Discovering the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University

The Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University (SCU) stands as a cornerstone of healthcare education and research in regional Australia. Located across campuses in Lismore and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, and the Gold Coast in Queensland, this faculty prepares professionals to meet the evolving demands of healthcare delivery. With a strong emphasis on work-integrated learning (WIL), which integrates real-world placements into coursework, graduates and staff alike contribute to community-focused health outcomes. The faculty's approach blends practical training with cutting-edge research, making it an attractive destination for those pursuing careers in nursing, allied health, psychological sciences, and beyond.

Working here means engaging with diverse disciplines such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, exercise physiology, biomedical science, and naturopathic medicine. The faculty's state-of-the-art simulation labs and on-campus health clinics at Lismore and Gold Coast provide hands-on environments where staff mentor students in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning under supervision. This setup not only enhances teaching quality but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, a key aspect of modern healthcare.

Academic Roles: From Lecturer to Professor

Academic positions form the backbone of the Faculty of Health, offering opportunities to teach, research, and lead. Entry-level roles like Lecturer typically require a doctoral degree or equivalent professional experience, with responsibilities spanning course delivery, student supervision, and curriculum development. For instance, a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy might design practical sessions using the faculty's simulation facilities, preparing students for accreditation by bodies like Occupational Therapy Australia.

Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor roles build on this, involving higher research outputs and leadership in school chairs. Chairs such as Associate Professor Chris Stevens in Human Sciences and Rehabilitation oversee programs in exercise physiology, where staff conduct research on sports performance and chronic disease management. Professors, like Professor Fiona Naumann, the Acting Executive Dean, lead faculty-wide initiatives, including digital innovation and interprofessional education.

• Lecturer: Focus on teaching and emerging research, often with WIL coordination.
• Senior Lecturer: Balance of teaching (60%), research (30%), and service (10%).
• Associate Professor/Professor: Leadership in research themes like resilient ageing or mental health.

Recent postings highlight demand for specialists in psychology, midwifery, and nursing, reflecting the faculty's expansion in high-need areas. These roles appeal to those passionate about regional health equity, as SCU prioritizes serving underserved communities.

Professional Staff Contributions

Beyond academics, professional staff roles support operations and innovation. Positions like Work Integrated Learning Specialists, Clinic Managers, and Research Coordinators are vital. For example, Brenda Allan serves as SCU Health Clinic Manager, overseeing student-led services that deliver integrated care to the public. Faculty Managers like Prue Berry handle administrative leadership, ensuring smooth delivery across campuses.

These roles often require backgrounds in higher education administration or healthcare, with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements. Professional staff collaborate closely with academics, facilitating research grants and community partnerships, which enhance the faculty's impact.

Research Opportunities and Impact

Research at the Faculty of Health is channeled through the Health and Wellbeing Research Group, encompassing themes like Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing, Resilient Ageing in Supportive Environments, and Physical Activity, Sport, and Exercise. Key centers include the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, led by Professor Jon Wardle, focusing on integrative care and natural drug discovery, and the Centre for Children and Young People, directed by Distinguished Professor Anne Graham AO.

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) supervision opportunities abound for academics, with projects addressing Indigenous health, delirium prevention, and esports wellness. Recent achievements include a $2.46 million NHMRC grant for smoking cessation among Indigenous mothers and top 225 QS ranking for nursing. Staff researchers publish in high-impact journals, securing funding that translates to real-world applications like carer toolkits for delirium.

Joining as a research fellow or postdoc allows contribution to multidisciplinary teams, often partnering with local health services and sporting bodies. This environment supports career progression toward professorial roles while influencing global standards.

Teaching Excellence and Work-Integrated Learning

Teaching roles emphasize innovative pedagogy, including block model delivery for immersive learning. Faculty staff develop curricula accredited by national bodies, incorporating WIL placements that meet regulatory prerequisites. For nursing lecturers like those in the Bachelor of Nursing program, this involves coordinating clinical rotations across regional hospitals.

Interprofessional education is a hallmark, with staff like Associate Professor Nicola Whiteing promoting collaborative practice in rural settings. Casual academic positions offer flexible entry, via the Casual Academic Employment Register, ideal for building toward tenured roles.

Salaries, Benefits, and Compensation

Compensation aligns with the Southern Cross University Enterprise Agreement, offering competitive rates plus 17% superannuation. Academic Level B (Lecturer) starts around AUD 110,000–130,000 annually, progressing to Level C (Senior Lecturer) at AUD 140,000–160,000, Level D (Associate Professor) AUD 170,000–190,000, and Level E (Professor) exceeding AUD 200,000. Professional staff follow Higher Education Worker (HEW) scales, with HEW 7–10 ranging from AUD 95,000 to AUD 140,000.

Benefits include flexible working, professional development allowances, relocation support for internationals, and wellness programs. Recent graduates report strong employment outcomes, with postgraduate median salaries at AUD 104,000.

Work Culture and Employee Experiences

SCU's culture emphasizes belonging and impact, with Faculty of Health staff praising regional lifestyle perks like coastal living and work-life balance. Glassdoor ratings average 3.0/5, highlighting flexibility and supportive colleagues, though some note administrative challenges. Pros include hybrid options and research autonomy; cons involve workload during peak teaching.

Staff testimonials underscore community engagement, with roles enabling direct health improvements. Leadership fosters innovation, as seen in post-flood mental health projects led by Professor James Bennett-Levy. Overall, it's a place for those valuing purpose over urban prestige.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

2025 saw robust research newsletters showcasing NHMRC funding, esports studies, and AI-circular economy skills. Partnerships with NSW Health and Indigenous organizations expand opportunities. Looking ahead, growth in lifestyle medicine and naturopathy aligns with national health priorities.

The faculty's response to regional needs, like flood recovery, positions it for expansion. With nursing's QS rise and new leaders like Professor Julie Jomeen, expect more HDR scholarships and international collaborations. For career seekers, this signals stable, impactful prospects through 2030.

Navigating the Application Process

To apply, register via the SCU Talent Community or monitor SEEK listings. Tailor CVs to highlight WIL experience and research metrics. Interviews assess teaching philosophy and regional commitment. Internationals benefit from visa support info on the careers page.

• Review position descriptions on SCU jobs portal.
• Prepare evidence of teaching excellence and publications.
• Network at faculty events or via LinkedIn staff profiles.

Success tips: Emphasize interdisciplinary skills and passion for regional health.

Photo by UK Black Tech on Unsplash

Why SCU Faculty of Health Stands Out

In summary, working at the Faculty of Health offers a blend of teaching fulfillment, research innovation, and community impact. Competitive pay, modern facilities, and a supportive culture make it ideal for health educators. As Australia faces workforce shortages, SCU's focus on practical, equitable training ensures enduring relevance. Prospective applicants will find a dynamic environment poised for growth.