- School of Health, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
- Based at either UniSC Sunshine Coast, at Sippy Downs, or UniSC Moreton Bay, at Petrie, located on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Peoples
- Academic Level E $224,480 or Academic Level D $174,423 - $192,092, plus up to 17% employer superannuation
- Full‑time, ongoing appointment (flexible fractional arrangements will be considered)
The opportunity
UniSC is planning to establish a new Medicine program as part of its long-term strategic vision. Central to this work is the creation of a culturally safe, Indigenous‑led medical curriculum that meets national accreditation expectations and delivers meaningful impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
As the Lead in First Nations Health, you will provide senior academic leadership in the design, delivery and evaluation of First Nations health curriculum and assessment. Reporting to the Dean, School of Health, this is a foundational appointment and the first Indigenous academic role supporting the medical program.
You will lead the development of culturally safe approaches across medical education, mentor and grow a team of Indigenous academics, and work closely with colleagues, communities and partners to ensure Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and priorities are embedded with integrity and respect.
This role is identified and open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Relocation support is available for the successful appointee where required. For further information on relocating with UniSC, see: https://www.unisc.edu.au/about/policies-and-procedures/visa-sponsorship-and-staff-relocation-guidelines
You will
- provide strategic leadership to inform the development of a culturally informed Medicine curriculum and assessment;
- lead, mentor and support Indigenous academic staff, while providing leadership, mentoring and cultural guidance that contributes to the development of colleagues across the School and University;
- work in partnership with First Nations communities, Elders and organisations to ensure education and research are grounded in community priorities;
- contribute to teaching, research and scholarship in First Nations health and medical education;
- contribute to improving the recruitment, retention, success, wellbeing and graduate outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students;
- influence senior decision-making and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded across curriculum, accreditation, research and partnership activities; and
- advise senior leaders on Indigenous matters relevant to health education, accreditation and partnerships.
About the School of Health
The School of Health at UniSC is committed to improving health outcomes through education, research and community engagement. Our work spans public health, allied health, nursing and midwifery and, along with the planned Medicine program, emphasises a strong regional focus and is developing a growing national profile.
The School of Health values collaboration, respect for Indigenous knowledges, and research and teaching that delivers real‑world benefit. This role plays a critical leadership function in shaping a new medical program with cultural safety at its core.
For more information on the School of Health, please visit us online: https://www.unisc.edu.au/about/structure/schools/school-of-health
Why join UniSC
UniSC is a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, knowledge and lived experience are respected, resourced and influential.
We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace where Indigenous staff can bring their whole selves to work, exercise cultural authority, and shape decisions that matter. Indigenous voices contribute to governance, strategy, curriculum and research through established leadership and advisory structures, not just consultation.
Our approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement is grounded in respect for Country, informed consent, and genuine reciprocity with communities across our footprint from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast. Community engagement is recognised as core work at UniSC and is supported accordingly.
We are actively growing Indigenous academic and professional leadership through development opportunities and a strong commitment to increasing representation at all levels. This is underpinned by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Career Development Strategy, Indigenous Education Strategy and Reconciliation Charter.
As the inaugural Lead in First Nations Health, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of medical education at UniSC from the ground up. This role will influence curriculum, accreditation, workforce development, research priorities and community partnerships, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of students and health professionals.
At UniSC, reconciliation is not an addition. It is embedded in how we teach, research and work together. Joining UniSC means contributing to long-term change in higher education while being supported by a university that stands behind its commitments to Indigenous peoples, communities and futures.
About you
You are a respected Indigenous academic with experience in health, medicine or medical education, and a strong commitment to leadership in higher education. You bring credibility, cultural authority and a collaborative approach, and are motivated by the opportunity to influence long‑term change in medical education and health outcomes.
You will be known for building strong relationships, leading with integrity, and creating culturally safe environments for students, staff and communities.
To be successful you will possess:
- a medical qualification registrable with AHPRA and Fellowship of a relevant professional body, or a doctoral qualification in a relevant field (or working towards PhD completion) or equivalent combination of educational, clinical, professional and/or cultural experience in medicine and/or medical education;
- experience in teaching, curriculum design or leadership in health or medical education;
- a track record of research, scholarship or professional contribution in First Nations health; and
- the ability to lead, mentor and influence across diverse academic and community settings.
Identified position and support
The University of the Sunshine Coast considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the filling of this position constitutes a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).
The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or
Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Professor Tony Perkins, Dean, School of Health
Telephone: 07 5456 5093
Email: [email protected]
or
Peter Westwood, Senior Program Development Manager, Medicine
Telephone: 0409 586 617
Email: [email protected]
Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team.
Discover UniSC
UniSC has a strong footprint and a growing national and international profile. With campuses across South-East Queensland and an expanding presence in capital cities, we are committed to delivering high‑quality teaching and research that responds to regional priorities and global challenges.
Our research strengths span sustainability, environmental systems, biodiversity, preventative health and regional resilience, with international recognition through performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for areas including Climate Action, Zero Hunger and Life on Land.
Teaching excellence and student success are central to what we do, with a strong focus on innovative learning and graduate outcomes that equip students to contribute meaningfully in their professions and communities.
As the only university operating within three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UniSC is uniquely placed to connect education, research and partnerships to Country, sustainability and long-term futures.
Our Culture & Benefits:
At UniSC, our culture is built around flexibility, respect and trust, with employment conditions that recognise cultural responsibilities alongside professional commitments.
You will have access to:
- Indigenous‑specific employment provisions under UniSC’s Enterprise Agreement, including paid cultural leave and support for cultural and community responsibilities;
- flexible work arrangements that support connection to Country, community and family;
- culturally informed wellbeing support, including access to employee assistance services;
- professional development and career progression opportunities, with support that recognises achievement relative to opportunity;
- respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander intellectual and cultural knowledges, with clear protections around ownership, consent and ethical use. modern teaching, research and work environments across our Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland campuses; and
- a collegial, values‑led workplace where relationships, respect and care for people matter.
The successful candidate will join a growing network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic and professional staff across UniSC and be supported through established Indigenous leadership, employment and community engagement initiatives.
These benefits sit alongside UniSC’s broader commitment to providing a safe, supportive and flexible workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can build sustainable, meaningful careers.
For more information, visit https://careers.usc.edu.au/employer-information
