Principal Learning Designer, First Year Belonging

• Faculty of Business, Economics and Law

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years

• Base salary will be in the range $104,616.68 – $113,920.12 + 17% super (HEW Level 7)

• Based at our St Lucia location

We are seeking an innovative and experienced Principal Learning Designer to lead a high-impact, future‑funded project focused on strengthening student belonging and success within large, diverse first‑year cohorts. Working across the Schools of Psychology and Business, this role partners closely with academic and professional colleagues to design inclusive, evidence‑informed curricula, assessments and pedagogical approaches that enhance engagement, identity formation and learning quality. You will operate in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, contributing to a purposeful initiative that connects teaching excellence with meaningful student outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design, development, implementation and evaluation of innovative learning experiences that embed belongingness pedagogy, inclusive design and active, flexible learning approaches.

• Advising and partnering with academic and professional staff to enhance curriculum, assessment and teaching practices within large first‑year programs.

• Planning and coordinating learning design and educational projects, including defining scope, objectives, resources and timelines in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

• Contributing to faculty‑wide learning design initiatives and sharing best‑practice exemplars that strengthen teaching quality and the first‑year student experience.

You will bring a strong blend of pedagogical expertise, project leadership capability and collaborative mindset, enabling you to translate theory into practical, scalable learning solutions.

You will also demonstrate:

• Degree‑level qualifications with at least four years’ relevant experience in learning design, curriculum development or educational development within higher education.

• Advanced understanding of how students learn face‑to‑face contexts, with the agility to work across disciplinary boundaries.

• Demonstrated ability to apply pedagogical theory and contemporary practice to analyse complex teaching and learning challenges and develop innovative solutions.

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships with diverse academic and professional stakeholders.

• Strong project management capability, including the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and deliver outcomes under pressure.

• Experience or interest in initiatives that support student belonging, first‑year transition and student success in large cohorts.

• High levels of digital literacy and confidence using educational technologies and software applications, including learning management systems and the Microsoft suite.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.  

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging. 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Tyler Okimoto, Associate Dean (Academic) via email [email protected]. 

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.  

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted. 

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.  

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.  

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623. 

Applications close Monday 29 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R‑65616). Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.