Discipline of Dietetics College of Health and Biomedicine

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1 POSITION TITLE: Associate Professor of Dietetics POSITION NUMBER: FACULTY / SCHOOL / DEPARTMENT: LOCATION/CAMPUS: CLASSIFICATION: SUPERVISOR: Discipline of Dietetics College of Health and Biomedicine St Albans Campus Level D Dean, College of Health and Biomedicine APPROVED BY: Dean, College of Health and Biomedicine Prof. Gregory Blatch 16/12/13 OVERALL PURPOSE The College of Health and Biomedicine is primarily interested in employing a clinically experienced person with a strong interest in dietetic education and research. The appointee, who reports to the Leader of the Discipline of Dietetics, will provide research and scholarly publication leadership in dietetics and human nutrition. The incumbent will also be expected to contribute to postgraduate research supervision and to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning programs of the discipline, as negotiated with the Leader of the Discipline. Another expectation of the incumbent is to lead the development of strong relationships that link the discipline of dietetics with relevant external professional, industrial, and government organisations associated with dietetics. The appointee will carry out these functions for the most part in the area of dietetics and human nutrition but may also be required to undertake some teaching in appropriate areas of other allied health disciplines such as nursing or paramedicine. The successful applicant will be a dynamic teacher who is also capable of contributing to the broad strategic research areas of the College. The College is active in fundamental and applied research in the broad areas of biomedical sciences, exercise science and muscle physiology, nutrition, food science and osteopathic medicine. There is a growing critical mass of researchers working in the area of disease prevention and treatment, especially on chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and obesity. ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Victoria University has seven Colleges charged with the delivery of education, research and knowledge exchange. These are: College of Arts College of Business College of Education College of Engineering and Science Page 1 of 6

2 College of Health and Biomedicine College of Law and Justice College of Sport and Exercise Science Colleges offer diplomas, undergraduate degrees as well as postgraduate and research higher degrees. In addition to the seven Colleges above, the Trades College will focus on vocational training and form the foundation of an innovative Trades Academy in The focus of VU College is on learner academic support and leadership and coordination of the University s language, literacy and numeracy strategy. Colleges are comprised of academic and teaching staff, Institutes and Centres. Staff from both vocational education and higher education work in the College structure. The Colleges are supported by shared educational, research and professional services to ensure high quality, efficient and innovative delivery of curriculum and the highest quality research and knowledge exchange in areas of distinctive specialisation. Distinctive specialisations form broad disciplinary groupings as the vehicles for collaboration, interaction and greater thematic integration across the University. Through the distinctive specialisations, Victoria University aims to develop world leading research capability in areas of strategic focus. Each College will be the custodian of at least one distinctive specialisation. The role of the custodian College is to support the development and planning that will enable the distinctive specialisation to grow their potential. The University has a goal of being world renowned in Sport, Exercise and Active Living by 2016, and in at least another three areas by The distinctive specialisation areas will provide the focus of our learning and teaching, research and knowledge exchange activities as Victoria University strives to be nationally and world renowned in these distinctive areas. The College of Health and Biomedicine offers a variety of courses ranging from undergraduate degrees through to doctoral studies. The college is multidisciplinary in nature incorporating Osteopathic Medicine, Paramedic Sciences, Clinical Dermal Therapies, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery and Nutritional Therapies incorporating both Higher Education and Vocational Education programs. The College of Health and Biomedicine offers programs from 4 distinct campuses and the incumbents must be willing to meet the cross campus needs of the College by consulting with all disciplines within the area. An Organisational Chart is attached. MAJOR CHALLENGES/FREEDOM TO ACT This position reports to and receives direction from Dean of the College of Health & Biomedicine and operates within the University policies, procedures and guidelines. The University is a progressive and rapidly developing organisation. The appointee will need to be able to work effectively in a changing and sometimes uncertain environment, and to respond with creativity, resourcefulness and initiative. The primary role of the Associate Professor of Dietetics is to promote excellence in research, Page 2 of 6

3 scholarship, and teaching and learning in undergraduate and graduate programs, in the Discipline of Dietetics, in a way that enhances the Discipline. The appointee will also be expected to contribute to the development of strong relationships that link the Discipline with relevant external professional, industrial, and government organisations. MAJOR DUTIES PERFORMED In performing the following duties the incumbent is required to comply with quality assurance policies and procedures, and other relevant legislative requirements applicable to the University. The University is a progressive and rapidly developing organisation. Consequently, the incumbent will need to be able to work effectively in a changing and sometimes uncertain environment, and to respond with creativity, resourcefulness and initiative. The major duties are: Scholarship 1. Provide a continuing high level of personal commitment to, and achievement in, dietetics. 2. Make a significant contribution to the discipline of dietetics, particularly clinical dietetics. 3. Enhance practice development and research in clinical dietetics. 4. Mentor and develop the research capacity of staff within the discipline with particular support for early career researchers. 5. Liaise with relevant staff in the University, the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, and other relevant research units, centres and institutes within and outside the University, where appropriate to enhance the discipline s research in clinical dietetics. 6. Secure research grants from external sources. 7. Conduct research, including, where appropriate, leadership of a large research team. 8. Promote links with healthcare agencies and health professionals 9. Develop research initiatives that link the discipline and the University s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, with key healthcare agencies in Western Melbourne. 10. Publish articles and reports in a range of leading national and international refereed academic publications, including journals, monographs and conference proceedings. 11. Attend conferences, workshops and other professional development activities. 12. Contribute to the development of the research culture of the University and the College of Health and Biomedicine generally and the discipline of dietetics in particular, through the promotion, conduct and facilitation of research and publications. Page 3 of 6

4 Teaching and learning 1. Play an active role in the maintenance of academic standards and in the development of educational policy and curricula within the discipline of dietetics. 2. Advise the Leader of the discipline on matters pertaining to the resourcing, management and conduct of dietetic practice, teaching and research in clinical dietetics in particular. 3. Supervise students undertaking PhD, Masters by Research, the Masters of Science in Dietetics, and honours, major and minor research theses and projects. 4. Take responsibility for the curriculum in the MSc Dietetics program, including the accreditation of the program by the Dietitians Association of Australia, as negotiated with the Leader of the discipline. 5. Contribute to discipline, College and University forums and policies relating to teaching and research. 6. Attend relevant discipline, College, University and external meetings, as appropriate 7. Make a distinguished personal contribution to teaching at all levels. 8. Prepare and conduct lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, demonstrations, workshops, and clinical sessions. 9. Undertake course and unit co-ordination, as negotiated with the Leader of the discipline. 10. Consult with students. Occupational health and safety 1. Adhere to and cooperate with all OHS policies and procedures of the University. SELECTION CRITERIA Essential: 1. PhD in dietetics or equivalent. 2. Registered or eligible for registration with the Dietitians Association of Australia as an Accredited Practising Dietitian. 3. Extensive experience in clinical dietetics. 4. Evidence of an outstanding contribution to teaching and the supervision of research students. 5. Excellent record in research and publication in high quality peer-reviewed international journals. 6. Demonstrated record of research grants and other monies received from external bodies. Page 4 of 6

5 7. Demonstrate a broad understanding of changes within the healthcare system and the implications of those changes for dietitians and the discipline of dietetics. 8. Demonstrated capacity to initiate and a willingness to facilitate consultation with healthcare agencies and government sectors. 9. Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff. 10. Awareness of OH&S responsibilities and willingness to attend OHS training as required. 11. Willingness to commit to Victoria University s values which are: knowledge and skills, and critical and imaginative inquiry for their capacity to transform individuals and the community; equality of opportunity for students and staff; diversity for its contribution to creativity and the enrichment of life; co-operation as the basis of engagement with local and international communities; integrity, respect and transparency in personal and collaborative action; sound environmental stewardship for future generations; the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. Desirable: 1. Good understanding of university structures and processes. 2. Experience in reviewing grant applications, and editing scholarly articles for professional organisations and/or journals. Page 5 of 6

6 ORGANISATIONAL CHART COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND BIOMEDICINE Dean College of Health and Biomedicine * Associate Professor Dietetics * Denotes position Page 6 of 6