Senior Education Officer – Science

Department/Team: Education

Reports to: Head of Programs

Role Status: Fixed term until 31 December 2026

Role Type: Full time

Location: Canberra (remote working arrangements may be considered for the right candidate)

Role Classification: Level 8 (1) – $131,561 package including super

About the Academy

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished Australian scientists, championing science for the benefit of all. The Academy is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organisation delivering sought after science advice that influences Australia’s actions and contributes to global science.

The Academy strives to advance Australia as a nation that embraces scientific knowledge and whose people enjoy the benefits of science.

The Academy’s offices are located in Canberra in the ACT, operating out of two iconic heritage listed buildings, the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in the centre of the city.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Academy Fellows and employees live and work, and to their elders, past and present.

Our culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff, investing in them to nurture and develop them as professionals.

The position

The Australian Academy of Science’s school education focus is providing advice and support for Foundation to Year 10 teachers of Mathematics and Science through evidence-based education programs grounded in research and which are designed to build teacher capability in these learning areas to maximise the impact they make in the classroom.

Over 2020 to 2026, the Academy is extending its strong record, broad collaborations, and Australian Government investment to date to deliver the next phase of the successful programs: Primary Connections, Science Connections, and reSolve. This will be achieved through leveraging the programs’ strengths and consolidating offerings through the key functional areas of resource and professional learning development and delivery.

Working closely with the Education Program Manager and other colleagues, the Senior Education Officer will make a key contribution to the development and production of quality teaching and learning resources with a particular focus on Year 7 to Year 10 teachers – with a focus on improving the quality of mathematics education in Australian schools.

The opportunity is available as a fixed-term contract to December 2026. The preferred location for the role is Canberra, however applications for remote working arrangements will be considered.

Roles and responsibilities

Reporting to the Education Program Manager:

• Design and develop high-quality, evidence-based teaching resources and professional learning that illustrate and exemplify Australian Academy of Science Education’s values and design principles using cycles of design, testing, and review, on time and with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate and work with subject matter experts, users and Academy Education colleagues to inform, develop, review and test resources.
• Contribute to, including manage and coordinate as relevant, process and activities related to teacher/user networks for developing and testing resources and tools.
• Participate in and contribute to, as relevant, initiatives to refine pedagogical practices and emphases deployed across the program suite; strengthen integration of First Nations Australians’ perspectives and knowledges; and explore transdisciplinary STEM approaches.
• Perform other duties as requested, including sharing duties with other staff from time to time.

Qualifications and experience

• Education tertiary qualifications in science and/or maths education essential, relevant postgraduate qualifications desirable.
• Current Working with Vulnerable People check or ability to obtain.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated knowledge of science and of school education in Australia, including the Australian Curriculum and professional learning for teachers.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development and assessment of high-quality evidence-based resources and experiences designed to build teacher capability and confidence in science.
• Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including development and delivery of written resources for a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and delivery of professional learning in face-to-face and online environments using a variety of delivery modes and styles for a range of audiences including adult learners undertaking professional learning.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic with well-developed organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders, users and subject matter experts including to ensure that requirements and expertise are translated with fidelity into the design and development of resources and support.
• Proven ability to contribute to a cross-functional team across multiple locations, contribute to a supportive work climate, and deliver results as a team.
• Commitment to workplace diversity and inclusivity, workplace participation, health and safety, and equity principles.

Contact details

Further information on the position is available by contacting hr@science.org.au.

Applications

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• your resume
• a cover letter explaining why this role is for you and how you’ll contribute to our team. Please refer to the selection criteria above (max 2 pages).

Apply via our HR Management system.

Applications close 5pm AEST Monday 15 September 2025.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.