The healthcare sector in Australia is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by an ageing population, technological advancements, and a persistent demand for skilled professionals. At the heart of this expansion is the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), the largest faculty within this private Catholic university. Spanning campuses in Fremantle, Sydney, and Broome, this faculty offers a dynamic environment for those passionate about education, research, and clinical practice. Working here means contributing to the training of future doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health experts while enjoying a supportive, values-driven institution committed to person-centred care.
With Australia's healthcare workforce facing shortages—projected to need over 100,000 additional nurses by 2030 according to government reports—the faculty plays a pivotal role. Staff members engage in innovative teaching, cutting-edge research, and community outreach, blending academic rigour with practical, hands-on training. Whether you're an experienced clinician transitioning to academia or a researcher seeking impact, opportunities abound in this vibrant faculty.
Understanding the Faculty's Structure and Reach
The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences encompasses three key schools: the School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and School of Health Sciences. Each school delivers accredited programs tailored to industry needs, fostering graduates who are job-ready and ethically grounded.
The School of Medicine operates across Fremantle and Sydney, offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program alongside postgraduate research opportunities. It emphasises problem-based learning, clinical placements from year one, and a strong focus on rural and remote medicine, particularly through the Broome campus initiatives like the Kimberley Centre for Remote Medical Training (KCRMT).
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, led by National Head Professor Benjamin Tan, provides undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing, postgraduate midwifery courses, and professional development. Programs integrate simulation labs, real-world placements, and a service ethos rooted in Catholic values, preparing students for diverse settings from hospitals to community health.
The School of Health Sciences covers physiotherapy, exercise science, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and biomedical sciences, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Across all schools, staff benefit from modern facilities, including simulation centres and research labs, supporting a workload balanced between teaching (up to 90%), research, and service.
Diverse Academic Roles and Responsibilities
Academic positions form the core of faculty employment, ranging from sessional tutors to senior leadership. Current openings include Lecturer in Nursing (Fremantle), Associate Professor/Professor as Head of Clinical Years (Sydney School of Medicine), and Lecturer in Speech Pathology (School of Health Sciences).
Entry-level roles like Level A Associate Lecturers involve tutoring, marking, and supporting simulations, ideal for PhD candidates or clinicians. Mid-career Level B/C Lecturers/Senior Lecturers coordinate units, supervise placements, and conduct research— for instance, developing assessment tools or leading clinical education in occupational therapy.
Senior roles (Level D/E) such as National Head of Basic and Clinical Sciences or Head of Discipline in Midwifery entail strategic leadership, curriculum innovation, and national coordination across campuses. These positions require a track record in teaching excellence, publications, and grants, with a focus on Aboriginal health or rural equity.
- Teaching: Deliver lectures, labs, and clinical supervisions using evidence-based methods.
- Research: Pursue scholarly projects, often collaborative with hospitals like St John of God.
- Service: Engage in committees, industry partnerships, and student mentoring.
Workloads are equitably allocated over 1,725 annual hours (1,650 in Broome), allowing flexibility for family or health considerations.
Professional and Administrative Opportunities
Beyond academics, the faculty hires professional staff in administration, clinical coordination, and faculty management. Roles like Faculty Manager, Administration Officer for Nursing placements, and Clinical Practice Coordinators support operations.
These positions demand organisational skills, knowledge of higher education regulations, and often healthcare experience. For example, the Faculty Manager oversees budgets, HR, and strategic planning for 3,000+ students across schools. Admin officers handle placements amid challenges like WA's nursing shortage, ensuring compliance with accreditation bodies such as the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
Benefits include broad-banding for career growth and access to the Career Development Fund for skill-building.
Competitive Compensation Packages
Remuneration aligns with the UNDA Enterprise Agreement (2022-2026), offering competitive rates with annual increases up to 3.5% and 14-15% superannuation by 2026—above the statutory minimum. Details in the agreement show:
| Level | Approximate Annual Salary Range (AUD, full-time, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Academic Level A | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| Level B (Lecturer) | $110,000 - $130,000 |
| Level C (Senior Lecturer) | $130,000 - $155,000 |
| Level D (Associate Prof) | $160,000 - $190,000 |
| Level E (Professor) | $200,000+ |
| Professional Staff (Grades 1-10) | $60,000 - $250,000 |
Sessional rates start at $70+ per hour for lecturing. Salary packaging reduces tax on living expenses, maximising take-home pay.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Comprehensive Benefits and Wellbeing Support
UNDA prioritises staff welfare with standout perks. Primary carers receive 26 weeks paid parental leave, plus 2 weeks for partners. Broome staff get extra leave and $2,000+ allowance for remoteness. Health initiatives include free flu shots, discounted gym memberships, Bupa rebates, and an Employee Assistance Program with confidential counselling.
Professional development shines: 5 days leave for training, LinkedIn Learning access, study support (4 hours/week + reimbursements), and extended research leave for academics after 6 years. Long service leave after 7 years and family study discounts (25% off degrees for dependents) enhance retention.
Work Culture: Collegial Yet Challenging
Rooted in Catholic mission, the culture emphasises community, service, and belonging—think morning teas, campus masses, and social events. Colleagues describe a supportive teaching environment with hands-on focus, but Glassdoor rates UNDA at 2.9/5 overall. Reviews highlight pros like flexible hours and student impact, cons include high turnover, office politics, and management issues.
In health faculties, staff value clinician-academic collaboration but note pressures from placement shortages, as seen in recent WA nursing news.
Career Progression and Development Pathways
Annual merit promotions reward teaching awards, publications, and leadership. Vice-Chancellor's Awards recognise excellence. From sessional to Head of School, paths include research pathways (5-90% allocation) or teaching-focused tracks.
- Step 1: Sessional/clinical tutor to Level A via PhD.
- Step 2: Level B/C with grants and supervision.
- Step 3: Senior roles via interdisciplinary projects.
Industry ties with Healthscope and rural networks boost profiles.
Navigating Challenges: Placements and Growth
Recent developments include addressing nursing placement pressures—UNDA paused 2026 enrolments but recommitted to intakes, partnering with WA Health. Staff adapt by innovating simulations, enhancing resilience amid shortages.
How to Land Your Role: Application Insights
Apply via UNDA's portal or Jobvite with CV, cover letter, and referees. Tailor to Objects (Catholic ethos), highlight clinical experience. Interviews assess teaching demos and values fit.
Photo by TopSphere Media on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Thriving in Healthcare Education
With Australia's NDIS expansion and Medicare reforms, demand for faculty staff surges. UNDA's focus on rural/Aboriginal health positions it for growth, offering stable, impactful careers.
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