Senior Lecturer in Social Work

Part of the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, our Social Work group delivers innovative research and teaching in Social Work and Public and Community Health. We offer a suite of programs, including the Bachelor of Social Work, Research Higher Degrees, and our recently launched Master of Social Work (Qualifying).

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced academic with a strong track record in teaching, research, and social work practice to contribute to an expanding and impactful suite of programs.

About the Role

As a Senior Lecturer in Social Work, you will play a key role in shaping the future of social work education and research at the University of Newcastle. In this balanced academic role, you will:

• Provide academic leadership in teaching, curriculum development, and program coordination
• Lead the implementation and delivery of the new Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program.
• Engage in impactful research and publish in high-quality journals or other recognised research outlets.
• Attract and supervise Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates.
• Build strong relationships with industry, professional bodies, and the community to support Work Integrated Learning and research collaboration.
• Engage in governance, accreditation, and quality assurance processes aligned with AASW standards

This continuing full-time position is based at our City Campus (Awabakal land), with opportunities to teach online and at other campuses as required.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A doctoral qualification (or equivalent) in Social Work
• Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and curriculum leadership
• Experience supervising honours and HDR students to timely completion
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and research
• Established networks in the social work profession and community services sector
• Desirable: Experience in postgraduate curriculum design and program implementation

A full position description, including essential and desirable selection criteria, is available on our website.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a school driving social change through research, education, and industry partnerships.
• Contribute to the development of a brand-new postgraduate program.
• Collaborate across disciplines including health, justice, human services, and social care.
• Salary: $143,602 - $165,586 plus 17% superannuation.
• UON Benefits: Generous leave entitlements, structured career development and training, wellness programs, staff discounts, and more (see our benefits at a glance)

Our University

For over 60 years, the University of Newcastle has built a reputation for excellence in education and research. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be one of the first two Australian universities to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion.

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.

How to Apply

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:

1. Your ORCID iD.
2. A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).
3. Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline, and including the details of three referees.
4. A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):

• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing referee details of 3 referees.
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description.

 Applications Close: Sunday 3^rd August, 2025, 11:59pm (AEST)

Additional Information

• You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This role involves child-related work and requires a current Working with Children Check (NSW)
• The successful candidate will be required to consent to a Criminal History Check
• You can find more details about our application process here.
• We do not accept email applications.

Contact Us

For further information about this role, please contact: Owen Jackson, Executive Officer on (02) 4921 5173 or via email owen.jackson@newcastle.edu.au

For technical support or alternative submission pathways, please contact: Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist. jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au or +61 2 4055 0612

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