Professor of Counselling and Head of Discipline (Art Therapy and Counselling)

The Opportunity

Western Sydney University is a premier national and international destination for postgraduate clinical training and research studies in the fields of counselling, psychotherapy and creative arts therapies. Our experienced educators and emerging researchers have developed innovative training programs including a highly successful person-centred counselling program and an award-winning arts-led pedagogy for training art therapists and arts-in-health practitioners. We have written key texts that influence research, clinical education and professional practice, heightening discipline visibility for Arts Therapy and Counselling (ATC) within and beyond the University.

Western Sydney University is seeking a Professor of Counselling with an outstanding record of academic leadership to join the Art Therapy and Counselling group within the School of Social Sciences.  Beginning with a three year term as Head of Discipline, this is an opportunity to be a leader in collaboratively shaping and strengthening the profile of Counselling as an independent and growing discipline at a key moment of its professionalisation, and to collaboratively support the art therapy discipline to similarly enhance its profile. 

About You

• A PhD in a related discipline.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and learning design.
• Evidence of fostering educational excellence in others.
• Demonstrated experience in relationships with industry for research and teaching including work-integrated learning.
• Evidence of being role model for other academics seeking mentoring, guidance, advice and support.
• Proven leadership of research projects and leadership of research teams.
• Success in attracting significant industry funding.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

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 Professor Jason Pandya-Wood via J.Pandya-Wood@westernsydney.edu.au 
Please include the job reference code REF1441T 

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Friday 17 July 2026

Working Rights: Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

How to Apply:

To express your interest in the role, please prepare the following application materials:

• A comprehensive academic CV detailing your positions held (with dates), key achievements, education, professional training, qualifications (including dates of completion), and a summary of your research activity and outputs.
• Contact details for three referees, including your relationship to each referee and why you have nominated them. Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with you.
• Your earliest possible start date.

As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

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.