About us

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. Our world-ranked research is driving positive impact for our communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Education is seeking an Associate Professor in Education. You will actively contribute to the Faculty through student centred teaching practice and development in Education, Childhood Studies, or Early Childhood Education and Care, with a focus on the neuroscience of brain development in children. In this role you will also contribute to the research and scholarship of the teaching profile through publication and relevant community engagement. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Deliver inter-disciplinary teaching to small groups (up to 6) of students and one-on-one teaching
• Supervise, mentor and develop students on placement and support their placement supervisors
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local health service providers to negotiate placements for students
• Community engagement by way of offering services to local schools e.g. student involvement in sessions about health-related topics such as healthy eating, and hand hygiene, etc.

About you

You will be passionate about student teaching and supporting student learning and have a keen interest in education research. More specifically, you will have:

• PhD or Professional Doctorate in Primary, Education, Childhood Studies, Early Years (0-8 years), or a relevant discipline, alongside an initial teacher education degree.
• Established national or international research record in early childhood education, with publications in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals, successful ARC or equivalent grant applications, and timely HDR completions.
• Evidence of high-quality teaching outcomes, including leadership in course design and development, and demonstrated intellectual leadership in guiding and developing others.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills, alongside active participation in professional practice, staff development, and community engagement, with a commitment to cultural diversity, equity, and WHS principles

Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Generous relocation support available.
• Academic Level D. The base salary ranges from $161,784 - $177,948 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $208,199.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with ongoing work rights in Australia. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This opportunity is open to Australian and international applicants. If the successful candidate requires visa sponsorship, the University will work with the appointee to support visa and travel requirements.

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Closing Date: 11.30pm AEDT, 6 May 2025

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI+.

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.