Shape the future of criminology education and research at the University of Newcastle.

The University of Newcastle, ranked in the top 1% globally and top 40 for impact, is dedicated to high-quality education and research. We equip students to address real-world challenges, serving over 36,000 students across campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore, with a strong commitment to equity and social justice.

Our School of Law and Justice, ranked among the world’s top 200 law schools, is recognised for its innovative legal education, impactful research, and commitment to promoting social justice.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced academic leader to join our Criminology discipline at an exciting time. With an expanded teaching program launching in 2026, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the future direction of criminology education and research at the University of Newcastle. We are looking for someone who can lead with a commitment to excellence in both teaching and research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide educational leadership across all levels, drive program development and innovation, enhance student success and retention, integrate industry partnerships into curricula, and lead initiatives to continuously improve teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
• Lead and advance the Discipline’s research strategy, driving high-quality, internationally recognised research, securing external funding, fostering industry and government partnerships, and mentoring early-career researchers
• Supervise HDR students, providing mentorship and fostering a supportive research environment.
• Build meaningful connections with industry and community partners to support research and student outcomes.

This continuing full-time position is based at our City Campus, in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD (Awabakal and Worimi land).

Why This Role?

• Career Growth and Leadership: Develop your leadership skills, as a senior member of our Criminology discipline. You will be supported with access to structured leadership training, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Impactful Research: The University of Newcastle’s research agenda is designed to address the most pressing social issues. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact research in criminology, with the backing and resources to achieve national and international recognition.
• Leading Facilities: Work in NUspace, our state-of-the-art teaching and learning precinct in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD
• Newcastle Lifestyle – Enjoy stunning beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a relaxed, family-friendly community with easy connectivity to Sydney and major capital cities. Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle.
• Remuneration & Benefits:
• Salary: Academic Level D - $172,910 - $190,490 plus 17% superannuation.
• Relocation support, including visa assistance for international candidates.
• Additional Perks: Extra leave, staff discounts, and more (see our benefits at a glance)

About You

This role will suit an accomplished academic leader in Criminology who enjoys fostering a cooperative, high-performing team environment, and has a strong track record of driving excellence in research and teaching through effective mentoring and academic development. A detailed list of essential and desirable criteria is available in the position description.

• PhD (or equivalent) in Criminology or Law
• Strong research track record, including success in securing external funding
• Skilled in mentoring researchers and supervising Honours, Masters, and HDR students
• Demonstrated teaching excellence with leadership in curriculum and program development
• Experience in industry and community engagement to enhance teaching and research
• Expertise in social justice, gendered violence, cybersecurity, or forensic science is desirable

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, to review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application must include:

1. Your ORCID ID.
2. A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).
3. A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):
4. Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing referee details of 3 referees.
5. Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description.
6. Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline.

Applications Close: 7th May 2025, 11:59pm (AEST)

You can find more details about our application process here.

Contact Us

Position Enquiries: For further information about this role, please contact: Professor Belinda Bennett, Head of School and Dean, School of Law and Justice, [email protected] or +61 2 4921 5839

Technical Support: Please contact [email protected].

Alternative pathways: If you require an alternative pathway for submitting your application, please contact Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist , +61 2 4055 0612 or [email protected].

** Please note, we do not accept email applications.

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).

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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