- Demonstrate a strong understanding of current issues and research that impact teacher education and educational psychology in early childhood education
- Play a key role in the academic leadership in educational excellence for the School of Education
- Contribute to the School of Education’s growth strategy and strengthen industry partnerships
- Full Time / Continuing Appointment / Remuneration at Academic Level D, appoint as either T&R or TF Academic
About the position
The School of Education at La Trobe University is seeking to appoint a senior academic with expertise in early childhood education and educational psychology. This Level D position offers the opportunity to shape the future of early learning through research-informed teaching, academic leadership, and sector engagement.
The successful applicant will bring a strong disciplinary foundation in educational psychology, with a particular focus on early childhood development, learning, and wellbeing. A deep understanding of developmental theory, cognitive and socio-emotional learning, and evidence-informed pedagogical practice is essential. The role will contribute to the School’s teaching and research priorities, with a clear expectation of academic leadership across course development, research program design, and partnership engagement in the early childhood sector.
The position requires demonstrated expertise in the design and delivery of high-quality teaching and learning programs, particularly within early childhood and teacher education. A proven ability to apply insights from the learning sciences to support knowledge acquisition, executive functioning, and behavioural regulation in early years settings will be highly valued. The appointee will also play a leadership role in embedding contemporary learning theory into curriculum design, including flexible and online delivery models that reflect developmental appropriateness and pedagogical rigour.
This is a critical appointment for the School as it expands its commitment to early childhood education as a key site for long-term educational equity and system-wide improvement. The position will also strengthen the School’s engagement with early childhood providers, policy agencies, and professional networks to build collaborative research and drive innovation in practice.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the preparation of the early years workforce, influence national debates on early childhood education, and lead programs of research that shape the learning environments of our youngest learners.
As a Level D Academic some of your duties at this level will include:
- Design, coordinate and teach subjects and courses which provide a high-quality learning experience that engages undergraduate, honours and postgraduate students.
- Design innovative and effective curriculum which reflects developing best practice nationally and internationally, utilising various methodologies including online and blended learning.
- Contribute to La Trobe’s Scholarship of Teaching (SoLT), disciplinary teaching pedagogy and research.
- Conduct and lead innovative and high impact research and produce conference and seminar papers and publications resulting from that research that aligns with the School’s strategic priorities.
- Play a significant role in research projects including leadership of research teams and/or management of projects.
- Maintain professional practice skills/knowledge and expertise at state/nationally recognised level.
Skills and knowledge required for this position:
- Completion of a PhD or equivalent accreditation and standing recognised by the University/profession as appropriate for the relevant discipline area.
- Demonstrated experience in teacher education and educational psychology in early childhood and a sophisticated understanding of current research and trends that inform quality pedagogy in a range of learning environments to drive change.
- Strong record of research publication, with appropriate evidence of quality and impact.
- Demonstrated record of achievement as a leading academic with a reputation for skills, knowledge and expertise at a state/national level.
- Success in obtaining research funding from grants/contracts/consultancies.
- Capacity to provide leadership at course/research group or similar level.
Please refer to the Position Descriptions for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:
https://f.io/KDo0ceng
Benefits:
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On site child care facilities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
*Please note only candidates who hold the full rights to work in Australia will be eligible for consideration*
Closing date: By 11:55pm Wednesday 25th June 2025
Position Enquiries: Professor Bernadette Walker-Gibbs, Deputy Dean, Associate Dean Academic, Chair-University Coursework Committee, School of Education,
Email: B.Walker-Gibbs@latrobe.edu.au, Phone: (03) 9479 5377
Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Email: v.stavrou@latrobe.edu.au, Phone: (03) 9479 5191
Position Description below:
PD-Associate Professor of Educational Psych ECE-T&R.pdf
PD-Associate Professor of Educational Psych ECE - TF.pdf
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- Cover letter;
- An up-to-date resume; and
- A separate document addressing the Key Selection Criteria which is located in the position description
Please scroll down to apply.
We’d love to stay connected! If you would like to find out more about this School, please follow us on LinkedIn:
School of Education: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76215971
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
Why La Trobe:
- Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
- Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
- Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in future
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
