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, focused learning experience with demonstrated improvement in student success. In 2024, Southern Cross University placed 100th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking.

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 Health is seeking an Associate Professor of Mental Health / Mental Health Nursing. This is a pivotal academic leadership role where your expertise will directly shape the future of mental health education, research, and practice in Australia and beyond.

You will be a senior academic driving meaningful impact, leading high quality, student-centred education, advancing applied mental health research, and forming strong connections with industry and community partners. With growing demand for mental health professionals, this is your opportunity to make a real difference in a high-priority area of national and worldwide importance. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Deliver exemplary teaching and curriculum design in mental health / mental health nursing, with a strong emphasis on student-centred learning across face to face, blended, and online modes
• Champion the integration of innovative learning technologies and approaches to support engaging, accessible, and flexible learning experiences for the next generation of mental health professionals
• Leading scholarly teaching and impactful research aligned with the mental health priorities of the Faculty and wider sector, including publishing in top journals, securing external research funding, and supervising higher degree research students
• Providing academic leadership and mentorship within a collaborative, purpose driven academic community, contributing to a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and service
• Actively contributing to governance, strategic initiatives, and engagement activities, including course coordination and partnerships with health services, community organisations, and professional bodies, to strengthen the University’s impact in mental health

About you

You are a passionate and experienced academic and clinician researcher with a strong track record in mental health or mental health nursing, ready to help shape the future of the discipline. You will be a key academic leader responsible for delivering high-quality teaching, advancing impactful research, and fostering meaningful engagement with industry, professional bodies, and the broader community. More specifically, you will have:

• A Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline, with eligibility for registration with AHPRA or an appropriate self-regulated authority
• Demonstrated excellence in tertiary teaching and curriculum development in mental health, with evidence of high-quality student outcomes and leadership in course and program design
• A proven research profile in mental health or related fields, including publications in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals, competitive grant success, and supervision of higher degree research students
• Demonstrated academic or professional leadership, with the ability to build strategic partnerships, collaborate across disciplines, and drive innovation in education and research
• Experience in academic administration and governance, along with active engagement in professional or community based mental health initiatives, and a strong commitment to cultural diversity, equity, and wellbeing in the workplace

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.

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 AEST, 1 October 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.