Professor and Head of Discipline - Speech Pathology

Base Salary: $222,734 p.a. + 17% superannuation + annual leave loading

Position: Permanent Full Time

Location: Newcastle (Callaghan) Campus, NSW 

• Drive excellence in both research & teaching in Speech Pathology.
• Shape your future at a university transforming lives and communities.
• Competitive salary, flexible working, additional leave days and so much more…

Lead the future of Speech Pathology at the University of Newcastle. 

We are seeking a dynamic academic leader to shape and elevate the discipline of Speech Pathology through strategic leadership, innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence. This is a rare opportunity to guide a nationally respected and fully accredited program while driving meaningful change in education, research and community engagement. 

As Professor and Head of Discipline, you will lead a team of passionate educators and researchers, mentoring them to deliver exceptional teaching, conduct high-quality research and contribute actively to the profession. You will bring a fresh and forward-thinking perspective to the curriculum, ensuring it reflects contemporary clinical practice and prepares students for the realities of modern and future healthcare. 

Your leadership will be instrumental in building upon and expanding research activities that respond to the evolving needs of the community. You will supervise and mentor higher degree research candidates and Honours students and represent the discipline in key research organisations including the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute, and the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health. You will also play a vital role in the university’s “One Footprint” research network, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and impact. 

This position offers the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the School of Health Sciences, maintain the program’s full accreditation and strengthen partnerships with sector stakeholders. Through your guidance, the discipline will continue to produce career-ready Speech Pathologists who are equipped to make a lasting difference in their communities. 

If you are ready to lead with vision, innovate with purpose and shape the future of Speech Pathology, we invite you to apply and join a university where your leadership truly matters. 

How you will inspire us 

Together with the Selection Criteria as outlined in the Position Description, you will have:

• A proven track record of senior academic leadership with strategic impact.

You will be:

• Driven to provide optimal student experiences with a record of high-quality research output and impactful publications, elevating the School’s reputation.
• Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of Speech Pathologist through educational research and teaching excellence.
• Committed to excellence in teaching and learning with transferability to the discipline of speech pathology.
• Committed to leadership reflective of excellence, agility and adaptability who seizes opportunities to grow personally and professionally. 
• Driven by contemporary practices which support equity, diversity and inclusion with a particular focus in supporting our Indigenous students, as our program is proud to have the highest number of Indigenous graduates in Australia. 

Please note, as part of the recruitment process you will need to address each criterion of the Selection Criteria (including desirable criterion) in your application. You will find the complete list of Selection Criteria in the attached Position Description. 

About the School and Discipline of Speech Pathology 

The University of Newcastle’s School of Health Sciences is a forward-thinking academic community dedicated to exceptional student experiences and career-ready education. It unites diverse allied health disciplines—including Speech Pathology—to promote interprofessional collaboration and innovation. Students gain practical skills through clinical placements across varied settings and benefit from world-class facilities and simulated environments. Strong ties with local health services and a focus on reflective practice and lifelong learning prepare graduates to thrive in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

Within this vibrant setting, the Discipline of Speech Pathology excels in teaching, research, and community engagement. Fully accredited until 2029, it leads nationally in graduating Indigenous Speech Pathologists. Students gain hands-on experience through a student-led clinic and global placement opportunities. The curriculum reflects modern clinical practice, supported by research partnerships with institutions like the Hunter Medical Research Institute. Graduates emerge as skilled, compassionate professionals ready to make a meaningful impact.

• The School
• Discipline of Speech Pathology – Our recent finalist nomination in the Shaping Australia Awards
• Our Speech Pathology Clinics 

About our university 

For over 60 years, the University of Newcastle has built a reputation for excellence in education and research, ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact. With a strong focus on equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing socially-oriented leaders, our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore offer a dynamic environment for academic growth. 

The University of Newcastle is 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). 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

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: 

• flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy);
• 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. 

For information on our employee benefits please visit here.   

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this document to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile.
• A Cover Letter:
• outlining your interest in the role;
• including contact details for a minimum of three relevant referees (referees will only be contacted once you have given your permission).
• A statement individually addressing each criterion of the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as provided in the Position Description attached below.
• Your CV, which should be a maximum of five pages and be succinct and discipline appropriate. 

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). 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Acting Head of School, Health Sciences, Daphne James via email at daphne.james@newcastle.edu.au or on +61 2 4921 5596. 

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

Closing date: Monday, 11 August 2025 at 11.59pm AEST 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

A Move to Newcastle 

A move to Newcastle, Australia offers you the choice to live in the city, by the beach or near bushland. The region offers a vibrant cultural scene, fantastic connectivity to major cities and tourist destinations, a lower cost of living than major cities like Sydney – it really does offer a great lifestyle. 

Visit Imagine Newcastle or City of Newcastle sites to imagine your future in Newcastle. 

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, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. 

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