About The Team

Based at the Perth campus, the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) consists of nine discipline departments: Asian Studies and Languages; Community Development; History; English; Creative Writing and Theatre; Philosophy; Politics and International Studies; Sociology; Sustainable Development; and Tourism and Events.

The School of HASS is incorporated into the College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, alongside three other schools: Creative Media and Communication, Law and Criminology, and Indigenous Knowledges. This role will be based in the department of Asian Studies and Languages but will work collaboratively with other colleagues within the School and College, and is expected to collaborate with external bodies such as partner institutions in Japan.

Your New Role!

Murdoch University are currently seeking to appoint a Lecturer OR Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies. You will contribute meaningfully to the School, College, University, Discipline and profession through teaching, research, and service through the following avenues:

• On-campus teaching,
• Coordination of In-Country Studies, Programs and Units,
• Research,
• Service, Engagement and Leadership.

The Lecturer role will play a leading role in offering Japanese language courses at Murdoch, a strong feature of which is lively student exchange programs with Japanese partner institutions. In addition to teaching on-campus units in Japanese, the Lecturer will oversee both inbound and outbound exchange programs and will act as Academic Lead of the Japanese Major and contribute to the supervision of honours and postgraduate students. As a Japan specialist, the Lecturer will contribute to the University's international engagement and partnerships and produce scholarly research outputs.

The Senior Lecturer will contribute widely and substantially to the School/College's activities and the University's strategic development. They will develop the Asian Studies and Humanities curricula beyond the language programs and be active in research and PhD supervision. The Senior Lecturer is expected to be eligible for membership of Murdoch's Indo-Pacific Research Centre and contribute to the University's international engagement and partnership. As a senior academic, the Senior Lecturer will provide innovation and engagement to develop the major and the disciplines of Asian Studies and Japanese.

Please refer to the specific Position Descriptions for further details on each role.

• Position Description: Lecturer (B)
• Position Description: Senior Lecturer (C)

We are anticipating a January 2026 start which can be coordinated with any visa sponsorship timelines, if applicable.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of:

• Lecturer | ACLEB | $108,000 - $128,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.
• Senior Lecturer | ACSLC | $132,000 - $153,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You'll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Bronze- tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 6% increase!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options - such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

Selection Criteria:

Lecturer

• PhD in an area relevant to the appointment.
• Successful experience in teaching and coordinating Japanese language units at university, particularly at the intermediate to advanced levels.
• Ability to deliver high quality learning experiences, including contemporary approaches to curriculum and pedagogy in Japanese language units at university.
• Skills and commitment to coordinate in-country studies units and student exchange programs with Japan.
• Ability to engage in high quality independent research.
• High levels of written and oral communication in English and Japanese.

Senior Lecturer

• PhD in an area relevant to the appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to design, develop and promote a whole course/program of Japanese language at university level.
• Ability to deliver high quality and innovative learning experiences, including contemporary approaches to curriculum and pedagogy in Japanese language units at university.
• Capacity to supervise HDR students.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in coordinating in-country studies units and student exchange programs with Japan.
• Established track record of scholarly publications in highly regarded journals and/or from academic presses; with the ability to compete for external research funding and engage in high quality independent research.
• Established track record of competitive grants applications, and completion of research projects.
• High level of written and oral communication in English and Japanese.

Applicants should refer to the specific Position Descriptions (Level B | Level C) for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Visa sponsorship and relocation may be available for the right candidate.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Dee O'Connor, Head of School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and quote JR103243 as the reference.

Applications Close on 29/06/2025 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.