Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy

UniSC Careers; Sunshine Coast Regional; Hybrid; AUD 174,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary 17% Superannuation

Salary packing options

Flexible work arrangements

Athena SWAN Bronze Award

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

UniSC Careers seeks an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy to lead research, contribute to teaching excellence and build strong industry and community partnerships on the Sunshine Coast. The role focuses on advancing occupational therapy through teaching, research, and impactful collaborations with local and national networks.

You will provide leadership, mentorship and strategic oversight while supporting the next generation of practitioners and researchers across UniSC’s health

Qualifications

• Proven track record in advancing your discipline with recognised impact.
• Commitment to teaching excellence and research-led curriculum development.
• Experience mentoring HDR students and building research capacity.

Responsibilities

• Lead national and international research efforts and secure external funding.
• Deliver high-quality teaching and supervise student learning outcomes.
• Develop innovative curricula for occupational therapy education and engagement.
• Foster partnerships with industry, government and community to enhance impact.

Skills

Research leadership

Teaching excellence

Curriculum development

Mentoring researchers

Job description

• School of Heath, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Level D, $174,423 - $192,092 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

Where Passion Meets Impact - Join the School of Health!

Are you eager to make a difference in health education and research? Join our dedicated team of researchers and educators at the School of Health (SOH). We have a strong focus on cultivating healthy minds, bodies, and environments through our teaching, research, and outreach efforts. With a purpose that extends regionally and impacts globally, we are committed to advancing knowledge in the health sector and improving the well‑being of our communities. Together, let's create healthier communities now and for the generations to come.

Join UniSC as an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy and help shape the future of the discipline through impactful teaching, research and community engagement. You’ll bring an established research profile, provide leadership and mentorship to colleagues, and build on strong professional networks across the occupational therapy sector, both locally and nationally. This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise, support the next generation of occupational therapy professionals and strengthen the impact of our work across the communities we serve.

For more information, please visit us online: School of Health

You will:

• demonstrate national standing in teaching, research or engagement, contributing to UniSC’s reputation and impact;
• lead impactful research, secure external funding, mentor researchers and advance the discipline nationally and internationally;
• deliver excellent teaching, develop innovative curricula and inspire students and colleagues; and
• build productive industry, government and community partnerships while contributing to University development, governance and a positive academic culture.

About you:

Our ideal candidate is a respected academic who brings a strong track record in research, a genuine commitment to student success and a passion for making a meaningful difference through occupational therapy. You’re ready to grow your research profile, build valuable partnerships across industry and the community, and share your expertise to shape the next generation of practitioners. With your leadership, collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive, high-quality teaching, you’ll help strengthen our discipline, support your colleagues and contribute to positive outcomes for the communities we serve.

You will possess:

• A strong record of contributing to the advancement of your discipline, with recognised impact and influence.
• An established research profile, with high-quality outputs, demonstrated research impact, successful HDR supervision and external recognition of your achievements.
• Proven research leadership, including mentoring emerging researchers, building research capability and contributing to a positive research culture.
• A commitment to teaching excellence, with experience in research-led curriculum development, improving learning and teaching practices, and supporting student engagement and success.
• The leadership qualities to foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative academic environment where staff and students can thrive.
• Extensive experience and success in academic administration and contributing to University priorities.
• The ability to build productive regional, national and international partnerships that deliver meaningful outcomes for students, the University and our communities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] or call [phone].

Position description: 494908_Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy.pdf

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 15 November 2026

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Pamela Meredith
Discipline Lead, Occupational Therapy

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]