The role of Associate Professor or Professor of Professional Communication at Swinburne University of Technology focuses on providing leadership in research, teaching, and other professional activities within the Department of Media and Communication. The successful candidate will collaborate with staff to cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence in research, as well as advance curriculum development in Professional Communications disciplines such as public relations, advertising, and strategic communications. Responsibilities include maintaining a significant record of publications and research outputs, as well as securing nationally competitive research funding. The Associate Professor will lead research efforts and attract external funding in areas related to Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Journalism, Strategic Communication, and Professional Communication. Additionally, the role involves providing leadership and support for senior staff, mentoring midcareer and early career researchers, and supervising higher degree candidates.

The incumbent is expected to engage in public and institutional activities to enhance Swinburne's research strengths in alignment with the university's strategic plan. Teaching responsibilities may also be part of the role, including preparing and delivering classes, as well as assessing students both on campus and online. The Department of Media and Communication, part of the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film, and Education, is known for its cutting-edge undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as research training at Master and Doctoral levels. Swinburne has a strong reputation for teaching excellence and innovative research in Media and Communication, recently achieving a ranking of ERA 4 – 'above world standard' in research performance. The department is dedicated to further enhancing its teaching and research endeavours in this field.

About You
To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and manage multidisciplinary research projects, teams and practice-based research in any of the areas of:
  • Digital communication
  • Professional Communication
  • Advertising
  • Digital Journalism
  • Public Relations, or
  • Strategic Communication
• An outstanding reputation as a leader with a recognised track record of research in the discipline area as evidenced by an extensive range of publications in top-tier journals and by measurable high impact outcomes including via Non-Traditional Research Outputs
• Demonstration of a significant track record in attracting and managing external research income through competitive grants/income and/or industry collaboration

Further information about this role can be found in the attached position description.

Qualifications
An earned Ph D in a relevant discipline to Media and Communication

Appointment of Senior Academic Roles at the Department of Media and Communication
Following the launch of our next gen_now Bachelor of Media and Communication, the Department of Media and Communication at Swinburne University of Technology is seeking to appoint four exceptional senior academics.

Swinburne’s Department of Media and Communication offers innovative programs in Advertising, Cinema and Screen Studies, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Relations, Social Media, and our groundbreaking Immersive Media program.

As we enter this new phase of development, we invite leading scholars in Professional Communication and Digital Media to join our ranks. These four positions are more than just jobs—they are opportunities to influence the next wave of media professionals. You’ll play a vital role in delivering inspiring undergraduate and postgraduate courses, while also leading impactful research initiatives that will push boundaries and redefine the industry.

With our soon-to-be-upgraded, state-of-the-art media and communication production facilities at your fingertips, you will have the tools you need to craft extraordinary learning experiences and contribute to pioneering research.

If you are ready to elevate your academic career and make a significant impact in the world of media and communication, we want to hear from you.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne Horizon 2025 draws upon our understanding of future challenges. With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research, so that:

• Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience
• Every Swinburne graduate gets a job
• Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution
• Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

The achievement of our 2025 moon shots depends on our capacity to work collectively, always, as One Swinburne.

To Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

For more information about the role, please email Eve at echarif@swin.edu.au

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au.

Applications Close: Sunday September 15th at 11pm.

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Swinburne University of Technology is dedicated to creating a varied, welcoming, and open learning and work environment that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion, ensures fair access to opportunities, and actively opposes bullying, discrimination, sexual harm, victimisation, and vilification. We appreciate every individual in our community, regardless of ability/disability, age, cultural and ethnic background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and family and relationship status. For further details on our efforts, please explore our Equity & Diversity website.

Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
Swinburne University of Technology actively supports and encourages individuals with disability to apply. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process by ensuring that we cater to the access and participation needs of all candidates.

For a confidential discussion regarding accessibility requirements, or to provide feedback on how we can continue to improve our recruitment processes to better accommodate adjustments you require, please reach out to staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3410 .

Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) at Swinburne
Swinburne is enhancing gender equity and diversity, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM), by participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program.

Swinburne University is actively engaged in improving representation and participation of women in STEMM fields, aiming to address ongoing gender inequity. As an inaugural recipient of the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, we have implemented our original SAGE Action Plan (2019-2021) and continue our commitment through the current SAGE Action Plan (2022-2025), focusing on meaningful actions to foster long-lasting change and advance gender equity and diversity in STEMM.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For any support please contact staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au or for more information on our Indigenous strategies please follow the link to our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes
As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

We are a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant
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