Associate Head Aboriginal Health

Job no: 503121

Work type: Full time

Location: Statewide (all locations in Tasmania)

Categories: Balanced Research/Teaching

• Shape curriculum embedding Indigenous knowledges across all programs
• Drive culturally safe teaching, research and student success
• Part time or full time, ongoing position based in Launceston, Hobart or Burnie

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who hold memories, knowledges and culture, and their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country that spans millennia.

About the Opportunity

As the Associate Head, Aboriginal Health, you will provide senior academic leadership within the Tasmanian School of Medicine, advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through culturally safe education, research and governance. You will lead the strategic development and implementation of Aboriginal health curriculum, strengthen staff capability, and deepen community engagement. You will also work in partnership with the latawina Blak Health Collective to embed the latawina Aboriginal Health Curriculum Framework across all programs. In addition, you will:

• Provide academic leadership in culturally safe teaching and assessment practices
• Mentor and support Aboriginal academic staff and contribute to capability building
• Strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal community, ACCHOs and stakeholders
• Contribute to governance and quality assurance of Aboriginal health content
• Deliver teaching informed by Aboriginal pedagogies and reflective practice
• Embed Indigenous knowledges across medical education programs
• Support alignment of curriculum with accreditation and strategic priorities
• Contribute to research in Aboriginal health education and leadership
• Support student and staff development to improve Aboriginal health outcomes

About the University

At the University of Tasmania, we have a mission to make a difference for Tasmania, and from Tasmania. With our unique location and history, we have both an obligation and opportunity to make a global contribution. People are at the heart of that contribution. We focus on building a workplace culture where we come together in a way that empowers us all to connect, belong and grow. The University is one of the largest employers in our State, with campuses in three distinct regions: Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie. We also have a specialised health campus in Sydney. We strive to stimulate economic growth, lift literacy, improve health outcomes for Tasmania and nurture our environment as it nurtures us. We welcome enquiring minds, from near and far, to join us in our pursuit of the extraordinary.

About Tasmanian School of Medicine

The Tasmanian School of Medicine (TSOM) offers undergraduate education in Medicine and Biomedicine, alongside an interdisciplinary suite of postgraduate courses and a vibrant research program. Through its programs, TSOM is cultivating a future-ready health and medical workforce equipped to lead health services, embrace digital innovation, and transform care delivery. Efforts are focused on tackling the real-world health challenges faced by communities in Tasmania, across Australia, and beyond. Through cutting-edge research, TSOM contributes vital knowledge to address pressing health problems and preparing the next generation of researchers to develop innovative solutions for the future.

What’s Required (all levels) This position will be offered at Academic level C, D or E

• Deep knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, culture and ways of knowing and doing, particularly in relation to Indigenous health
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and learning design using Aboriginal pedagogies, development and delivery of courses and programs across undergraduate and postgraduate level
• Proven ability to develop and improve curriculum, including alignment with professional accreditation standards
• Ability to support and inspire students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Strong interpersonal, organisational and collaborative skills with the ability to build effective relationships
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships locally and nationally across the discipline, profession, industry and wider community
• Demonstrated research track record with evidence of high-quality outputs, student supervision and capacity for research leadership (desirable)

Academic Level C

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field or a Bachelor degree in a relevant health discipline with substantial clinical or professional experience (e.g. health, public health, biomedical science or health policy)

Academic Level D

• PhD with evidence of significant achievement in leadership, research, teaching and community engagement
• National recognition for research and success in securing competitive and other funding

Academic Level E

• PhD with evidence of excellence across leadership, research, teaching and community engagement
• International recognition for research and success in securing external competitive and other funding

This is an Identified Position. You must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to be considered for this opportunity. Candidates must provide eligibility documentation with their application. Please contact aboriginal.employment@utas.edu.au to discuss the documentation required.

What’s on Offer?

On offer is a part time or full time, ongoing opportunity based in Launceston, Hobart or Burnie with a competitive remuneration package. We value our staff and the important contributions they make to our community. You’ll have access to an array of staff benefits and discounts including:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers
• 5 days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural leave annually
• 17% superannuation contribution
• Health and fitness membership options
• Accommodation and car hire discounts
• Health insurance and banking
• Novated Leasing
• Relocation support

Belong - Be You

People are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to ensure that our people feel encouraged and supported to bring their whole selves to work. Fostering diversity and inclusion is our key priority, supporting our communities to come together in ways that empower connection, learning, belonging and growth. Celebrating the strengths that diversity brings will enable us to achieve our vision and mission. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community. Tell us how we can make this job work for you.

Remuneration

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level C, D or E and will have a remuneration range package of between $162,087 - $240,183 comprising base salary within the range of $138,536 to $205,285 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply?

If this role is of interest, we look forward to hearing from you.

• Please provide your up-to-date resume
• A 1–2-page cover letter outlining your motivation for the role
• A statement addressing the selection criteria by outlining how your skills and experience align with the role specific skills, knowledge and experience in the Position Description

For further information about this position, please contact Professor Ruth Kearon, Head of School, Tasmanian School of Medicine at ruth.kearon@utas.edu.au, or Professor Jen Evans, Aboriginal Health Leadership at Jen.Evans@utas.edu.au.

Applications close 11:55pm Sunday 21st of June 2026