Chair - Paediatrics & Child Health

• Leadership role in Paediatrics & Child Health in a tertiary referral hospital.
• Top 1% University in the World, Newcastle NSW Australia.
• Enjoy a fantastic lifestyle & easy connectivity to major cities and destinations.

Location: John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle NSW (Awabakal and Worimi Land).

Employment Terms: Full-time continuing position with the University of Newcastle, with secondary employment as a Clinical Academic with Hunter New England Health Local Health District on a 0.4FTE basis, in addition to the primary employment with the University, for which remuneration will be in accordance with the Clinical Academics Employed in the NSW Health Service Policy Directive.

Salary: $222,734 p.a. + Full Clinical Loading of $38,558 + 17% superannuation.

Category: Academic Level E.

About the Position

We are seeking a dynamic leader in the discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health who can lead with a commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. This is an exciting time to join the School of Medicine and Public Health with the $835 million new build of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct well underway. Housed in the new precinct will be an expanded Paediatric Critical Care Service, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Be the leading authority in the discipline, providing academic leadership and foster excellence in teaching, research, professional activities and policy development.
• Build and support the network of Clinical Educators within the Joint Medical Program (JMP) including building strong links with academic and clinical colleagues at the Hunter Clinical (HCS) and Central Coast Clinical (CCCS) Schools, the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health (UONDRH) and the University of New England.
• Represent the discipline in relevant School, College, University and institutional partner committees. 
• Foster excellence in collaborative research through active engagement with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) research programs.

This continuing full-time position is based at John Hunter Hospital (Awabakal and Worimi land).

Why This Role?

• Imagine being part of a team where you can work alongside some of the best clinicians in a top-tier referral centre. Here, you'll be part of a dynamic, high-functioning team that thrives on excellence.
• Our prestigious Joint Medical Program (JMP) offers a unique blend of experiences, allowing you to work across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas. This diversity gives you the rare chance to make a significant impact on paediatric and child health in various communities.
• The JMP is proud to partner with the University of New England, Hunter New England (HNE), and Central Coast Local Health Districts (CCLHD). This collaboration opens doors to unparalleled opportunities and resources.
• By working closely with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), you'll have the chance to dive into educational and medical research that aligns with your interests. You'll also be able to contribute to ongoing research projects, enhancing your professional growth.
• Our institution places a strong emphasis on Indigenous health, providing you with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in this crucial area. 

Join us and be part of a mission that truly matters.

About You

This role will suit an accomplished academic leader in Paediatric and Child Health who enjoys fostering a cooperative, high-performing team environment and has a strong track record of driving excellence in teaching and research through effective mentoring and academic development. 

• Fellowship with (or eligible for) the Royal Australian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health) or equivalent.
• Current registration (or be eligible for) as a Specialist Paediatrician with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with no restrictions, notations or conditions.
• PhD (or equivalent) in Paediatric and Child Health.
• Demonstrated teaching excellence with leadership in curriculum and program development.
• Strong research track record, including success in securing external funding with success in guiding the development of more junior academic staff and researchers.

Please note, as part of the recruitment process you will need to formally address each criterion of the Selection Criteria (including desirable criterion) in your application. You will find the complete list of Selection Criteria in the attached Position Description. 

The successful applicant will be offered secondary employment as a Clinical Academic with the HNELHD, on a 0.4FTE basis, in addition to their primary employment with the University. For further information about this appointment please refer to the Policy Directive for Clinical Academics Employed in the NSW Health Service Policy Directive

About the School and our University

• The School
• John Hunter Children’s Hospital
• Joint Medical Program (JMP)
• HMRI Research Programs

The University of Newcastle, ranked in the top 1% globally and top 40 for impact, is dedicated to high-quality education and research. We equip students to address real-world challenges, serving over 36,000 students across campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney and Singapore, with a strong commitment to equity and social justice.

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. 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 of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

For more information click here – Our Uni.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy);
• 17% super and salary packaging;
• additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme;
• discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more;
• wellbeing programs.

 For information on our employee benefits please visit here.  

How to Apply

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

If viewing this vacancy on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• A current copy of your CV, which should be a maximum of five pages and be succinct and appropriate discipline.
• Your ORCID ID
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent)
• A Cover Letter, including:
• your reason for applying for the position and; 
• contact details for a minimum of three relevant referees.
• A statement formally addressing each criterion of the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as provided in the Position Description attached. 

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For initial position enquiries, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist, Kelly Gibson on +61 2 4055 3164 or via email at Kelly.Gibson@newcastle.edu.au 

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us via employment@newcastle.edu.au 

Closing date: Monday, 23 June 2025 at 11.59pm AEST  

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

Move to Newcastle

A move to Newcastle offers you the choice to live in the city, by the sea or near bushland - the region offers a wonderful place for a family to grow and the opportunity to strike a work/life balance.

Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future.

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.

#LI-KG!