.

   Extensive experience working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander population groups;

4. 4.

   Understanding of the Australian health care system.

Enquiries

Method of Application

Initial expressions of interest should be lodged online and include a curriculum vitae and a one page outline of research interests. Apply online for this job. Shortlisted candidates will then be requested to provide additional information at a later date.

James Cook University reserves the right to not to make an appointment to this position or to appoint by invitation

Equal Employment Opportunity is a James Cook University policy