Lecturer in Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

Southern Cross University; Coffs Harbour City Council; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Cross University is expanding its Information Technology discipline and seeks an AI academic to shape the future of AI education and research. You will develop and deliver advanced AI curriculum, with emphasis on LLMs, multimodal AI, fine-tuning, and RAG, while contributing to research and industry engagement.

You will join a growing discipline, helping to design new curriculum and build the university’s AI capability while developing your own research profile and professional activity.

Qualifications

• PhD specifically focused on Artificial Intelligence.
• Relevant qualifications in IT, Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Expertise in LLMs, multimodal AI, fine-tuning, RAG and/or agentic AI.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in AI, IT or Data Science.
• Strong publications and/or conference outputs in leading AI venues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver innovative AI curriculum from 2027.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate AI units.
• Create contemporary learning experiences across online and face-to-face modes.
• Contribute to AI research, publications and collaborative projects.
• Engage with industry and support the broader IT discipline.
• Build industry, professional and community connections.

Skills

AI expertise

Teaching experience

Publications

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Artificial Intelligence

Qualifications in IT/CS

Tools

LLMs

Fine-tuning frameworks

RAG

Job description

• Shape and deliver advanced AI curriculum from 2027 and beyond
• Grow your research profile in a rapidly evolving field
• Join a supportive team building SCU’s AI capability

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 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

Help shape the future of Artificial Intelligence education and research at Southern Cross University. We’re growing our Information Technology discipline and looking for an AI academic to join our supportive team as we expand our new Bachelor and Master of Information Technology programs with an AI specialisation.

This is an opportunity to bring specialist expertise in the technologies shaping the next generation of AI. You’ll develop and deliver advanced AI curriculum from 2027, particularly across large language models, multimodal AI, fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic AI, while contributing to research, student learning and industry engagement.

You’ll join the discipline at an exciting point of growth, with the opportunity to help shape new curriculum rather than simply deliver established content. Your expertise will help build the University’s AI capability and prepare students for a rapidly evolving field, while giving you scope to develop your own research and professional profile.

You will make an impact by:

• Developing and delivering innovative AI curriculum from 2027
• Teaching engaging undergraduate and postgraduate AI units
• Creating contemporary learning experiences across online and face to face modes
• Contributing to AI research, publications and collaborative projects
• Engaging with industry and supporting the broader IT discipline
• Building industry, professional and community connections.

What You Will Bring

You’ll bring a PhD specifically focused on Artificial Intelligence, alongside relevant qualifications in Computer Science, Information Technology or a closely related discipline. You’ll also bring demonstrated teaching and research experience, with genuine technical expertise in contemporary AI, particularly the development, fine-tuning and application of modern AI models, rather than simply experience using AI tools.

You’ll be passionate about translating your expertise into innovative teaching and sharing your knowledge with students and colleagues. Experience working within the Australian higher education, research or industry context will help you make an immediate contribution, alongside a collaborative approach, curiosity and initiative, and the ability to contribute to research and professional activities as part of a growing discipline.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A PhD specifically focused on Artificial Intelligence
• Relevant qualifications in IT, Computer Science or a related discipline
• Expertise in LLMs, multimodal AI, fine-tuning, RAG and/or agentic AI
• Demonstrated teaching experience in AI, IT or Data Science
• Strong publications and/or conference outputs, ideally in leading AI venues

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 , and the 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. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities.
• ACAD Level B or C.
• The base salary for an Academic Level B ranges from $117,916 - $139,454 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $163,161.
• The base salary for an Academic Level C ranges from $143,755 - $165,287 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $193,385.

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

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.

Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 11 October 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. This opportunity is open to Australian and international applicants. If the successful candidate requires visa sponsorship, the University will work with the appointee to support visa and travel requirements.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process, reach out to