Lecturer In Oral Health

Salary: $117,226 – $139,207 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, Continuing 

Location: Central Coast, NSW

About the Role

The Lecturer in Oral Health contributes across the core academic domains of research, teaching, and engagement/leadership, aligned with the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategy 2030.

Drawing on strong clinical expertise and contemporary knowledge of oral health education and practice, the Lecturer will teach and coordinate undergraduate courses and supervise Graded Honours? And Higher Degree Research candidates. The role also includes active participation in academic service, administration, and professional and community engagement across the discipline, School, College, University and beyond.

You will join a collegial and inclusive academic community committed to regional and global impact, innovation, and excellence in education and research.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing (in the final semester of), a PhD in Oral Health or a related discipline and demonstrate emerging research capability through publications, presentations, and/or grant activity. You are developing a focused research profile with the capacity to supervise Higher Degree Research candidates.

You will have experience teaching in oral health or dentistry, including clinical and/or professional practice education, and be eligible for AHPRA registration as an Oral Health Therapist or Dentist. You value collaboration, equity, and academic citizenship, and contribute positively to an inclusive learning and research culture.

You will demonstrate many or all of these qualities:

• Expertise: Doctoral qualification (completed or near completion, in the final semester) in Oral Health or a related field, with contemporary clinical expertise and awareness of emerging disciplinary issues.
• Research: Evidence of high-quality research outputs and developing national and emerging international collaborations.
• Recognition: Capacity to build national standing, including participation as a chief investigator on competitive research funding applications.
• Clinical registration: Currently hold or be eligible for full AHPRA registration as an oral health therapist or dentist.
• Supervision: Experience or demonstrated capability in supervising research students (e.g., Graded honours, Masters, and/or Higher Degree Research).
• Quality Teaching: Evidence of effective and responsive teaching, informed by student feedback and outcomes.
• Curriculum Design: Contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including course coordination and curriculum development.
• Engagement: Commitment to academic service and external engagement, with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

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, one of four Schools within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, excels in the teaching of nine allied health disciplines: Oral Health Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry, Diagnostic Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Physiotherapy. The disciplines within the School advance the professional research profile of their respective areas and work together to prepare future healthcare professionals for their careers in multi-professional health, disability and aged care environments. The School has strong links with industry through sponsored undergraduate students, co-design and involvement in teaching, as well as several research collaborations.

The School of Health Sciences enjoys a close collaboration with Local Health Districts and private practices in providing clinical learning experiences for students, teaching, research and engagement. 

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, the University’s commitment is to deliver an exceptional student experience and serve 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities. The University of Newcastle is a recognised leader in Indigenous health education and engagement, led by the Wollotuka Institute and Thurru Indigenous Health Unit.

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:

• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements, including:
• Additional University holidays
• Life Leave to support personal and family needs
• Cultural Leave
• Parental leave and support for carers
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Career development opportunities, including:
• Structured training and leadership development
• Support for teaching excellence and research
• Opportunities for global collaboration and recognition

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 Bronwyn Hemsley, Head of School, School of Health Sciences at Bronwyn.Hemsley@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: 9 June 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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