Head of School, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

Position: Full Time Fixed Term for 5 Years

Salary: A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate

Location: Callaghan Campus (Newcastle) NSW

• Lead a diverse high-performing school through its next growth phase.
• Drive excellence in education research and community engagement.

About the Role

The role offers the opportunity toguide one of the Universitys most comprehensive and successful schools through its next phase of growth and development. The School encompasses multiple disciplines including Biomedical Sciences Exercise and Sports Science and Pharmacy.

The role is multifaceted with significant responsibility for people leadership operational management program quality and accreditation. The Head of School will inspire and support staff strengthen cohesion across disciplines and ensure that programs meet professional and accreditation standards while providing an excellent student experience and also preparing graduates for the evolving needs of the workforce. The Head of School will be instrumental inlifting research performance supporting innovation in teaching and learning and fostering meaningful engagement with local health districts research institutes and community partners.

You will be joining a community of professionals who are passionate about creating a better future for our regions and the world. You will be supported by a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture that encourages growth innovation and meaningful impact.

About you

You are an effective leader and enabler with a strong record of scholarship with relevant experience in research teaching and engagement coupled with a commitment to equity excellence and sustainability. You have an ability to inspire and empower a large team while embracing change combined with a strong focus on delivering excellent education and research that is responsive to the needs of our communities.

You thrive in collaborative settings and are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and research environment. You value diverse perspectives and actively contribute to a culture that supports mutual respect innovation and continuous improvement. You are eager to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through education research and community engagement.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Expertise: PhD or equivalent higher degree qualification in an area within the biomedical or exercise science or pharmacy disciplines.
• Leadership: Highly developed skills in academic leadership and management with demonstrated abilities to develop and implement strategic priorities. Sustained contribution to the development of collaborations and partnerships at a sector national and where appropriate an international level. Provision of engaging leadership in community activities.
• Excellence in Learning and Teaching: Distinguished record of teaching and learning leadership across all levels including experience in innovative curriculum design and program development with an emphasis on an engaging student experience.
• High-Quality Research: Established record of quality and impactful publication or non-traditional research output in high-quality outlets. Major funding success including evidence of international and national research collaborations and/or partnerships and making significant contributions to knowledge and the beneficial application of knowledge and intellectual leadership beyond the specific area of research or creative activity where relevant through its impact on policy practice and/or commercialisation.

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

If youre ready to join a university thats 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 Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy is part of the College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing and has an established reputation for delivering high quality teaching and research. The School offers coursework at an undergraduate and postgraduate level as well as Higher Degree by Research programs. The School encompasses 3 disciplines Biomedical Sciences Pharmacy and Exercise and Sports Science. The School also teaches into all the health professions across the College including medicine nursing and allied health programmes.

The School has significant research productivity and has a strong affiliation with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

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 sustainabilityoutlines the Universitys commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the Universitys 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 achieveSAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditationfor 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.

For more information click here The University of Newcastle

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

Enjoy a 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 theCity of Newcastlesite to imagine your future in Newcastle.

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the Universitys please click Apply to be redirected to our website where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID.
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).
• A Cover Letter and Statement addressing the Essential Criteria as listed in the Position Description (uploaded as a single PDF).
• Your CV tailored to your discipline.

Please visitherefor a guide on how to apply for a role. Its important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application.

For specific position enquiries please contact Professor Lisa Wood Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing at

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 goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date:Midnight AEDT Wednesday 7 January 2026

We are excited to beLooking Aheadwith 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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