Learning Designer

• Contribute to strategic initiatives that shape the future of education at the University
• Expand your expertise in curriculum design, educational technologies and emerging teaching practices.
• Work in a collaborative team of educational designers, technologists and media specialists who are passionate about teaching excellence.

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

As a Learning Designer at the University of Newcastle, you'll work alongside passionate academics to create engaging, inclusive and innovative learning experiences that empower students to succeed. This is an opportunity to influence teaching practice across a diverse range of disciplines, bringing evidence-informed educational design, creativity and collaboration together to improve learning outcomes for thousands of students.

If you're passionate about quality pedagogy, curriculum design and creating learning experiences that make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

As a trusted educational design specialist within the Learning Design and Teaching Innovation team, you'll partner with academic staff to design, develop and continuously improve curriculum across face-to-face, blended and online learning environments.

No two projects are the same. One day you might be redesigning assessment to better support student learning, the next you're helping academics integrate new educational technologies or developing engaging online course experiences. You'll collaborate with experts from across the University, applying contemporary learning design principles while contributing to institution-wide initiatives that advance teaching excellence.

In this role, you will:

• Partner with academics to design engaging, high-quality curriculum and learning experiences.
• Apply evidence-informed pedagogical practices to improve teaching and student outcomes.
• Design authentic assessment strategies and ensure constructive alignment across courses.
• Develop accessible, engaging and intuitive learning experiences within the Learning Management System.
• Provide expert advice on curriculum design, assessment and educational technologies.
• Support innovation in teaching through contemporary learning design approaches.
• Contribute to projects that enhance teaching quality across the University.
• Deliver professional learning and build capability in teaching and learning practice.

About you

You are passionate about higher education and believe thoughtful learning design has the power to transform the student experience. You enjoy working collaboratively, building strong relationships with academic staff and helping others achieve great outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Experience in curriculum or learning design, educational development or a related field.
• A strong understanding of contemporary pedagogy, constructive alignment and assessment design.
• Experience designing learning for face-to-face, blended and online environments.
• Knowledge of learning technologies and learning management systems.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and project coordination skills.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

This fixed term role is full time until June 2028 at a HEW 7 Higher Education Worker Level and is located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

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 creating 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 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

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: 

• A remuneration of $103641 - $116,596+ superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 35 hour week
• 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

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this 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: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

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).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Jeremy Rennex, Manager, Learning Design (02) 4921 5926 or via email Jeremy.Rennex@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Sunday 9^th August 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

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.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.