Head of School, School of Health Sciences

Position: Full-time, Fixed Term for five (5) years

Location: Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, NSW Australia

About the role

The University of Newcastle invites applications for the position of Head of School, Health Sciences. This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to guide one of the University’s most comprehensive and successful schools through its next phase of growth and development. The School encompasses multiple allied health disciplines including physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, speech pathology, medical radiation science, podiatry and oral health therapy.

As a member of the College Executive, the Head of School will play a key role in shaping the future of health education and research at Newcastle. The position demands a leader who can work across the full range of allied health disciplines, bringing together a diverse academic community around a shared vision. The appointee may come from any allied health area or other relevant health background, but must have the capability to lead across the spectrum of disciplines represented in the School.

The role is multifaceted, with significant responsibility for people leadership, operational management, program quality and accreditation. The Head of School will inspire and support staff, strengthen cohesion across disciplines, and ensure that programs meet professional and accreditation standards while providing an excellent student experience and also preparing graduates for the evolving needs of the health workforce.

The School of Health Sciences is home to more than 2,600 undergraduate students, 40 postgraduate coursework students, and over 80 higher degree research candidates. With established strengths in education and growing research capacity, the School is well positioned to expand its profile and impact through stronger partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational research. The Head of School will be instrumental in lifting research performance, supporting innovation in teaching and learning, and fostering meaningful engagement with local health districts, research institutes, and community partners.

Based at the University’s Callaghan campus, with responsibilities across regional campuses, this role offers the opportunity to make a major contribution to health education and research in Australia, with a particular focus on the needs of regional and rural communities.

Key requirements

• A doctoral qualification in a health-related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to provide academic leadership and operational management in a complex environment.
• Experience working across disciplines within allied health or related fields.
• A strong profile of scholarly achievement and recognised contributions to health education.
• A proven record of securing external research funding and advancing research outcomes.
• Understanding of program accreditation requirements in health professional education.
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships with industry, health services, government, and research organisations.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and people leadership skills. 

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.

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.

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 

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

Making Contact or to Apply 

The University of Newcastle will be supported in its search for this appointment by the executive search firm The Insight Group. If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence and to submit your application please contact us by phone: (03) 9654 3288, or email: applications@insightgroup.com.au. 

Closing date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025

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. 

About Newcastle 

A 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. 

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