Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an opportunity available for a passionate and experienced Academic to join our team within the College of Arts, Society and Education as a Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education.

• Full-time; continuing
• Academic Level C or D -$133,495 - $175,633 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at either the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas or the Cairns Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield.
• Level of appointment and remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the College of Arts, Society and Education

The JCU College of Arts, Society and Education (CASE) empowers students to make a difference in their communities and beyond. Offering a wide range of programs in arts and social sciences, education and social work, the College fosters critical thinking, creativity and cultural understanding. With a focus on practical experience and research, JCU prepares graduates for meaningful and impactful careers.

Our teaching areas include Arts and Social Sciences, Social Work and Teaching and Education, with each crafted to provide students with practical experience and academic excellence. These programs prepare graduates to thrive in diverse environments, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields and communities.

About the opportunity

The Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, will have oversight of Early Childhood Education programs in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), including responsibility for the development and delivery of innovative and contemporary course materials and teaching.

The Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, will conduct research and publish in the field of Early Childhood Education, relative to academic level, and supervise Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates. The appointee will support community engagement and work collaboratively with schools and early learning centres in North Queensland and beyond, liaise with relevant organisations and stakeholders, in support of the University's Strategic Intent. Successful Associate Professor applicants will provide leadership and mentoring within the Education Academic Group.

Preference will be given to applicants who are able to contribute to teaching within the suite of Education programs offered at James Cook University, and those who can contribute to the research priorities of the Education Academic Group, particularly research that advances equity and social justice in relation to early learning in regional, rural and remote communities.

What you can bring to the role

• An Australian teaching qualification (preferably in Early Childhood Education), plus completion or near completion of a PhD in ITE (Early Childhood Education) and registration, or eligibility for immediate registration, with the Queensland College of Teachers.
• Demonstrated experience teaching Early Years Curriculum in Australian schools and/or early learning centres, and knowledge of the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority and its role in supporting quality standards in early childhood education and care across Australia.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate ITE programs, leadership, development and delivery of innovative curriculum in the field of Early Childhood Education in a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modes, appropriate to the level of appointment.
• A proven track record of research and impact of research in the field of Early Childhood Education, including quality, peer-reviewed  publications and successful grant activity (relative to opportunity); and supervision of HDR candidates to timely completion, appropriate to the level of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and ethically in teams on teaching, research and community engagement projects; and demonstrated productive engagement with schools and Early Childhood providers, relevant organisations, community agencies, accrediting and professional bodies – as appropriate to the level of appointment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and ethical manner, and demonstrated organisational and administrative skills.

Why JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

What matters to us at JCU?

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the Tropics.

Click the 'apply' button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor.

Applications close on Sunday 21 December 2025  at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please email 

About our process

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.