At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and teaching in intellectual disability mental health, improving outcomes for diverse communities.
- Company: UNSW, a leading university committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous superannuation, cultural leave, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible work options and a supportive environment for diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while mentoring the next generation of researchers.
- Qualifications: MBBS/MD or PhD with extensive experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 155000 - 185000 € per year.
Employment Type: Part Time/Full Time – 0.5 FTE to 1.0 FTE
Duration: Fixed Term Until 23 April 2027
Remuneration: Academic Level C/D $155 K – $185 K depending on experience + 17 % Super + Annual Leave Loading
Location: Kensington Campus, New South Wales
Visa sponsorship not available; unrestricted work rights required
The Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor of Intellectual Disability Mental Health will provide academic and strategic leadership in intellectual and developmental disability mental health through research, teaching, clinical capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. The role leads a translational and co‑designed research program focused on improving mental health outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, with a strong emphasis on health services, systems improvement, and evidence‑based practice. Working closely with NSW Health, government agencies, healthcare providers, and people with lived experience, the position will strengthen clinical and research capacity across NSW and nationally. The appointee will contribute to innovative education initiatives, mentor emerging researchers, and foster collaborative partnerships across the disability and mental health sectors. Reporting to the Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, the role also contributes to teaching and research within the Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health at UNSW Medicine & Health. At Associate Professor level, the role includes nationally recognised research leadership, influence on policy and practice, and mentorship of researchers and sector stakeholders to advance intellectual disability mental health research and service development. If an interested applicant is a psychiatrist, there is the opportunity for an affiliated clinical academic appointment with South‑Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- MBBS/MD or PhD or equivalent distinguished experience in psychiatry, psychology or another health discipline, with extensive experience in intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
- Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
- Demonstrated experience in development and delivery of education and training in intellectual and developmental disability mental health, including face‑to‑face and online methods.
- Evidence of productive relationships and engagement with external stakeholders, including government and community.
- Demonstrated academic excellence with research outcomes of high quality and high impact.
- Proven ability to work in co‑design with people with lived experience of intellectual and/or developmental disability.
- Experience in successfully recruiting and supervising high calibre students.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing teams and driving outcomes in complex stakeholder environments, or successful track record of liaisons between government and the disability sector.
- Leadership of projects which design, build capacity in, deliver and/or evaluate mental health services for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.
- Established national track record of mental health research.
- Capacity to mentor, provide advice and guidance to clinicians and academics in this or a related field.
- Proven leadership in developing significant productive relationships and engagement with external stakeholders, including government and community.
Benefits and Culture
- Career development opportunities
- 17 % superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
- 10 days paid cultural leave per year
- Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor- Intellectual Disability Mental Health employer: UNSW
UNSW is an exceptional employer that prioritises academic excellence and innovative research in the field of intellectual disability mental health. Located in the vibrant Kensington Campus, New South Wales, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth, alongside generous benefits such as 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With opportunities to engage with leading healthcare providers and influence policy, UNSW offers a meaningful and rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in mental health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor- Intellectual Disability Mental Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the academic and mental health sectors. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups to get your name out there and make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal website or an online portfolio that highlights your research, teaching experience, and any innovative projects you've been involved in. This is a great way to demonstrate your skills and passion for intellectual disability mental health.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution and its current projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of stakeholder engagement and capacity building in mental health services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor- Intellectual Disability Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in intellectual and developmental disability mental health. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or research!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This position is all about leadership, so be sure to emphasise any experience you have in managing teams or driving outcomes in complex environments. We love seeing examples of how you've influenced policy or mentored others in your field.
Engage with Stakeholders:Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with external stakeholders, including government and community organisations. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with these groups to improve mental health services or research outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research and developments in intellectual disability mental health. Brush up on key studies, policies, and practices that are relevant to the role. This will not only show your commitment but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your leadership experience, especially in complex stakeholder environments. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed teams or driven outcomes in projects related to mental health services. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this experience to the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build productive relationships with external stakeholders. Have specific examples ready of how you’ve engaged with government agencies, healthcare providers, or community organisations. This will highlight your collaborative approach and understanding of the sector.
✨Emphasise Co-Design Experience
Since the role involves working closely with people with lived experience, be prepared to discuss your experience in co-designing projects. Share instances where you’ve involved individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in your work, showcasing your commitment to inclusive practices.