Position Overview

The Curriculum Developer uses learning theories and scientific knowledge to create syllabus materials and educational instructions for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to students in Torres Strait Island schools. This role is part of a partnership between the TAGAI College (an independent public school system in the Torres Strait) and the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH) to improve STEM education for Indigenous school students in Australia.

The Curriculum Developer collaborates with academic and industry experts in STEM fields of study, as well as other relevant educators to design learning engagements that can lead to improved learning outcomes in STEM education.

Office of the Provost

The Provost has responsibility for the Academic Divisions, the Division of Research and Innovation, and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs at the executive level. The Provost is the standing deputy to the Vice Chancellor. As the senior officer in the Division of Research and Innovation, the Provost is responsible for developing and implementing research policy and providing leadership in research. This involves promoting collaboration with Government, industry, publicly funded research agencies and universities.

Indigenous Education & Research Centre

In collaboration with the University’s divisions, colleges and directorates the Indigenous Education & Research Centre will provide a whole of university approach to our engagement with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, alumni, staff and communities.

The Centre’s core business focus is to provide leadership and coordination to increase the access, retention and completion rates of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by creating an inspiring and supportive environment on campus that celebrates the heritage, diversity and achievements of Indigenous people; assisting Indigenous students to confidently participate in the academic and cultural life of the University and delivering a smarter learning support agenda that progresses Indigenous students through to completion of degree programs. It will also be a place where Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and community feel safe and respected.

The Centre will also adopt a progressive curriculum agenda that prepares all students to navigate the complexities of contemporary Indigenous situations in the tropics; design educational experiences that deliver an outstanding experience for all students, with exposure to research, and an engaging campus life; and engage in high quality research, intellectual scholarship, and research training in ways that enhance the traditional knowledge of Indigenous people and sustainable living practices for the tropics.

While the initial focus of the Centre is to consolidate and develop our strengths in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning, teaching and research within the northern Queensland region, our ambition is to extend the scope and reach to include comparative international studies, with a focus on Indigenous people in the tropics.

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Indigenous Education & Research Centre

Principal Accountabilities

1. ​Research and recruit the core competencies for learning across all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study in the Australian Curriculum and the Queensland Department of Education.
2. Design innovative learning and assessment tasks in line with the curriculum priorities and objectives across TAGAI College schools in collaborations with TAGAI College staff, leading educators, and academic and industry experts in STEM education.
3. Develop associated K-12 curriculum materials in line with the learning requirements of the STEM disciplines for trials in the TAGAI College schools.
4. Collate and analyse research data for inclusion into annual reports and develop content for promotion on the Centre’s STEM web page.
5. Prepare and manage contributions to online National/State curriculum repositories of STEM materials that may have relevance to Indigenous students from across Australia.
6. Devise and implement training schedules for teachers on pedagogical approaches to STEM and Indigenous students.
7. Collaborate with the CABAH STEM research team on measures of educational impact and benefits.
8. Attend the annual symposium of the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH), as well as the regular JCU node meetings with other CABAH Chief Investigators in the Earth and Social Sciences team.
9. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
11. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Descriptors

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff. Your specific level descriptor can be found within the Enterprise Agreement.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Curriculum Developer is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Curriculum Developer is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations.
3. The Curriculum Developer is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct. 

Special Conditions

• A current working with children ‘Blue Card’ is a requirement of this position.
• It is a requirement of this position that some national travel may be required.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. Degree qualification in Education, Science, or Math-based disciplines with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of research experience and/or education and/or training in teaching.
2. Demonstrated project experience in developing educational resources and teaching materials.
3. Demonstrated forward planning and organisational skills to meet milestones and overall end results.
4. Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team, and to engage effectively and professionally with people from across different locations and disciplines.
5. High level interpersonal and oral communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate with a culturally diverse range of people.
6. High level written communication and analytical skills specifically in preparing and presenting reports and undertaking data analysis with demonstrated competence in the use of Microsoft Office programs and databases.

Desirable

1. Experience working in educational environments as an educator.
2. Demonstrated experience with online storage of educational resources.