Associate Professor, Indigenous Education Studies (Indigenous Identified Role)

• Full-time, Ongoing position at Academic Level D.
• Penrith campus on Darug Country, with flexible working arrangements.
• $179,822 – $197,660 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Shape the future of Indigenous Education Studies and teacher education.

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australians for the requirements of this position.

• Click here to view Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australian Staff
• Click here to view the Community Confirmation Template
• Click here to view the Statutory Declaration Form

The Opportunity
Western Sydney University is seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander academic to join the School of Education as an Associate Professor in Indigenous Education Studies. This identified position offers an opportunity to contribute to a growing and nationally significant area of teaching, research and community engagement, while helping shape the next generation of educators.

Working within Initial Teacher Education and postgraduate programs, you will lead and contribute to teaching that centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, knowledges and educational excellence. You will play a key role in curriculum innovation, supporting culturally responsive teaching practices and strengthening the educational experiences of students across the University.

You will also contribute to impactful research, supervision of Honours and Higher Degree Research students, and meaningful collaborations with schools, communities and professional partners. You will provide discipline leadership, mentor academic colleagues and contribute to strategic governance and Indigenous student matters across the School and broader University community.

This role works closely with the School of Education, the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, and external education and community partners to advance Indigenous Education Studies and create lasting impact through education.

What Success Looks Like:

• Leading high-quality teaching and curriculum development in Indigenous Education Studies.
• Building impactful research outcomes through publications, grant activity and community-engaged scholarship.
• Supporting and supervising research students and mentoring emerging academics.
• Developing strong partnerships with schools, communities and the education sector.
• Contributing to leadership, governance and initiatives that advance Indigenous education and student success.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, as a genuine occupational qualification authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• PhD or EdD in a discipline relevant to Education.
• Demonstrated experience in tertiary teaching and curriculum development in Indigenous Education Studies.
• Research profile appropriate to Academic Level D, including publications, supervision and research grant activity.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with experience working collaboratively with schools, communities and professional partners.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Michele Simons, Dean, School of Education via michele.simons@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1391H.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, 4 November 2026.
• Checks: Appointment to this position is subject to a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for paid employment.
• 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. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

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 talentacquisitionteam@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.