Associate Professor / Professor in Education & Chair of Discipline (Primary Education)

Associate Professor / Professor in Education & Chair of Discipline (Primary Education)

Join to apply for the Associate Professor / Professor in Education & Chair of Discipline (Primary Education) role at Southern Cross University.

• Challenge convention and shape the future of teaching and learning
• Join a collaborative community where your unique strengths are valued
• Shape the future of education by leading and empowering tomorrow’s educators

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you. A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game‑changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you. You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Education is seeking a Professor or Associate Professor in Education and Chair of Discipline (Primary). In this role, you will provide strategic and academic leadership across the Faculty, advancing the University’s teaching and learning goals. You will engage in student‑centred teaching and curriculum development within the Primary, Secondary, or Early Childhood Education programs, preparing future teachers for success.

You Will Make An Impact By

Providing academic leadership to the Faculty in relation to Southern Cross University’s teaching and learning goals with a demonstrated commitment to the success of the Southern Cross Model. Working closely with the Faculty leadership team, providing strategic advice to the Executive Dean on matters related to academic leadership of the Discipline of Primary Education. Support and enhance the student learning experience through a student‑centred approach to education delivery. Contribute to the Faculty’s research profile through publications in high‑quality journals, and successful applications for grant funding, independently or as a member of a team. Undertake relevant community and professional engagement that supports and enhances the University and Faculty’s profile and priorities.

What You Will Bring

You’re an accomplished academic who thrives on shaping the future of education through impactful teaching, research and leadership. Passionate about supporting student learning and advancing early childhood education, you bring a strong commitment to mentoring emerging educators and driving evidence‑based practice in your field.

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Also Need

A PhD or Professional Doctorate in Education, alongside an initial teacher education degree. A well‑established national or international research record in early childhood education, including publications in high‑ranking peer‑reviewed journals, successful research grant applications (e.g. ARC or equivalent), and timely HDR completions. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and learning, with experience leading course design and curriculum innovation. Strong collaboration, communication and mentoring skills, with the ability to build positive and productive academic and community partnerships. As well as the above, for appointment at Professor (Level E) you will need : international recognition as an eminent authority in your discipline, evidenced by original, innovative and sustained contributions to research and scholarship; and a distinguished record of academic leadership, including fostering research excellence, leading research policy or training initiatives, and shaping the strategic direction of teaching and scholarship within your institution and discipline.

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership – to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast (QLD), Coffs Harbour (NSW) and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your Opportunity Is

Full‑time, continuing (permanent). Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities. Academic Level D or E : For Level D, the base salary ranges from $167,446–$184,176 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $215,485. For Level E, the base salary is $214,838 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $251,360. You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance.

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name : Professor Amy Cutter‑Mackenzie‑Knowles

Executive Dean, Faculty of Education

Email : EAEducation@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEDT, 3 weeks from posting DD MMMM YYYY

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process, reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.

#J-18808-Ljbffr