Little Heroes Professor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health

• Fixed term for 5 years | Full-Time at 1.0 FTE
• Academic Level E| $200,073 p.a. plus 17% Super
• Location: Bedford Park
• View Position Description 

Research on the Rise: Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing and the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work 

The Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing sits in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work. Our researchers have long challenged conventional wisdom, created new ways of thinking about difficult issues and aims to transform communities and empower people. We are equipping the next generation of educators, psychologists, social workers and leaders with the skills and knowledge to assist all members of society reach their full potential. Our outstanding achievements are a strong indication of the ambition that drives our discoveries, which we translate into practice to make a positive difference to people’s lives. 

At the Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, we understand that: 

• Impactful research can help us develop real-world solutions to improve mental health and enhance wellbeing across the lifespan
• Investing in people is the key to achieving our vision of mentally healthy and resilient communities
• Working collaboratively improves our understanding and keeps our research grounded 

Combined with creative thinking, rigorous and impactful research is the cornerstone of our purpose – developing real-world solutions that lead to better mental health policy and practice on a local, national, and international level.

About the Role 

In collaboration with Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and Little Heroes Foundation, Flinders University has announced the creation of the Little Heroes Professor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing. This position will be offered as a 5-year fixed-term contract initially and will be converted to continuing at the end of the initial contract period.

The Little Heroes Professor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health will be responsible for leading a research program in child and youth mental health across prevention, early intervention, and treatment; liaise with other child and adolescent mental health researchers; promote the research outcomes and liaise with service providers in South Australia to build capacity in evidence-based practice. 

Some of the key position responsibilities include: 

• Making an outstanding and distinguished contribution to research and engagement in child and youth mental health across prevention, early intervention, and treatment.
• Contributing to the planning and execution of research of other child and adolescent mental health researchers in the Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing and across the University such that a coherent program of research in this area is presented publicly.
• Supervision of honours and post graduate research projects.
• Undertaking a significant leadership role in the College/University in fostering research excellence and making a significant contribution to research leadership in the field at the national and/or international level. 

As the role will be establishing and maintaining collaborations within the University and at various other levels including interstate and international, some out of hour’s work (including weekends) as well as rural SA, overseas travel maybe required. 

About You   

As the future Little Heroes Professor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, you have a distinguished international reputation of outstanding high-quality innovative and independent research and research impact in Child and Adolescent Mental Health evidenced by sustained high quality publications as corresponding author and attraction of several competitive external grants. 

You have a PhD relevant to Child and Adolescent Mental health and have demonstrated experience of growing and leading a research team. 

Some additional key position capabilities include: 

• Demonstrated research impact in child and adolescent mental health in terms of Article Field Weighted Citation Impact and reach and influence of the research on policy and/or service provision.
• A demonstrated track record of establishing effective research collaborations with external national and international partners.
• High level of understanding and evidence of use of Open Science principles.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative research methodology.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering project targets on time. 

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.  

Life at Flinders 

Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world. Flinders ranked seventh in the country for National Health and Medical Research Council grants won by a university. For more information, explore our fearless research stories and recent achievements.

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders? 

Living in Adelaide

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Wide range of professional development activities and services 
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff 
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).  

Prescribed Conditions for Employment 

• A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position. 
• Please note that you may be required to provide evidence that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with the Flinders University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy  
• It is a requirement of this position that the incumbent maintain a current Working With Children Check which is satisfactory to the University in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA). 

How to Apply and Information 

• To apply, click the 'Apply' button.
• You are required to submit Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Tracey Wade 

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) Wednesday, 18 October 2023.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.