Lecturer - Physics (Astrophysics)

Salary: $117,226 – $139,207 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, Fixed-term until June 2030

Location: Callaghan Campus

About the Role

This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the University of Newcastle’s mission of delivering excellence in education, research, and professional service. Working within the School of Science in the discipline of Physics, you will play a vital part in delivering high-quality outcomes that support students, staff, and the broader community.

The Lecturer in Physics (Astrophysics) will contribute to the delivery of physics courses across a range of programmes, supporting high-quality teaching, curriculum development, and student engagement. In parallel, the successful candidate will undertake an active research programme that complements existing expertise in Astrophysics, contributing to a collaborative and internationally engaged research environment.

You will be joining a community of professionals who are passionate about creating a better future for our regions and the world. You will be supported by a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture that encourages growth, innovation, and meaningful impact.

About you

You are dedicated and forward-thinking with a strong research track record in Astrophysics and an ability to develop and deliver undergraduate courses across a broad range of core physics topics.

You thrive in collaborative settings and are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and research environment. You value diverse perspectives and actively contribute to a culture that supports mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement. You are eager to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through education, research, and community engagement.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A PhD in Physics, Astrophysics or equivalent relevant field.
• Demonstrated research excellence and clear capacity to develop as an effective teacher and contributor to service and engagement.
• Strong research track record (relative to opportunity) in an area relevant to Astrophysics that complements the existing expertise of exoplanet science, solar and stellar physics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead/undertake collaborative research (academic and industry).
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and deliver courses in Physics (including first year courses) in a variety of teaching modes.
• Demonstrated experience in aligning personal and organisational research strategies, and producing research outputs.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to participate in a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect.
• Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

About Us

The School of Science accommodates the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science and Management, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Geography and Environmental Studies. The School aims to provide a transformative, modern and relevant learning experience where students acquire practical skills, leading to work and life-ready graduates.

Research at the School is of a quality that is ‘well above world standard’ and is relevant, collaborative, interdisciplinary and impactful. The Discipline of Physics is a well-established and highly collegial academic unit with a long history of delivering world-class research outcomes, excellence in Physics teaching and nationally recognised programmes of community outreach and service. The Discipline of Physics has a focus on disciplinary and transdisciplinary research that encompasses scholarship and industrial engagement; working at the boundaries between disciplines and industry to deliver global solutions to global issues

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, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Looking Ahead 2030 (outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving 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 Indigenous students and communities.

For more information click here – The University of Newcastle

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:

• Flexible working arrangements 
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs 
• Career development opportunities
• Great Lifestyle – Enjoy the best of coastal living in Newcastle, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and easy connectivity to Sydney and other major cities. Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle.

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 note, visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position.

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 David Pontin, Head of Discipline, School of Science david.pontin@newcastle.edu.au or on 0240553261.

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: Thursday, 30^th April 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.  

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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