Head of Discipline - Speech Pathology

Job no: HRC0012753

Category: Academic Level E

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

Position: Permanent Full Time

Location: Newcastle (Callaghan) Campus, NSW 

• Lead the discipline to shape the future generations in Speech Pathology.
• Contribute to the School of Health Sciences’ strategic direction.
• Competitive salary, flexible working, additional leave days and so much more… 

Provide leadership & foster excellence in educational research & teaching in the discipline of Speech Pathology to shape & inspire the future workforce. 

Be challenged and imagine with us 

We are seeking a dynamic academic leader to shape future generations in Speech Pathology. 

While providing academic leadership, as the Head of Discipline you will be an active contributor, teaching into both undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses. You will have direct input into course coordination, teaching and assessment. 

The Head of Discipline identifies and leads new opportunities to further develop excellence within the program while ensuring maintenance of professional accreditation. The university’s Speech Pathology Program was recently awarded with full accreditation from Speech Pathology Australia with no conditions. 

You will also lead and drive research in Speech Pathology, representing the discipline in key research organisations such as Hunter Medical Research Institute, Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute, the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, and actively participate in the “One Footprint” research network of the University. 

As a key leader in the university’s School of Health Sciences you will have the opportunity to contribute and impact the strategic direction of the school. 

How you will inspire us 

You will be:

• Committed to excellence in teaching and learning with transferability to the discipline of speech pathology.
• 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 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 

The School of Health Sciences, one of four Schools within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, excels in the teaching of allied health professionals and includes the disciplines of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy), Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Speech Pathology. The disciplines within the School achieve a balance between advancing the professional research profile of their respective areas and working together to educate future healthcare workers in an interprofessional healthcare environment. 

The School enjoys a close collaboration with local area health services in providing clinical learning experiences for students, in the provision of graduate programs and in the conduct of clinical research. We strive to prepare and develop students across the Health Science disciplines to function in a wide range of clinical settings, and health facilities and services, including our own student-led speech pathology clinic (based on the Callaghan campus). 

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

About our university 

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

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. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing 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.
• 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). 

Interviews are scheduled to take place Thursday, 24 April 2025. 

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, 31 March at 11.59pm AEDT 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you! 

Why relocate 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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