Dean and Head of Medicine

Dean and Head of Medicine

• 493875
• Townsville
• Academic
• Full time
• Closing on: May 20 2026
• Full time continuing position
• Appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level considered.
• Excellent salary incl. 17% superannuation, clinical and market loading
• Based in Townsville
• Shape the Future of Medicine – Lead a prestigious medical school, driving excellence in education, research, and clinical innovation.
• Drive Impact at Scale – Influence healthcare outcomes and professional standards, shaping the next generation of medical leaders in an area of unmet need.
• Lead a World-Class Team – Collaborate with top academics, clinicians, and industry partners in a high-profile, transformative role.

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an exceptional academic leader to serve as Dean and Head of Medicine, guiding one of Australia’s most socially accountable and community-focused medical programs. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of medical education, research, and workforce development across northern Australia and the Tropics globally.

Lead a program with purpose and impact

As the academic leader of the Medicine Academic Group, you will shape the vision, performance and strategic direction of JCU’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program—one of Australia’s most successful models for training doctors committed to rural, remote and Indigenous health. You will champion high-quality learning and teaching, drive research excellence, and foster collaborative partnerships with the medical profession, the communities we serve, the Australian Medical Council, healthcare providers, and medical schools across Australia and New Zealand.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Provide strategic leadership for medical education, assessment, research and engagement activities.
• Oversee the planning, continuous development and AMC accreditation of the MBBS program.
• Lead academic staff performance, workload planning, and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to College and University strategy, priorities and external partnerships.
• Strengthen JCU’s commitment to respectful work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and community-engaged, socially accountable education.
• Promote multidisciplinary collaboration and research aligned with regional health priorities.

About you

You are an accomplished medical educator and clinician with a strong record in leadership, research, and academic impact. You bring the authority, credibility and vision to elevate medical education within a complex and high-performing academic environment, along with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

You will also hold:

• Registration as a medical practitioner in Australia and Fellowship of a relevant Australian Specialist College.
• Extensive experience in clinical education and a strong track record in teaching, assessment and research.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and lead academic teams at scale.
• (For Level E) National standing or outstanding academic leadership in medicine or medical education.

About Townsville

Living and working in Townsville offers the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Townsville boasts a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and excellent schools, while providing diverse career opportunities across education, healthcare, research, and industry. Its relaxed lifestyle, combined with vibrant cultural events, dining, and recreational activities, makes Townsville an ideal place to live, work, and enjoy life.

Why JCU?

This is your opportunity to lead a program with genuine social impact—training the next generation of doctors for the communities that need them most. At JCU, you’ll join a university that values excellence, integrity, authenticity and respect, and is deeply committed to sustainability, reconciliation, and improving health outcomes across northern Australia and the Tropics. In addition to the medical program, the College of Medicine and Dentistry hosts Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health and Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Molecular and Cell Biology, with Murtupuni and Central Queensland Centres of Rural and Remote Health. 

How to Apply:

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit the JCU Careers Page and follow these steps:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your experience and how your skills align with the role

For more information, please contact Professor Sarah Larkins, Dean, College of Medicine and Dentistry on +61 7 4781 3139 or via email – deancmd@jcu.edu.au