We're Hiring!

Creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally, and globally, James Cook University (JCU) is looking to appoint a Knowledge Broker within the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub).  This position is offered on a Full time and fixed term basis to 30 June 2027 and is based at either our Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville or the Cairns Nguma-bada campus.  Hybrid working arrangements will also be considered. Classified as ACAD Level C the salary is $137,166 - $157,465 per annum + up to 17% employer superannuation contributions.

About the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ HUB)

The TNQ Drought Hub our regional partners will lead transformational change in the way our communities respond to drought. We work with local farmers, supply chain SMEs, and First Nations custodians of the land to develop economic, social and environmental resilience against drought’s devastating impacts.

The TNQ Drought Hub’s various collaborative activities in Transformational Agriculture Systems, Innovation and Commercialisation, Human Capacity Building and Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprise will boost capacity for innovative responses to drought impacts.

These, in turn, will enhance workforce opportunities and capability, especially as new ventures are supported to flourish.

What you can accomplish in the role 

The Knowledge Broker, Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Hub) provides leadership in knowledge management, communications management and capacity development to the TNQ Hub.

The Knowledge Broker will assist with research and knowledge translation and exchange to promote interaction between knowledge users and knowledge generators as well as to develop capacity for evidence-informed decision making.

The Knowledge Broker will provide, build and facilitate links between end users, researchers, policy makers, companies, Indigenous organisations by developing a mutual understanding of goals and cultures. The Knowledge Broker will link and collaborate with end users to identify issues and problems for which solutions are required, and aid to facilitate the identification, access, assessment, interpretation, and translation of research evidence into local policy and practice. The Knowledge Broker will also coordinate the resources that will be located in the TNQ Drought Hub nodes.

What you can bring to the role

• Completion of postgraduate qualifications or equivalent industry experience in agriculture, sciences, natural resource management or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience of applied agricultural research, innovation or extension.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills and proven experience in managing and coordinating diverse teams, including the ability to manage organisational, cultural and systemic change.

• Demonstrated high level communication skills, both written and oral, and an ability to work collaboratively and independently with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated track record of building trust-based, client-focussed relationships and delivering high quality results in research and commercial environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of Tropical North Queensland farming and community system and drought resilience.

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

What matters to us at JCU?  

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply   

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant account and follow the steps below:

1. Complete the application form

2. Upload your current resume

3.  Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success.

We welcome applications from candidates with current Australian working rights. Candidates without working rights will not be considered. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Karen George at karen.george@jcu.edu.au. 

Applications close Thursday 23 July 2026.

About our process 

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.