Senior Lecturer - Global Critical Indigenous Studies

Salary: $143,602 – $165,586 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, Continuing

Location: Newcastle Campus

About the Role

The Senior Lecturer – Global Critical Indigenous Studies plays a vital role in shaping future educators through high-quality, culturally responsive teaching in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. You will design, coordinate and deliver culturally responsive curriculum within the Wollotuka Institute, supporting student across undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. With an established and growing research profile in Indigenous Education, the Senior Lecturer will also produce high-quality outputs and contributes to national disciplinary leadership.

As an academic leader, this role offers genuine scope to shape academic direction, position the Wollotuka Institute as a leader in Indigenous Higher Education, and contribute meaningfully to the future of teacher education across campuses.

Indigenous Identified Role:

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure.

For enquiries, contact Simone Jordan on 0240550897 or at simone.jordan@newcastle.edu.au

About you

You are dedicated and forward-thinking with expertise in Indigenous Education, ready to contribute to a thriving academic environment. You bring a strong research foundation and a passion for advancing knowledge and practice in your field.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Completed a PhD qualification in a relevant field
• Demonstrated record of publication or non-traditional research output in high quality outlets
• Demonstrated recent capacity for independent research funding success
• Skills in active supervision of honours and masters research projects and primary supervision of Higher Degree by Research students
• Demonstrate recent ability to achieve teaching quality as indicated by internal and external surveys and outcomes for students that will improve or innovate in response to feedback.
• Demonstrated recent leadership in learning and teaching activities
• Demonstrated outstanding performance in a range of higher-level internal duties, providing a strong contribution to external activities, and developing international collaborations.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

About Us

The Wollotuka Institute delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Indigenous Education and Indigenous Studies, supports Higher Degree by Research candidates, and undertakes high-quality research grounded in reciprocity, cultural authority and Indigenous sovereignty. Guided by the Wollotuka Cultural Standards, the Institute draws strength from Country, culture and community to create culturally grounded learning environments that connect Indigenous knowledges, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Through community-engaged research partnerships and culturally responsive teaching, Wollotuka prepares graduates to sustainably influence cultural and social change. This position contributes to the Institute's mission by providing academic leadership in Indigenous Education and strengthening the Institute's teaching, research and engagement profile.

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

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, including up to 10 days paid leave in addition to personal leave provisions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network offering social events, development programs and peer support
• Career development opportunities

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 Dr Stacey McMullen, Acting Deputy Head of Institute at stacey.mcmullen@newcastle.edu.au or on 0249138142

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: Thursday, 28 May 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.  

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.

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