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 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.

You will make an impact by:

• Delivering 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

What you will bring

You’re 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.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• 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

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, Coffs Harbour 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, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
• Academic Level D. The base salary ranges from $167,446 - $184,167 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $215,485.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

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.

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.

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 9 November 2025.

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.