Associate Professor in Speech Pathology

Salary: $172,910 – $190,490 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, Continuing 

Location: Callaghan Campus

About the Role

The Associate Professor of Speech Pathology will serve as Head of Discipline, providing academic leadership and advancing excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice within Speech Pathology and the School of Health Sciences.

The role requires a visible and engaged presence across the School, College, University, and professional community. As a senior academic leader, you will contribute to the University of Newcastle’s mission through high‑quality education, impactful research, and meaningful engagement, while supporting strategic priorities that benefit students, staff, and the wider community.

You will join a collegial and forward‑thinking academic environment committed to innovation, inclusivity, and real‑world impact.

About you

In addition to academic leadership, the Head of Discipline contributes directly to teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels, including course coordination, assessment, and ongoing curriculum development. The role works closely with the Program Convenor to enhance program quality and maintain full accreditation, currently held through to September 2029.

You will lead the Discipline’s research agenda, foster collaborations with key research partners, including HMRI, the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute, and the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, and actively participate in the University’s “One Footprint” research network.

You thrive in collaborative academic environments, value diversity and equity, and contribute to a culture of respect, innovation, and continuous improvement.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Expertise: A PhD in Speech Pathology or a related field, and current or eligible membership with Speech Pathology Australia.
• Quality Teaching: Evidence of high‑quality, responsive teaching informed by student outcomes and feedback.
• Strategic Leadership in Learning and Teaching: Demonstrated leadership in curriculum design, delivery, and assessment, including recognition as a specialist educator across relevant courses or disciplines.
• High-Quality Research: A strong record of impactful publications or non‑traditional research outputs, with evidence of national or international collaborations and research influence.
• Funding Success: A recent record of securing competitive external funding as a chief investigator and mentoring emerging researchers.
• Supervision: Experience supervising Honours, Masters, and HDR students through to timely completion.
• Engagement: Significant contributions to University governance, mentoring, policy development, and leadership in professional or community sectors, with the ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within teams.

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

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

The School of Health Sciences, within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, delivers high‑quality education across a wide range of allied health disciplines, including Medical Radiation Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Speech Pathology. The School balances strong disciplinary research with interprofessional education that prepares graduates for contemporary healthcare practice.

We maintain strong partnerships with local health services, supporting clinical placements, graduate training, and collaborative clinical research. Our student‑led Speech Pathology clinic, based at the Callaghan campus, provides valuable learning opportunities while delivering services to the community.

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. Strategic Plan 2020-2025 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 in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy, supporting diverse family and personal commitments
• 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

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 Daphne James, Interim Head of School, School of Health Sciences on daphne.james@newcastle.edu.au.

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.

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.

Application close date: Sunday 15^th March 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

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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