Learning & Development Specialist

Position purpose

The Learning & Development Specialist partners with business stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify learning needs and design, develop, implement and evaluate effective learning solutions.

The role manages the end-to-end learning development lifecycle, translating complex technical content into engaging and accessible learning experiences. Solutions may include self-paced learning, virtual and instructor-led training, videos, simulations, assessments, job aids and other performance-support resources.

The position also supports the delivery and continuous improvement of assigned learning programs, ensuring solutions are aligned with business priorities, adult learning principles, Novotech standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

1. Learning needs analysis and consultation

• Partner with key stakeholders to clarify learning requests and identify the underlying performance or capability need.
• Conduct learning needs analyses using stakeholder consultation, performance data, learner feedback and available business information.
• Determine whether learning is the appropriate intervention and recommend alternative performance-support solutions where required.
• Define target audiences, learning objectives, success measures and evaluation approaches.

2. Instructional design

• Apply adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to create effective and learner-centred solutions.
• Translate complex technical content into clear and practical learning experiences.
• Ensure learning solutions support knowledge application and performance rather than focusing only on information presentation.
• Design learning journeys, curricula, course structures, storyboards, facilitator guides, participant materials and performance-support resources.
• Design solutions that can be delivered through self-paced learning, virtual instructor-led training, instructor-led training, blended learning, microlearning or workplace performance support.

3. Digital learning development

• Develop engaging modules using approved authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise and other digital learning applications.
• Develop interactive learning activities, branching scenarios, simulations, software demonstrations and assessments.
• Use approved generative AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude and ChatGPT, to support instructional design and digital learning development, as needed.
• Create and edit basic learning videos, screen recordings and other multimedia assets using tools such as Camtasia and Canva.
• Create professional, visually engaging presentations, facilitator decks and learning materials in Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Use AI-assisted development approaches to create, adapt or troubleshoot simple interactive learning pages, where appropriate.
• Apply Novotech templates, branding and user-experience standards consistently across learning solutions.
• Maintain source files, published packages, content versions and supporting documentation in approved repositories.

4. Learning program implementation

• Coordinate with SMEs, facilitators, vendors and internal stakeholders to plan and support timely implementation.
• Develop learner communications, facilitator briefing materials and implementation resources.
• Support pilot sessions and incorporate feedback before broader deployment.
• Work with the L&D Coordinator or L&D administrator to arrange enrolment, scheduling, communications and LMS assignment.

5. Evaluation and continuous improvement

• Analyse learner feedback, assessment results, completion data, stakeholder input and available performance indicators.
• Evaluate whether learning objectives have been achieved and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain and update existing learning solutions based on learner feedback, business changes, process updates and regulatory requirements.

6. Stakeholder and SME management

• Establish productive working relationships with business stakeholders, SMEs, Quality, Compliance, IT and other relevant functions.
• Guide SMEs through the learning development and review process.
• Facilitate content reviews and manage stakeholder feedback through agreed review cycles.

7. Project management

• Manage multiple learning projects concurrently from initiation through implementation and evaluation.
• Communicate progress and constraints clearly to stakeholders.
• Manage assigned work within agreed scope, quality, timelines and budget.
• Identify when a requested change affects project scope, timeline, resources or solution quality.
• Use Microsoft Excel to track, analyse and report learning and project data.

8. L&D standards and capability

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Novotech's learning development processes, templates and quality standards.
• Maintain awareness of developments in adult learning, instructional design, digital learning technology, accessibility and learning evaluation.
• Support the development of reusable learning assets and standardised design approaches.
• Provide guidance or mentoring to coordinators, facilitators or less-experienced team members when required.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in instructional design, education, learning and development, organisational development, human resources, communications or a related field.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience in learning and development, instructional design or digital learning development.
• Experience developing eLearning and other media assets using Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Camtasia, Canva or comparable tools.
• Demonstrated experience using generative AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude or ChatGPT, to support instructional design and digital learning development, including storyboarding, content development, scenario creation, assessment design or rapid prototyping.
  
• Experience designing instructor-led, virtual and digital learning solutions.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging and practical learning content.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools like PowerPoint, Excel, Word and so on.
• Strong stakeholder-management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with limited supervision.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Desirable

• Experience working in a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare or another regulated industry.
• Knowledge of the clinical research environment and applicable GCP or GxP requirements.
• Experience developing clinical, technical, procedural or compliance-related learning.
• Basic understanding of HTML and web-page structure, sufficient to use AI-assisted tools to create, edit and troubleshoot simple interactive learning pages.
• Knowledge of accessibility principles and standards relevant to digital learning.
• Experience measuring learning effectiveness beyond learner satisfaction and completion.
• Experience managing external learning vendors or development partners.

Core capabilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Instructional design and digital learning development
• Learning needs analysis
• Project management
• Stakeholder and SME management
• Learning evaluation
• Technical quality assurance
• AI-assisted design and development
• Continuous improvement
• Authoring and Media development tools
• Microsoft Office
• Business and learner focus
• Video and multimedia development

Novotech is proud to offer a great workplace. We are committed to being an employer of choice for gender equality and providing an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Our team members are passionate about what we do, but we understand work is only one of the things that is important to them. We support our team members with flexible working options, paid parental leave for both parents, flexible leave entitlements, wellness programs and ongoing development programs. We are looking for people who are passionate about working in clinical research and biotech, including people who identify with LGBTIQ+, have a disability or have caring responsibilities. We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to responding to every application. We look forward to talking to you about working at Novotech.