Academic Psychologist and Student Counsellor

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Level B ($127,138 – $150,425) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

• Level C ($155,236 – 178,523) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

• Full time, fixed-term position for 1 Year

• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences is seeking to recruit a practising psychologist, endorsed in a relevant field such as clinical or general psychology, to join the School of Psychological Sciences as an academic in the University’s technical/industry/commercial job family. The traditional academic component of this role (50%) will involve teaching undergraduate and/or post-graduate psychology students in an area relevant to the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience. The non-traditional academic component (50%) will involve practising as a counsellor and mental health support for medical students enrolled in the Macquarie University, Doctor of Medicine, and to lead the student support function for the Macquarie MD.

This role will provide counselling and mental health support functions for medical students, with an understanding of the environment and challenges medical students may encounter as they progress through their course. Based in the School of Psychological Sciences, this role ensures separation between the counsellor and faculty staff involved in teaching or assessing in the Macquarie MD. Working with the Educational Services team, this role will provide advice and recommendations on reasonable adjustments, support and appropriate interventions, considering the stage, progress and development of the medical student within the degree context and progression requirements. This role also involves up to a 50% teaching role within the School of Psychological Sciences. Duties include teaching across the accredited undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses within the school.

About us

The School of Psychological Sciences is ranked in the top 75 Psychology Departments in the world and is at the forefront of excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. We offer accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Psychology with the largest suite of postgraduate programs in New South Wales.

The school sits under the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences whose current education suite includes courses in clinical science, physiotherapy, medicine, exercise and sports science, public health, psychology, cognitive sciences, linguistics, audiology, and speech pathology. The faculty forms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise which incorporates Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics.

We foster a values-based culture of innovation and creativity to achieve excellence in teaching and to enhance the research performance of the University. We invest in developing the careers and wellbeing of our students and staff and expect all our leaders to live our values of Caring, Integrity, Teamwork, Ambition, Innovation, and Empowerment.

About You

You will be a highly motivated individual with training and experience in providing expert advice and support for the mental health and social stresses of young people. You will have tertiary and professional qualifications in psychology and hold Registration as a General or Clinical Psychologist. You will have experience in psychological assessment and treatment, including the assessment and management of psychological risk, and experience in implementing evidence-based short-term support and interventions. You will have an interest in the support mechanisms, development and unique challenges experienced by students studying in the field of medicine (or similar).

You will have a passion for educating university students studying psychology and preferably have experience in developing teaching and leading aspects of curricula within a higher education setting. You should have demonstrated success using technologies associated with blended learning to ensure that the faculty’s educational programs suit 21st century learners and provide an exceptional student experience.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria (Level B&C)

• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practise as a General Psychologist (and/or currently endorsed with AHPRA in Clinical or Counselling Psychology).

• Demonstrated excellent skills in psychological assessment and treatment, including the assessment and management of psychological risk, and experience in the delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions, preferably with experience working with young adults or in an educational setting.

• Experience in teaching and learning in the field of applied psychology with evidence of delivering a high-quality student experience.

• Capabilities to effectively teach in the tertiary education sector, including an ability to develop and lead scholarly and innovative approaches to teaching and learning in applied psychology topics (e.g. counselling skills).

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to relate to staff and students from all backgrounds and to represent the faculty to external stakeholders and the general public.

• A clear understanding of the principles of confidentiality, anti-discrimination, staff and student equity, occupational health and safety as well as other relevant legislation. The ability to implement equal employment opportunity and occupational health and safety plans, policies and programs.

• Demonstrated positive engagement, active service and/or leadership within one’s profession or discipline outside the academy.

Criteria for Level C (In addition to essential criteria above)

• PhD in a relevant discipline.

• Tertiary level qualifications in Education or extensive teaching experience in Higher Education.

• Demonstrated expertise to develop and lead scholarly and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

• Ability to contribute to teaching in applied units across both undergraduate and postgraduate accredited courses in psychological sciences. (Desirable)

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that outlines how you meet the selection criteria above.

Applications Close

Applications for this role will close on Monday 20th July at 11 PM AEST.

Specific Role Enquiries: Professor Maria Kangas, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences at maria.kangas@mq.edu.au.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

• 17% Superannuation

• Subsidised onsite parking options

• Extensive training and professional development programs

• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents

• Onsite vacation care during school holidays

• Discounted health insurance

• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support

• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workdayand go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

21/07/2026 11:59 PM

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