Associate Professor - Psychological Science

• Full-time

Job Description

• Full time, ongoing academic appointment at Academic Level D.
• Based at Bankstown campus with flexible working options.
• $176,296 to $193,784 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading. 

Lead impactful research and shape the future of psychological science at Western.

The Opportunity

As an Associate Professor in Psychological Science, you will play a central role in guiding the strategic direction of the discipline while contributing to Western’s commitment to research excellence, innovative teaching and strong community engagement. This position sits within the School of Psychology within the Faculty of Health.

In this academic leadership position, you will foster a vibrant research culture, mentor early career academics, supervise higher degree research students and contribute to the design and delivery of contemporary learning experiences for undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts. Your work will support strong student learning outcomes through reflective teaching practice, the integration of blended and online pedagogies and an evidence-based approach to curriculum design.

You will build productive internal and external partnerships, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and generate opportunities that benefit the University’s teaching and research profile. The role also includes contributing to school leadership activities and advancing Western’s engagement with industry, government and professional bodies.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver innovative research with national and international impact.
• Design and teach blended undergraduate and postgraduate units with high student satisfaction.
• Supervise honours and higher degree research students to successful completion.
• Lead productive research teams and secure competitive external funding.
• Build industry and community relationships that enhance teaching and research outcomes.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A PhD in Psychology or a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience in the teaching and practice of experimental psychology.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and learning design using a range of pedagogical approaches, development and delivery of courses and programs, at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Experience of implementing educational technologies and online delivery methods.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness and passion for educational excellence and fostering this in others.
• Demonstrated experience with industry or work-integrated learning of graduates with psychological science training.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to work and influence across disciplines, Faculties, Research Institutes, industry and professional bodies.
• Evidence of being a role model for other academics seeking mentoring, guidance, advice and support.
• Proven leadership of research projects and leadership of research teams, including high quality supervision of postgraduate research projects.
• Proven leadership in developing productive relationships and engagement with industry, professional bodies, and the community, with success in attracting significant industry funding.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Karen Mattock, Head of Discipline, Psychological Science karen.mattock@westernsydney.edu.au REF1013D 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Friday 13 March 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact karen.mattock@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.