Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Oral Health

Salary: Level B: $117,226 – $139,207

 Level C: $143,602 - $165,586 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, Continuing 

Location: Central Coast, NSW

About the Role

Drawing on expertise in oral health and/or dentistry, the Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Oral Health will contribute to the design, development, coordination, and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate education, while supporting the advancement of research and scholarship within the discipline. You will play a key role in preparing the next generation of oral health professionals through innovative teaching, clinical education, student supervision, and strong engagement with industry, professional bodies, and the wider community.

The position provides opportunities to supervise Honours and Higher Degree by Research candidates, develop collaborative research programs, and contribute to academic leadership and service across the School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, the University, and the profession more broadly.

Appointment will be made at either Lecturer (Level B) or Senior Lecturer (Level C), commensurate with the successful applicant's experience, achievements, and academic standing. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute across the core academic domains of research, teaching, leadership, and engagement, aligned with the University's Looking Ahead Strategy 2030.

About you

You are a collaborative and innovative academic with expertise in oral health and/or dentistry and a passion for advancing education, research, and professional practice. You are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience, developing impactful research, and contributing to a collegial and inclusive academic community.

You will demonstrate many or all of the following:

• A PhD in Oral Health, Dentistry, or a related discipline (completed or near completion).
• Current eligibility for full AHPRA registration as an Oral Health Therapist, Dentist, or Specialist Dentist.
• Clinical expertise and a strong understanding of current and emerging issues in oral health education and practice.
• A record of research excellence demonstrated through publications, presentations, non-traditional research outputs, research impact, and/or competitive grant activity.
• Experience building productive research collaborations and partnerships with academic, industry, professional, and community stakeholders.
• Experience, or demonstrated capacity, to supervise Honours, Masters, and Higher Degree by Research students.
• A commitment to high-quality teaching and student learning, including clinical and professional practice education.
• Experience contributing to curriculum design, course coordination, and the development of engaging undergraduate and postgraduate learning experiences.

In addition to the above, candidates seeking appointment at Senior Lecturer level will demonstrate:

• An established track record of high-quality and impactful research, including a strong publication record and evidence of national and international research collaborations.
• Success in securing competitive research funding and leading research initiatives as a Chief Investigator or equivalent.
• A proven record of successful supervision of research students, including Higher Degree by Research candidates through to completion.
• Leadership in learning and teaching, including curriculum innovation, course leadership, mentoring colleagues, and driving continuous improvement in student outcomes.

About Us

The School of Health Sciences, one of four Schools within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, excels in the teaching of nine allied health disciplines: Oral Health Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry, Diagnostic Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Physiotherapy. The disciplines within the School advance the professional research profile of their respective areas and work together to prepare future healthcare professionals for their careers in multi-professional health, disability and aged care environments. The School has strong links with industry through sponsored undergraduate students, co-design and involvement in teaching, as well as several research collaborations.

The School of Health Sciences enjoys a close collaboration with Local Health Districts and private practices in providing clinical learning experiences for students, teaching, research and engagement. 

Our university

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University’s commitment is to deliver an exceptional student experience and serve our communities.

We are proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI). 

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities. The University of Newcastle is a recognised leader in Indigenous health education and engagement, led by the Wollotuka Institute and Thurru Indigenous Health Unit.

What we offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Career development opportunities

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.  

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID.
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).
• A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):
• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees.
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description. 
• Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Professor Bronwyn Hemsley, Head of School, School of Health Sciences at Bronwyn.Hemsley@newcastle.edu.au. 

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date: 8 September 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

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