Senior Lecturer (Special and Inclusive Education)

Category: Academic Level C

Salary: $143,602 – $165,586 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position: Full-time, continuing

Location: Callaghan Campus

About the Role

The University of Newcastle is seeking a Senior Lecturer in Special and Inclusive Education to join our School of Education. With expertise in inclusive education and student behaviour, you will contribute across teaching, research, leadership, and engagement while helping shape the next generation of educators.

You will deliver high-quality teaching, undertake impactful research, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen educational outcomes for students, schools, and communities. You will have the opportunity to apply your expertise across a range of educational settings while supporting the School's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact.

About You

You are a dedicated and forward-thinking academic with expertise in Special and Inclusive Education, committed to advancing research, teaching, and professional practice. You bring a strong track record of scholarly achievement and a passion for improving educational outcomes for diverse learners. Experience in student behaviour is highly regarded, as is knowledge of Pasifika cultures and perspectives, and/or experience working in and with Pasifika communities.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Completed a doctoral qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing in Special Education, Inclusive Education, or a related area.
• Demonstrated record of publication and/or non-traditional research outputs in high-quality outlets, including evidence of national and international research collaborations and partnerships, and where relevant, impact on policy and practice.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding, including contributing as a Chief Investigator and fostering collaborations that create opportunities for emerging researchers.
• Demonstrated supervision experience across Honours, Masters, and Higher Degree by Research students, with evidence of successful and timely completions.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality teaching and enhance student outcomes through innovation and responsiveness to feedback.
• Demonstrated leadership in learning and teaching activities, including program convening, course coordination, curriculum development, and academic mentoring across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

The School of Education is one of four Schools that comprise the College of Human and Social Futures (along with the Newcastle Business School, the School of Law and Justice, and the School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Sciences). The School of Education is one of the largest providers of initial teacher education programs in New South Wales, Australia. We are proud to be part of a University committed to equity, excellence and innovation. We strive to be a purpose driven, high performing community, leading educational change within and beyond our regions through: outstanding programs; world class research quality with impact in policy, practice, and system-level improvement; and strong, enduring partnerships with government, education systems, global research networks, and the profession.

Our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability,outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Our Strategic Plan Looking Ahead 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

We are 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).

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities.

What We Offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Career development opportunities
• Great Lifestyle – Enjoy the best of coastal living in Newcastle, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and easy connectivity to Sydney and other major cities. Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle.

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.

Additional Information

This role involves child-related work and requires a current Working with Children Check (NSW)

For specific position enquiries, please contact Professor Robert Parkes, Head of School, School of Education at robert.parkes@newcastle.edu.au

Our Assessment Process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process.

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date: Sunday 13 September, 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

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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