Continuing Full Time Appointment
Research Active Academic Employee Level D/E
Annual Salary up to $195,391pa plus 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Casuarina Campus (with travel to regional and remote locations)

About the Position

Imagine waking up warm every day. Spend your weekends exploring the ancient gorges of Kakadu, hiking ancient trails, or watching the sun go down on the Nightcliff foreshore. Then in the wet season watch as the Top End turns into a dramatic, thunderstorm-lit tropical paradise. Darwin isn't just a posting. It's an adventure.

And the role itself? It's just as extraordinary. Charles Darwin University is searching for a bold, visionary leader to define the next chapter of Exercise and Sport Science, this is your moment. As Head of Discipline, you won't just manage a department; you'll build a legacy. You'll shape curriculum that breaks new ground, lead research that genuinely moves the needle on health and wellbeing across the Territory and beyond, and forge deep partnerships with communities and industry who need you at the table.

This is a senior academic role with real scope, the kind where your ideas become programs, your drive becomes lasting change, and your team reflects the culture you build. You'll inspire a cohesive, high-performing team while elevating CDU's profile as a national and international leader in Exercise and Sport Science education, research, and service delivery.

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to lead with purpose, live with freedom, and make a mark that lasts.

About You

To succeed, you will bring:

• A PhD in a related field with a research profile that speaks for itself - and the ambition to take it further.
• Current registered with Exercise Sport Science Australia as an Accredited Exercise Scientist and/or Accredited Exercise Physiologist 
• A track record of building curriculum that works - innovative, future-focused, and fluent across digital, virtual, and online learning environments. 
• A genuine understanding of who walks through the door - experience supporting students from diverse linguistic, cultural, and age backgrounds, and a commitment to equity in education. 
• The credibility and confidence to represent CDU in any room - whether negotiating with industry partners, presenting at forums, or building relationships with community stakeholders. 
• A values-driven leader who actively champions reconciliation and brings genuine respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage into everything they do.
• An openness to the realities of the Territory - an enthusiasm for rural and remote practice, and the curiosity to keep learning what that demands.

Additional Essential Competencies for Level E

• Experience of HDR supervision to completion
• Evidence of excellence in course development, community engagement and research leadership
• Expertise in the development of units/courses and student resources in response to reflective practice and application of scholarship within the context and requirements of a quality education provider 

Remuneration

Appointment to this role will be at HE Academic Level D/E. The base salary will be in the range of $162,335 - $195,391 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $189,931 - $228,607 per annum inclusive of 17% superannuation.

What’s in it for you?

• Shape a growing discipline and influence health outcomes across Northern Australia.
• Collaborate with government and industry partners on high-impact projects.
• Darwin's laid-back pace, minimal traffic, and short commutes create more time for family, friends, and leisure. 
• Enjoy a competitive salary plus 17% superannuation and up to 6 weeks annual leave as well as many other additional leave benefits.
• Access to professional development, research support, and leadership opportunities.
• Work in a vibrant, diverse university committed to innovation and equity.
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas, Employee Assistance Program and Salary Packaging opportunities

Why CDU and Why Now?

The Northern Territory is investing heavily in health, sport and recreation, with initiatives to enhance community participation, upgrade facilities, and support elite athlete development. This role places you at the heart of that transformation, enabling you to drive research and education that matters - from improving health outcomes to shaping the next generation of sport scientists and exercise professionals.

First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures 

While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992. More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here.

Diversity and Inclusion

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong.

Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

Work Health and Safety

CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment. Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence outside the workplace. 

Charles Darwin University is guided by our core values of Courage, Kindness, Openness, Innovation, and Leadership, which shape our daily actions and decisions. CDU is committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation for everyone. 

As part of the Charles Darwin University’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace, and to meeting our legal obligations, we ask candidates to declare whether they have ever been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence or found to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, in any previous employment or through any legal process.

This information assists us to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence and will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for employment, to help ensure the safety of our University community. 

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.