Lecturer in Nursing (Mental Health)

Category: Academic Level B

Salary: $121,329 – $139,207 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, Continuing

Location: Callaghan, Central Coast or Tamworth Campus

About the Role

The School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Newcastle is a national leader in mental health nursing education. We are seeking a Lecturer with demonstrated experience in higher education to contribute to excellence in mental health nursing education and research. This teaching-intensive role offers the opportunity to shape the learning experience of nursing students while building an emerging research profile in mental health.

Our School is ranked 47th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025) and holds a world-class ERA rating. You will join a collaborative environment with strong links to Hunter New England, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts, and research partnerships through HMRI and CCCSRI.

As part of the University's commitment to increasing Indigenous employment within its workforce, this role is a targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position. The University holds an exemption under Section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) in relation to its targeted recruiting programs. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous candidates can apply, however priority will be given to those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in their application and successfully meet the selection criteria.

About you

You are an early career academic with expertise in Mental Health Nursing or a related discipline. You bring a strong record in research, teaching, and leadership, and are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative academic culture.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Registration as a Nurse in Australia (AHPRA) and complete a doctoral qualification, or making substantial progress towards completing, in mental health or a closely related nursing discipline (for example, community health, primary health care, alcohol and other drugs, forensic, custodial, public health, or health services research nursing).
• Demonstrated record of publication or non-traditional research output in quality outlets, including evidence of research collaborations and partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to achieve emerging national recognition in mental health nursing, with experience contributing to applications for research funding
• Demonstrated recent ability to achieve teaching quality, with willingness to improve and innovate in response to feedback
• Demonstrated recent ability to contribute to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, preparation and delivery of course content, and coordinating courses,
• Ability to contribute to School governance and administration, share academic service responsibilities, and develop collaborations with health services and external partners
• Clinical experience in mental health nursing practice and a demonstrated commitment to collaborative, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.

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 Nursing and Midwifery is one of four Schools within CHMW, delivering undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree research programs. Our extensive footprint spans three local health districts—Central Coast, Hunter New England and Mid-North Coast—including partnerships with public and private hospitals. Students gain clinical experience across tertiary hospitals in urban and regional settings, with opportunities in rural and remote practice environments.

We maintain a strong commitment to Indigenous health, reflected through Indigenisation of our curricula and active recruitment of Indigenous students and staff. Our teaching is evidence-based and contemporary, using innovative pedagogy to deliver quality programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The School prioritises translational research that significantly impacts the health of local and global communities and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our research programs are comprehensive and multidisciplinary, conducted in partnership with leading institutes and health services.

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 2030 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.

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 
• 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
• Career development opportunities

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 Amanda Wilson, Head of School on HOS-SONM@newcastle.edu.au.

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.

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.

Application close date: 15^th November 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

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.  

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