"Associate Professor in Education (Visual Arts, Secondary)"

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 Education is a dynamic, creative and future focused academic community committed to transforming education through high quality teaching, impactful research and meaningful engagement. The Faculty plays a leading role in preparing future teachers through innovative curriculum design, strong school partnerships and a distinctive research environment.

As an Associate Professor in Education (Visual Arts, Secondary), you will play a pivotal role in Arts and teacher education, with a primary focus on Secondary Visual Arts while contributing more broadly to Arts Education across primary and secondary contexts. This role is ideal for an experienced Visual Arts teacher educator who is confident teaching Visual Arts and open to engaging across related arts disciplines.

A key highlight of this role is the opportunity to be embedded in Australia’s only university-based research environment that formally integrates arts and science. You will join a world leading research community, internationally recognised for climate change scholarship, arts-based research methods, philosophical inquiry and large-scale international collaborations. This is a rare opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research centre rather than as a sole arts academic.

You will make an impact by:

• Delivering high-quality, student-centred teaching in Secondary Visual Arts, with contribution to broad Arts Education including primary contexts
• Teaching and developing curriculum in areas such as fine arts, painting and creative practice, with scope to include digital and interdisciplinary approaches
• Leading innovative curriculum design across Arts and teacher education programs, including large enrolment and boutique classes
• Contributing to a nationally and internationally recognised research profile, including arts-based, interdisciplinary and education focused research
• Mentoring students and colleagues, with many students progressing to Honours and PhD pathways under your supervision

What you will bring

You’re a passionate Arts educator and academic with a strong identity as a Visual Arts teacher, combined with the flexibility and curiosity to contribute to Arts Education more broadly. You thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments and are motivated by the opportunity to shape future teachers and contribute to world class research.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A PhD or Professional Doctorate in Secondary Visual Arts Education, Arts Education or a closely related discipline, plus an initial teacher education qualification
• A background as a Secondary Visual Arts teacher, with the capability and willingness to teach across Arts Education, including primary contexts
• An established or emerging national or international research profile aligned with education, arts-based or interdisciplinary research
• Evidence of high-quality teaching outcomes and leadership in course and curriculum design in higher education
• Strong collaboration, communication and engagement skills, alongside a commitment to equity, cultural diversity and WHS principles

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 Gold Coast, QLD 4225 is preferred, with options at Lismore, NSW 2480 or Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities.
• ACAD Level D. The base salary ranges from $167,446 - $184,176 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.

Name: Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education

Email: EAeducation@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 16 February 2026.

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.

Position description