ESDES Business School

Job Purpose The Professional Officer and Design Factory Centre Manager plays a key role in advancing SIT’s mission to integrate learning, research, and innovation through design-led approaches. The position supports the management and strategic development of the Design Factory, leading human-centred research, applied innovation projects, and industry collaborations that bridge education and enterprise. The incumbent will apply design thinking, systems thinking, and future-oriented methods to guide multidisciplinary teams in creating impactful products, services, and experiences. This role also oversees project management, partner engagement, and operational administration to ensure the Centre’s effective delivery of teaching, research, and partnership outcomes. Key Responsibilities Human Factors and User-Centred Research Conduct applied research using design thinking, systems thinking, and futures methodologies. Apply human factors and ergonomics to enhance product, service, and experience design outcomes. Facilitate user studies, usability testing, and co-creation workshops. Mentor students and project teams on user research and design process application. Product and Service Development Lead or support innovation projects spanning physical and digital domains. Translate research insights into design opportunities and prototypes. Support iterative prototyping, testing, and validation with stakeholders. Contribute to the development of new tools, methods, and frameworks for design innovation. Partner and Business Development Develop and manage relationships with industry, community, and government partners. Identify collaboration opportunities and prepare proposals, project scopes, and agreements. Represent the Design Factory in outreach, exhibitions, and partnership forums. Project Management Plan, implement, and monitor multiple concurrent projects. Manage budgets, procurement, and reporting for internal and external initiatives. Ensure projects meet deliverables, quality standards, and compliance requirements. Administrative and Operational Duties Oversee daily operations of the Design Factory, including facilities, safety, and scheduling. Support academic delivery through preparation of learning resources, demonstrations, and supervision of student work. Maintain records, documentation, and performance metrics for projects and collaborations. Strategic Planning and Execution Contribute to strategic planning and long-term development of the Design Factory. Identify opportunities for programme growth in human-centred design, circular innovation, and applied R&D. Support institutional goals through cross-cluster collaboration and innovation leadership. Job Requirements Degree in Design, Human Factors, Industrial Design, Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related discipline. Minimum 5 years of professional experience in user-centred design, innovation consulting, or R&D. Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement within an academic or industry context. Familiarity with design research methods, prototyping, and applied learning environments. Prior experience managing facilities, partnerships, or interdisciplinary teams is an advantage.

Working remotely as a part of the Children's University Adelaide team at the Mount Gambier Campus 0.6 FTE role until 31 December 2026 Salary Range: $92,511 to $99,929 plus 17% superannuation At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive. We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow. Work that matters As a member of Children's University (CU) Adelaide, the Regional Engagement Officer (REO) delivers strong regional engagement through the development and management of Children's University and partnerships throughout the Limestone Coast, supporting Adelaide University's commitment to widening participation and impact. The team The role reports to the Team Lead, Learning and Support within the Children's University Adelaide team. More broadly this role forms part of Widening Participation and Impact team within the Community and Regional Engagement Function and is aligned to the International and External Engagement Portfolio within the University. Visit the AU website to learn more about Children's University.  Our people Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys creating and fostering relationships with a diverse range of people throughout the community. You will be responsible for a range of different tasks and interactions, ensuring that each day is interesting, engaging and meaningful.  Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU. Experience To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience: This role requires a commitment to lifelong learning, demonstrated by a degree in Education, Community Engagement or Social Work, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience working specifically with primary/middle school children.  Proven ability to engage, develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships Experience in collaborative and consultative working styles, with the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team Experience in high-level organisational and administrative work, demonstrating diligence and attention to detail Proven ability to work to short timelines, prioritise competing demands, and adapt to changing circumstances Our commitment to inclusion and diversity We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Launch your future with Adelaide University now Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload: your current CV a cover letter that tells us how your skills and experience are transferrable to the role Submit your application by 11:30pm Wednesday 22 April 2026 The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 492849): Emma Scott Team Lead, Learning and Support Phone: 8313 8315 Email: emma.scott@adelaide.edu.au  Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.  Pursuant to the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (the Act) and the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations), this position has been deemed prescribed. This role will require the successful candidate to hold a current Working with Children Check. 

The Role The 12-month fixed-term Research Assistant position is available 2.5 days per week (50% FTE). The successful candidate will join the project "Train the Trainer - Echolocation Habilitation Workforce Training with Guide Dogs UK" led by Professor Lore Thaler and funded by UKRI ESRC grant. The project focuses on training Guide Dog UK's workforce and assessing the effects of this training on the workforce and the effects on their clients. To deliver the project the research team will travel on approximately 12 occasions to various locations in the UK to deliver training workshops. Costs of travel and accommodation will be covered by the project. Otherwise work times and location (including hybrid working) are flexible, subject to meeting project goals and deadlines. The habilitation workforce of Guide Dogs UK is the largest provider of services and support to children with sight loss and their families. This project will deliver training in echolocation to this workforce. There will be remote & initial in-person training to the whole workforce, and follow-up in-person training to develop Subject Matter Experts for continued independent support within the workforce. The project will measure and document effects of training on attendees' practice and effects on service users. The successful candidate, supervised by Professor Lore Thaler, will assist with the delivery of training to teach echolocation and echolocation instruction to visual impairment habilitation workers and to people with vision impairments. Planned work includes delivery of in-person and remote training workshops, development of materials to gather feedback data (including online tools), accessibility testing of materials, data gathering, analysis and presentation of results, and engagement with stakeholders via workshops and email. The candidate will be based in the department of Psychology. The majority of training workshops will take place in-person at various locations in the UK, and there will also be workshops delivered online. The successful applicant does not need to have prior experience with echolocation, but should be willing to acquire relevant practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The successful applicant must have experience of working with diverse groups of people, ideally including people with vision impairments. The successful applicant will be able to create and maintain an excellent rapport with people of various walks of life, and have the ability to contribute to the organization and delivery of events such as workshops. The successful applicant will carry out a range of duties, including communicating with stakeholders and relevant organizations, planning workshops and assisting with delivery of workshops, developing materials to gather feedback data (including online tools), gathering feedback data, summarizing and presenting feedback data. Applicants should have an excellent academic record, be reliable and well organised, and the ability to have an excellent rapport with people of various walks of life, ideally including people with vision impairments. An academic qualification (BSc / MSc or equivalent) in psychology or a discipline related to psychology or visual impairment (re) habilitation is essential (current students in their final academic year may apply - please provide grades attained so far). Previous experience of working with people and organizing events is also essential. Because the post-holder will work with people with visual impairments, the appointment also depends on a successful DBS (formerly CRB) check.