Role type: Part time (0.4 FTE), Fixed term for 3 years

Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department: Melbourne School of Health Sciences

Salary: Level D / Level E plus 17% super

- Provide executive academic leadership / shape strategic direction and portfolio priorities across health sciences disciplines / foster interprofessional research, education, and health sector partnerships
- Apply now to join the senior executive team as Deputy Head of School and drive excellence and innovation across premier health sciences disciplines.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this high-profile executive leadership role, you will work directly with the Head of School to guide the strategic direction, growth, and academic governance of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. You will actively deputise for the Head of School and lead a specific portfolio - such as Education and Student Experience, Research, Globalisation, Engagement and Communities, Career Pathways and Staff Experience, or Indigenous Development - while fostering collaborative partnerships across all five school departments (Optometry & Vision Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, and Audiology & Speech Pathology).

What you will deliver:

- Deputise for the Head of School, representing the School internally and externally with delegated executive authority.
- Provide strategic leadership across research, teaching, and community engagement to build capability across the School, Faculty, and University.
- Lead strategic portfolio initiatives and oversee academic planning, resource/space management, and compliance across School sites.
- Partner with the Head of School and School Manager on overall people leadership, performance management, talent development, and culture.
- Drive cross-disciplinary research, commercialisation, and external partnerships with industry, healthcare providers, alumni, and government.
- Oversee educational quality, course renewal, and student experience in collaboration with Teaching & Learning Directors.

You may be a great fit if you:





- Hold a PhD or equivalent higher degree in a discipline related to health sciences.
- Are recognised as an eminent authority nationally and internationally with a sustained record of securing competitive research grants.
- Bring a proven track record of strategic academic leadership and governance in complex, changing environments.
- Exhibit strong familiarity with the strategic priorities of the University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences.
- Possess exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with academic peers, clinicians, policy makers, and industry.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership, diversity, inclusion, and a values-based culture. (Note: Position requires working on-site at the Parkville campus at least one day per week).

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs and learning platforms
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team

You will join the executive leadership team of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences - an inter-professional learning community comprising the departments of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, and Audiology and Speech Pathology. Working alongside approximately 170 academic staff,



21 professional staff, and over 200 sessional colleagues, you will help lead a school dedicated to transforming health outcomes through cutting-edge implementation science, clinical trials, and interdisciplinary education.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-secure organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

- Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
- You must have current valid work rights for Australia.
- A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
- Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

- For queries related to this specific position, contact Professor Bruce Thompson by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 9344 2961.
- For questions related to our recruitment process email [email protected].
- For recruitment adjustments contact [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: Sunday 1 November 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: PD - Deputy HOS, MSHS

📌 Deputy Head, Melbourne School Of Health Sciences (Parkville)
🏢 University Of Melbourne
📍 Parkville