"Senior Lecturer in Clinical Dentistry"

•  494424
•  Cairns
•  Academic
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Mar 2 2026
• Full time (36.25 hpw) | Continuing Position
• Based in Cairns where you can enjoy a tropical lifestyle and have a career!
• Academic Level C $137,166 - $157,465 + 17% Super and excellent benefits
• Enjoy a collegial and supportive clinical-academic environment
• Make a lasting impact on clinical dental education while enjoying a rewarding academic career in one of Australia’s most unique regions.  

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Lecturer in Clinical Dentistry to join our College of Medicine and Dentistry in Cairns, playing a key role in shaping the next generation of dental practitioners while contributing to clinical education, research, and innovation in Northern Australia.

About the role

In this role, you will contribute to the development, delivery and leadership of high-quality clinical dentistry education across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. You will provide clinical teaching and supervision to dental students delivering general dental care to patients, and play an active role in advancing the clinical dentistry curriculum.

As a Senior Lecturer, you will also engage in the broader academic life of the College, with opportunities to participate in collaborative research and innovation at both national and international levels.

What you will be doing

• Lead and contribute to the development and delivery of preclinical and clinical dentistry education, including lectures, tutorials, integrative sessions and clinically oriented active learning sessions (COALS).
• Provide clinical teaching, supervision and assessment of students performing general dental care for patients.
• Provide leadership in the development and operation of the Clinical Dentistry components of the Dentistry program.
• Contribute to clinical research through mentoring and supervising students, undertaking independent or collaborative research, and participating in the preparation of external research funding applications.
• Actively participate in College meetings and committees, and contribute to a positive and collaborative academic culture.
• Support JCU’s commitment to reconciliation, sustainability (TropEco), and University values.

What we are looking for

Essential

• A degree qualification in Dentistry, with relevant postgraduate qualifications and experience.
• Significant experience in undergraduate and/or postgraduate clinical teaching.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and collegially.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Capacity to meet the special conditions of the role, including clinical teaching commitments, occasional out-of-hours work, and travel to other College locations.

Desirable

• Demonstrated empathy and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Experience contributing to clinical research and student supervision.

Why Cairns

• Enjoy an exceptional lifestyle in Tropical North Queensland, with the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforests and a vibrant outdoor culture on your doorstep.
• Experience the benefits of living in a well-connected regional city, offering a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living and strong community networks.
• Cairns is a hub for health, education and research in Northern Australia, providing unique opportunities for community engagement and professional impact.
• Achieve a genuine work–life balance while pursuing a rewarding academic and clinical career.

What we offer

As Australia’s university for the Tropics, JCU offers a purpose-driven, collaborative environment where your leadership will have a meaningful impact on medical education and workforce outcomes across regional Australia.

• 5 weeks annual leave + leave loading
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 12 Months paid parental leave
• Salary packaging options
• Paid study leave & staff development programs
• Fitness Passport & health insurance discounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching & counselling)
• The opportunity to work within a highly regarded clinical dentistry program with strong links to community and health partners.
• A supportive academic environment with opportunities for research collaboration and career development.
• The lifestyle benefits of living and working in Tropical North Queensland, with access to the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest and a vibrant regional community.
• A commitment to flexibility, wellbeing, and professional growth.

How to apply

Click the ‘apply’ button where you will be asked to complete an application form or alternatively, please apply directly via the via the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

• Complete the application form
• Upload your current resume
• Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Peter Thomson on (07) 4232 1223 or via email peter.thomson1@jcu.edu.au

James Cook University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, and candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds.