Associate Professor OR Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education

About us:

University of Canberra is more than a university, it’s a community committed to shaping a better world through education, research, and opportunity with a strong commitment to inclusivity and reducing inequalities. Our vibrant campus in Australia’s capital city is a hub of innovation, opportunity and a launchpad for a diverse cohort including first-in-family students and future leaders alike. If you are looking for a career that matters with a welcoming, values based, forward-thinking institution, come build your future with us.

About the role:

UC’s Faculty of Education is seeking to recruit an experienced Associate Professor (Level D - ER) or Senior Lecturer (Level C - ER) in Early Childhood Education. Ideally, the successful candidate will be an accomplished academic and educational leader who bring practical insight and pedagogical expertise to enrich curriculum development, foster student engagement, and strengthen the Faculty’s connection to contemporary educational practice.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of Early Childhood Education through excellence in teaching, curriculum innovation, research leadership, postgraduate supervision, and meaningful partnerships with schools, government agencies, community organisations, and the broader education sector.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in teaching, research, curriculum development, and academic initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate Early Childhood Education programs through face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments.
• Prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, practical classes, field experiences, and other learning activities.
• Lead and contribute to research projects that generate high-quality scholarly outputs and meaningful impact for the profession.
• Supervise and mentor doctoral and research master's students.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, early learning services, professional associations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the University through professional, scholarly, and community networks at regional, national, and international levels.

About you:

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Early Childhood Education through innovative teaching and research. To be considered for this role, you will have:

• A doctoral qualification (PhD or EdD) in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related discipline.
• Teaching qualifications in Early Childhood Education or equivalent professional expertise.
• Significant experience as an Early Childhood educator, educational leader, researcher, or academic.
• Significant experience in curriculum design, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• A recognised record of achievement in research, scholarship, and/or professional practice within Early Childhood Education.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead academic initiatives, programs, projects, or teams.
• Commitment to excellence, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement in higher education.

Offerings/ Benefits/ Culture:

The University offers excellent conditions and benefits which can be explored on our “Work at UC” site which includes:

• Flexible working arrangements and Family-friendly policies
• On campus Gym, Medical services, Cafes, Post office, Supermarket and Early Childhood Education and Care facilities.
• Professional Development offerings (study assistance, corporate programs and discounts)
• Innovative work environment with a diverse and inclusive culture
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and a corporate private Health Plan (Bupa)

University of Canberra is a values based organisation and sets a goal to be the national sector leader in equity, diversity, inclusion and access via Connected – A Decadal Strategy 2023-2032. UC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodiversity and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants who wish to apply for this position should have valid working rights at the time of submission.
• The University of Canberra is committed to the safety of vulnerable and young people. As such, the successful candidate will be required to have a current ACT working with vulnerable people registration.

How to apply:

Submit through the “Apply Now” tab with your CV and a cover letter addressing your suitability and interest. We kindly ask that you take this opportunity to align your CV with the Position Descriptions of your interest, ensuring that your skills and experience are clearly articulated in connection with the specific requirements of the role.

Position Description - Associate Professor in Education (Level D) ER.pdf

Position Description - Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education (Level C) ER.pdf

For job specific information: please contact Kate Highfield - Head of School - Teacher Education - Kate.Highfield@canberra.edu.au

For recruitment and application questions: please contact the Talent Solutions team on 02 6206 3867 or email uctalent@canberra.edu.au. If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment to the selection process, please feel free to contact us.

Closing date: 11.55pm, Sunday 22 Nov 2026