• Lead one of Australia's largest and most respected University Departments of Rural Health, driving impact across rural, remote and Aboriginal health.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed-term basis for five years.
• Base salary: Level E $231,014 plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) is a Commonwealth-funded University Department of Rural Health and a key part of the School of Health and Clinical Sciences at The University of Western Australia. WACRH works across the Midwest, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions of Western Australia to improve rural, remote and Aboriginal health outcomes through education, research, workforce development and community engagement. WACRH supports multidisciplinary student placements, conducts impactful health research, and collaborates closely with communities, Aboriginal organisations, health services and government stakeholders to strengthen the rural health workforce and improve health equity

About the opportunity

• Provide strategic, academic and operational leadership for WACRH, delivering excellence across rural and remote health research, teaching, workforce development, policy engagement and community partnerships.
• Build and strengthen collaborative relationships with Aboriginal communities, government agencies, health services, universities, industry partners and community organisations to address current and emerging rural health priorities.
• Lead the growth of a nationally and internationally recognised research and education portfolio, attracting competitive funding, advancing research translation, supporting workforce development, and enhancing student placement and rural career pathways.

About you

• PhD or equivalent qualification with an internationally recognised record of academic excellence and leadership in rural, remote, Aboriginal and/or population health.
• Outstanding track record of research leadership, competitive grant success, research translation and supervision of higher degree research students.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and building strategic partnerships across academic, health, government, community and Aboriginal-controlled organisations.
• Proven ability to drive innovation in teaching, curriculum development, student experience and workforce development within complex academic or health environments.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and improving health outcomes for rural and Aboriginal communities.

Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. A current National Police Clearance, WA Working with Children Check, and "C" class driver's licence will be required by the successful applicant. Occasional interstate and rural travel will also be required

Position description:  PD [Director, WA Centre for Rural Health] [524249].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Khyber Alam at  khyber.alam@uwa.edu.au

For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Talent Advisor, Petrina Gomez at petrina.gomez@uwa.edu.au  

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Saturday, 19th September 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. 

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.