Overview
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SCU

Southern Cross University

Ranked & featured
sdgs/sdg overall
Sustainability Impact Rated
East Lismore, Australia
401–500th in World University Rankings 2026
  • About
  • Rankings
  • Impact Rankings
  • Key stats
  • Jobs
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About Southern Cross University

Basic information and contact details for Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University is ranked in the top 100 young universities globally (THE 2024) and is one of Australia’s most innovative universities. Our identity—the Southern Cross constellation—symbolises a guiding light for the curious and shines through everything we do. Unbounded by convention, we’ve forged our own path to excellence through academic rigor and a commitment to shape the future. Your tomorrow is our purpose.

With a vibrant community of over 80,000 graduates and world-class research, we tackle both local and global challenges with new and exciting solutions. Our programs immerse students in cutting-edge practice, whether reimagining the way sustainability is taught in schools, shaping regenerative agriculture practices for more resilient farms, or developing the next generation of nurses and allied health professionals. Over 90% of our graduates secure employment within four months and they earn above the national median graduate salary (QILT 2019-2022). 

We are dedicated to advancing research with real-world impact. Our research has significantly contributed to an International Charter for ethical research involving children. We have identified new high-value coffee and black rice crops to support diversity and economic certainty in feeding growing populations. We are reducing the carbon footprint of cannabis, the most carbon-intensive medical product on the planet. We are incorporating traditional knowledge sources into pre-clinical research, unearthing novel treatments that are safer and more readily available. We are developing scalable models for true circular economies in manufacturing, agriculture and food production.

We help today’s visionaries become tomorrow’s leaders. Join us in transforming tomorrow.

Rankings

Select the type of rankings below to see stats

Impact Rankings

Select the type of ranking below to see stats

Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Southern Cross University

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
69 F : 31 M (1)
globe fill
International student percentage
22% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
43 (1)
student
Student total
8883 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026

Jobs at Southern Cross University

Open positions for academics and staff at Southern Cross University

See all

Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY

Southern Cross University

Australia, Coffs Harbour

institution

Southern Cross University

Australia, Coffs Harbour


Full time, continuing (permanent) position Based at our Gold Coast (preferred) or Coffs Harbour campus Remuneration up to $158,409 Be Bold. Belong. Be More. At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you. A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you. You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great. Your opportunity Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Health is seeking an enthusiastic Lecturer in Occupational Therapy to support the delivery of our innovative Occupational Therapy program. In this role, you’ll contribute to high-quality teaching and student support, helping prepare future occupational therapists for meaningful, job-ready careers. Whether you are an early-career academic building your teaching profile or an experienced educator looking to deepen your impact, you’ll be supported to grow, collaborate and thrive. You will make an impact by: Delivering high-quality, engaging teaching across the occupational therapy program. Developing, reviewing and implementing curriculum that meets accreditation standards and supports student success. Supporting work integrated learning and coordinating with industry partners to ensure meaningful learning experiences. Contributing to research and scholarship that enhances the Faculty’s profile and informs best practice. What you will bring You’re a passionate occupational therapist who enjoys supporting student growth and success. You enjoy applying contemporary teaching practices, collaborating with colleagues, and shaping learning experiences that prepare students for real-world practice. To succeed in this role, you will also need: A PhD/Masters by research or show significant progress toward completing the same, along with academic and/or clinical experience. You must also be registered or eligible for registration as an Occupational Therapist in Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Experience in the use of contemporary educational technologies and teaching both practical and theoretical topics in Occupational Therapy in blended and online environments across a range of practice settings and populations. Proficiency in designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum and resources to improve student learning effectiveness An emerging track record in scholarship and research as evidenced by relevant peer- reviewed publications and publications/research plan, or other comparable scholarly achievements. Demonstrated high level of interpersonal skills, including the ability to work within an interdisciplinary team, to collaborate with research partners, and to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. A commitment to developing culturally responsive practice Why Southern Cross University SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world. Your opportunity is: Full-time, continuing (permanent) Located at Gold Coast, QLD 4225 (preferred) or Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities. ACAD Level B. The base salary for Academic B ranges from $114,482 - $135,392 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $158,409. You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University? Be more with Southern Cross University today Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information. Name: Associate Professor Nicola Whiteing, Chair Allied Health, Midwifery and Community Phone: 0447 277 544 Email: nicola.whiteing@scu.edu.au Applications close 11.30pm AEST 6 May 2026 Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process, reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au. How to apply: Start your application by clicking the "begin" button. Login to an existing account or reset your password Preview Application Form By choosing to continue, you agree to the Privacy Notice. Show Privacy Notice

Salary

$114,482 - $135,392 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation

Posted

15 Apr 2026

Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY

Southern Cross University

Australia, Lismore

institution

Southern Cross University

Australia, Lismore


Shape the future of mechanical engineering through innovative teaching and research Join a collaborative Faculty where your expertise and ideas are valued Thrive with flexible work options, professional development, and impactful projects Be Bold. Belong. Be More. At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you. A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you. You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great. Your opportunity The Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering to deliver innovative teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a focus on mechatronics and robotics engineering, and contribute to curriculum development, research, and the scholarship of teaching. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, engage with industry and community partners, and support student success while advancing the Faculty’s research profile. You will make an impact by: Delivering high-quality, engaging teaching in mechanical, mechatronic, and robotics engineering Developing innovative curriculum and teaching resources that integrate emerging technologies Supervising HDR students and supporting research and teaching scholarship activities Collaborating with internal teams, industry partners, and professional networks to enhance student and program outcomes Leading or contributing to program coordination, course accreditation, and continuous improvement initiatives What you will bring You are an innovative engineering academic passionate about teaching, research, and professional engagement. You thrive on developing students’ skills, advancing the Faculty’s profile, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. To succeed in this role, you will also need: A Bachelor and PhD in Mechanical Engineering, with expertise in mechatronics and/or robotics Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and curriculum development Evidence of research output, grant success, and supervision of honours/HDR students Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in diverse teams Knowledge of professional accreditation processes (e.g., Engineers Australia) and commitment to equity, cultural diversity, and WHS principles Why Southern Cross University SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world. Your opportunity is: Full-time, continuing (permanent) Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities. ACAD Level B or C. The base salary for an Academic Level B ranges from $114,482 – $135,392 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $158,409. The base salary for an Academic Level C ranges from $139,568 – $160,473 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $187,753. You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University? Be more with Southern Cross University today Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information. Name: Professor Charles Lemckert, Professor - Faculty of Science and Engineering Phone: 02 6626 9387 Email: charles.lemckert@scu.edu.au Name: Associate Professor Mustafa Ucgul, Associate Professor - Faculty of Science and Engineering Phone: 02 6620 3134 Email: mustafa.ucgul@scu.edu.au Applications close 11.30pm AEST 30 April 2026 Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter. The cover letter must clearly address each selection criterion in the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process, reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au. Position description - Level B Position description - Level C How to apply: Start your application by clicking the "begin" button. Login to an existing account or reset your password Preview Application Form By choosing to continue, you agree to the Privacy Notice. Show Privacy Notice

Salary

$114,482 – $160,473 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation

Posted

2 Apr 2026

Senior Employment Lawyer

SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY

Southern Cross University

Australia, Lismore

institution

Southern Cross University

Australia, Lismore


Apply your expertise to make an impact across our campuses and regions Join a bold award-winning Workplace Relations team recognised for leading practice Further develop through exposure to complex, high impact workplace matters Be Bold. Belong. Be More. At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you. A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you. You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great. Your opportunity We are seeking a Senior Employment Lawyer to provide expert legal and strategic advice across Australia’s workplace relations framework within a large and complex organisation. Working closely with senior leaders and People Partners, you will advise on complex and high-risk employment matters, applying legal judgement to support risk-based decision making and achieve organisational objectives. This role offers direct exposure to the full gamut of workplace law matters. You will lead matters end to end, contribute to enterprise and organisational initiatives, and play a role in shaping approaches across the University. You will make an impact by: Providing expert legal advice on employment law, enterprise agreements, awards and contracts. Leading complex workplace investigations and high-risk employee relations matters. Managing tribunal proceedings and external disputes. Advising on major changes, misconduct, performance and termination processes. Contributing to the development of policies, frameworks and capability across the organisation. What you will bring You are an experienced employment lawyer with strong technical capability and sound judgement. You are comfortable advising on complex and sensitive matters, and you provide simple, pragmatic and risk-based advice that supports effective decision making. You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders and translating legal complexity into practical outcomes across a large organisation. This role will suit a lawyer who is ready to step away from the pace and structure of private practice and apply their expertise in a more relaxed in-house environment, without sacrificing on pay or the quality and intellectual complexity of work. You share our values and are motivated by the opportunity to have greater ownership of your matters, to see the impact of your advice, and to build a sustainable career in an idyllic regional setting. To succeed in this role, you will also need: A degree in Law with ideally 5+ years’ experience in employment or workplace law. Expertise interpreting enterprise agreements, awards, contracts and employment legislation. Proven experience managing complex investigations, disputes and tribunal matters. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Why Southern Cross University SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world. Your opportunity is: Full-time, continuing (permanent) Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience. You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University? Be more with Southern Cross University today Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information. Name: Vivian Cormier Email: Jobs@scu.edu.au Applications close 11.30pm AEST 28 April 2026. Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter. The cover letter must clearly address each selection criterion in the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au. Position Description How to apply: Start your application by clicking the "begin" button. Login to an existing account or reset your password Preview Application Form By choosing to continue, you agree to the Privacy Notice. Show Privacy Notice

Salary

Competitive

Posted

7 Apr 2026

Subjects Taught at Southern Cross University

See below for a range of subjects taught at Southern Cross University

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Engineering

  • Civil Engineering
  • General Engineering

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Sport Science
  • Veterinary Science

Medical and Health

  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences

Psychology

  • Psychology