Associate Professor – Social Prescribing and Integrated Care

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game-changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. Our world-ranked research is driving positive impact for our communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Health is seeking an exceptional and driven Associate Professor in Social Prescribing and Integrated Care. This prestigious joint appointment with Primary and Community Care Services (PCCS) offers a unique opportunity to take the lead in shaping Australia’s social prescribing agenda through cutting-edge research, innovative education, and transformative practice. You will be at the forefront of driving strategic growth, attracting competitive research funding, and developing high-impact collaborations on national and international levels.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Leading a dynamic, collaborative research program across Southern Cross University and Primary and Community Care Services, driving innovative solutions that translate research into real-world impact.
• Spearheading cross-disciplinary research initiatives, connecting SCU’s expertise with PCCS’s service delivery to enhance community outcomes.
• Attracting national and international competitive research and consultancy funding, expanding research reach, and securing long-term growth.
• Leading PCCS’s internal research group, contributing to the ASPIRE Expert Panel, and publishing impactful research in internationally recognised journals.
• Designing and implementing evaluation frameworks for social prescribing initiatives, fostering collaborative research projects with global partners.
• Building strategic relationships and engaging with the community and key stakeholders to elevate SCU and PCCS’s priorities, while creating opportunities for student research within PCCS programs.

About you

You’re a passionate, driven academic leader who thrives on building and growing initiatives with a business development mindset. You’re excited by the opportunity to pioneer innovative research that addresses the broader social factors influencing health. You see the power of social prescribing and are committed to driving its success through strategic collaborations and fostering meaningful partnerships. More specifically, you will have:

• A PhD in a health or social sciences field (or equivalent), with current or eligibility for unconditional registration with the relevant regulatory body.
• National and international recognition for exceptional research and leadership in an academic or applied setting, with a clear ability to drive growth and development in both research and business opportunities.
• A proven track record of leadership in research education, developing and mentoring teams to success and managing projects with entrepreneurial vision and intellectual leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage a powerful network of industry professionals, with deep insight into health systems, policy, care, and innovative business models.
• An outstanding record of securing competitive external research funding and leading multidisciplinary research teams with a focus on sustainability and impact.

Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is full-time, fixed term (36 Months) located at the Gold Coast, QLD 4225. Generous relocation support available. Academic Level D. The base salary ranges from A$161,784 - A$177,948 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to A$208,199.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting us.

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with unrestricted work rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 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.

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website. Closing Date: 11.30pm AEDT, Sunday 18 May 2025.

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located. The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI+. We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.