Lecturer - Communications Theory

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University of Newcastle invites applications for a full time Lecturer in Communications Theory in the School of Architecture and Built Environment, Callaghan, NSW. This role supports teaching and research at the intersection of architecture, regional urbanism, climate resilience and collaboration with Indigenous practitioners and communities. The successful candidate will hold a doctoral qualification in Architecture, show a strong publication or research output, demonstrated ability to supervise HDR projects, and proven experience teaching large cohorts with online delivery while pursuing external funding collaborations. To apply, provide your ORCID, a URL to your academic profile, and a single PDF containing a 1 page cover letter with three referees and a 4 page statement addressing essential and desirable criteria, plus a 5 page CV; review the PD for details and note the 31 March 2026 closing date. The University champions equity, inclusion and safety, and will consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of recruitment.

About the Role  

This role offers the opportunity for a mid to early career academic to contribute meaningfully to the University of Newcastle’s mission of delivering excellence in education, research, and professional service. Working within the School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE), you will play a vital part in advancing strategic priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes that support students, staff, and the broader community. 

The Lecturer (Communications Theory) will contribute to teaching and research innovation in Architecture, aligning with the School’s priorities of regional urbanism, addressing climate challenges and collaborating with Indigenous practitioners and communities to work with Country.  

About you 

You are dedicated and forward-thinking with an interested in applying your practice experience and knowledge in a university context. You have a passion for architectural communication andhistory and theory, withan ability to contextualise this in a design studio context. 

You thrive in collaborative settings and are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and research environment. You value diverse perspectives and actively contribute to a culture that supports mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement. You are eager to collaborate with talented colleagues who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through education, research, and community engagement. 

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• Completed a doctoral qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing in Architecture. 
• Demonstrated record of publication or non-traditional research output in high-quality outlets including evidence of international and national research collaborations and/or partnerships. 
• Demonstrated recent ability to achieve national recognition in their discipline and taking a co investigator role (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for external research funds. 
• Skills in active supervision of honours, master’s, and/or Higher Degree by Research postgraduate research projects 
• Demonstrate recent ability to achieve teaching quality and abilities to teach large cohorts of students integrating online platforms. 
• Demonstrate recent ability to contribute at undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate levels, taking responsibility for the preparation and delivery of course modules and coordinating one or more courses. 

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description. 

About us 

The School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE) is a dynamic part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle. With core disciplines in Architecture and Construction Management, SABE fosters excellence in the design, development, and delivery of the built environment. Operating across the Callaghan and Central Coast campuses, and extending its reach internationally through programs in Singapore, SABE offers a vibrant and globally connected academic environment. 

Renowned for its impact-driven, interdisciplinary research, SABE is committed to addressing real-world challenges in sustainability, urban resilience, and equitable community design. Its contributions have helped position the University of Newcastle among the global leaders in sustainability, as reflected in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These achievements underscore SABE’s dedication to shaping liveable communities and advancing social and environmental outcomes both locally and internationally. 

Our university  

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

We are proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI). 

For more information click here – The University of Newcastle 

What we offer 

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including: 

• Salary range from $117,226 - $139,207 plus 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading 
• Flexible working arrangements. 
• Generous leave entitlements. 
• Career development opportunities. 
• Great Lifestyle – Enjoy the best of coastal living in Newcastle. Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle. 

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.  

How to Apply 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your ORCID ID. 
• A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent). 
• A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF): 
• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of three referees. 
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description. 
• Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline. 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It is important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Professor Thayaparan Gajendran, Head of School and Dean, School of Architecture and Built Environment [email protected] or on 0249215781. 

Our assessment process 

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process: 

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process) 
• Referee checks 
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role 

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive. 

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. 

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University. 

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable. 

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience. 

Please reach out to [email protected] if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments. 

Application close date: Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT  

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you! 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. 

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