SPARQ-ed™ (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland) is a unique educational facility established as collaboration between the Translational Research Institute and Queensland's Department of Education.

We are seeking a full-time temporary Head of Department SPARQ-ed to focus on innovative curriculum leadership; participating in delivering the vision of the facility, developing quality teaching and learning and nurturing positive relationships between students, teachers and stakeholders.

This is a temporary full-time position to commence from 30 June 2026 until 11 December 2026, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About SPARQ-ed™ (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland)

SPARQ-ed aims to promote excellence and innovation in biological and biomedical education by delivering world class specialist programs to Queensland students and teachers.  These programs are based on a model that brings together personnel and expertise from the education and scientific research communities. 

About the Role

As a program leader you play a vital role in shaping the way SPARQ-ed delivers education services, ensuring students develop the skills, knowledge and creativity to succeed in the global economy.

• Experience as a Head of Department - Science/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is preferred.
• This role requires flexible work arrangements (e.g. some evenings and school holiday work), managed through time off in lieu (TOIL) in line with departmental policies, procedures and guidelines.
• This position reports to the Director (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning).

How you will be assessed

The ideal applicant will be someone who has:

• Demonstrated teaching competence and capacity to provide curriculum leadership of innovative outreach programs of SPARQ-ed leading to the achievement of quality learning outcomes for all learners (secondary students and teachers).
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to develop and sustain productive relationships within and beyond the SPARQ-ed community.
• Capacity to use data and analytical skills for continual improvement of the programs educational outcomes and communicating program impact aligned to the Department's Education Strategy and strategic priorities, and the SPARQ-ed vision.
• Capacity to manage effectively human, financial and physical resources to deliver high quality organisational outcomes.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

To Apply

• Attach a current resume (3-page maximum)including contact details for 2 referees (one of whom is your current or most recent supervisor with understanding of your relevant work history).
• Attach a written response (2-page maximum) outlining your suitability for the role under 'How You Will Be Assessed' section in the attached Role Description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory requirements outlined in the Role Description - Current full registration, or current provisional registration with eligibility for full registration, as a teacher in Queensland.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  DOE689261_26T - Role Description (PDF, 325KB)
  Role Description