- Part-time (0.8 FTE), Fixed-term until November 2029
- Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
- Academic Level D | Research-only
About the role
La Trobe University is seeking an outstanding Principal Research Fellow (Research-only, Level D) to provide research leadership and strategic oversight across the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine (LASEM) Research Centre, with a particular focus on the HERknee Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) and associated HERsport research programs.
This senior role combines high-level research leadership with executive and operational responsibility for large-scale, multi-institution research initiatives. The successful candidate will lead nationally and internationally recognised programs aimed at reducing the burden of musculoskeletal injury and arthritis in women and girls, while strengthening La Trobe’s profile as a global leader in sport and exercise medicine research.
The role is ideal for an established researcher with a strong record of competitive grant success, experience leading complex research portfolios, and a commitment to mentoring researchers and higher degree research (HDR) candidates.
Key responsibilities
The Principal Research Fellow will:
- Provide strategic research leadership across the HERsport research programs and HERknee CRE, including Prep‑to‑Play, protectHER and By Her Side initiatives
- Lead, manage and coordinate large, multi‑disciplinary research projects and teams, ensuring alignment with Centre, School and University priorities
- Secure competitive research funding (NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and other Category 1 grants) and oversee robust governance, compliance and financial management across multiple grants
- Provide executive leadership for HERknee CRE operations, including planning, governance, performance monitoring and capability building
- Build and sustain high‑impact partnerships with industry, government and national and international research collaborators
- Supervise and mentor researchers, research support staff and HDR candidates to completion
- Drive knowledge translation activities, including professional education, conferences, public engagement and digital platforms
- Contribute to the collegial life, reputation and research culture of LASEM, the School and La Trobe University
Skills and experience
To be successful, you will have:
- A completed PhD (or equivalent standing) with a strong research profile in sport, exercise or health‑related fields aligned to HERsport
- An outstanding, nationally and/or internationally recognised research record, including high‑quality publications and research impact
- Demonstrated success in securing competitive external research funding
- Proven experience leading large research teams and managing complex research budgets and governance requirements
- A strong record of supervising HDR candidates to completion
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including performance development, inclusive team culture and change leadership
- A commitment to reflective practice, equity, inclusion and respectful research environments
Why work with us?
La Trobe University is a values‑driven institution with a strong commitment to research excellence, social justice and community impact. We offer:
- Flexible work arrangements to support work‑life balance
- A collaborative, inclusive and purpose‑led research environment
- Access to outstanding research infrastructure and multidisciplinary networks
- Salary packaging benefits and leave loading
- Opportunities to lead nationally significant research with real‑world impact
Discover our staff benefits:
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/jobs/working/benefits
About La Trobe University
La Trobe University is proud to be ranked among the world’s top universities and is recognised for making a real difference to the communities we serve. Our campuses are vibrant hubs for research, industry engagement and learning, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and safe workplace where everyone can thrive.
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
PD: 
PD-LASEM LEVEL D CRE_PRincipalResearchFellow (1).docx
How to apply
Closing Date:
By 11:55pm on 17 May
Position Enquiries:
Melissa Magaton Senior Talent Partner E: m.magaton@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries:
recruitment@latrobe.edu.au
Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- An up‑to‑date resume; and
- cover letter
Please scroll down to apply.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
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.
Our commitment to safety
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.
National Code on Gender Based Violence in Higher Education
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability.
Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non‑physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.
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 the future.
