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Associate Dean (Indigenous), Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science

Western Sydney University
April 15, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Penrith, New South Wales, Australia

Job Description

  • Ongoing academic role at Academic Level D/E.
  • Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science.

Identified Position
This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australians for the requirements of this position.

Provide Indigenous academic leadership to embed knowledges and drive outcomes across ECS.

The Opportunity

Western Sydney University is seeking an Associate Dean (Indigenous) to provide strategic academic leadership across the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science. This role advances Indigenous engagement, education, research and success, while embedding Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and participation throughout teaching, research and governance.

Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Associate Dean (Indigenous) works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to implement the University’s Indigenous Strategy and Faculty-specific priorities. The role contributes to building cultural capability and strengthening Indigenous excellence across all areas of academic life.

This is an ongoing academic appointment within a relevant School in Engineering, Computing or Science, with Associate Dean (Indigenous) responsibilities held as a 3-year secondment. The role supports Indigenous student participation, strengthens partnerships with communities and organisations, and contributes to the recruitment, mentoring and retention of Indigenous staff.

What Success Looks Like

  • Lead Faculty-aligned Indigenous strategies and initiatives.
  • Embed Indigenous knowledges in curriculum and learning.
  • Advance Indigenous-led and Indigenous-engaged research.
  • Provide cultural leadership within Faculty governance.
  • Strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

  • Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline.
  • Appointment at Academic Level D or E.
  • Demonstrated academic leadership and Indigenous engagement.
  • Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative communication skills.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

  • Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
  • Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
  • Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
  • Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

  • Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Brian Falzon, Executive Dean via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1181Y. 
  • Closing Date: 11:59pm, 29 April 2026.
  • Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
  • How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Applications for the position should include the following:

  1. Full Academic Curriculum Vitae
  2. Candidate Statement
  3. Referee details
  4. Date of Commencement

CURRICULUM VITAE

  • Details of positions held, including dates, details of your present position, and key achievements.
  • Details of education, professional training and qualifications (and dates of degree completion).
  • Research Activity Statement, including details of your research track record, such as external income, research outputs, and outcomes.
  • Evidence of the delivery of innovative teaching and world-class research.
  • Any other relevant information, such as contributions to professional associations and learned societies, community activities, awards and other recognitions of esteem.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT
A brief statement (no more than five pages) outlining your vision for the role and what you would expect to accomplish in the role, reflecting on your experience and skills as it relates to the selection criteria found in the Position Description.

REFEREES

  • Full contact details of three referees that we may contact.
  • Candidates should state their relationship to the referees and why they have been nominated to speak on the candidate’s behalf.
  • Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with the candidate.

DATE OF COMMENCEMENT

  • An indication of the earliest date on which you could commence in the position.
  • Applicants should provide a confidential email address and suitable daytime and evening telephone contact details (including mobile), and details of their availability during this period.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

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