Dean of Law and Criminology

About the opportunity

Murdoch University is seeking to appoint its next Dean for the School of Law and Criminology, a significant academic leadership role at a values-driven Australian university with a strong commitment to justice, inclusion and public purpose.

The Dean is the academic and strategic leader of the School of Law and Criminology, with responsibility for academic quality, people leadership, performance, culture and reputation. Reporting to the Pro Vice Chancellor (Law, Arts and Social Sciences), the Dean plays a central role in shaping the future direction of the School and contributing to leadership across the College and University.

The School of Law and Criminology is a nationally and internationally recognised centre of teaching, research and engagement, with established strengths in human rights, constitutional and public law, clinical legal education, criminology, policing and justice. As a distinctive, integrated School, it brings together legal scholars and criminologists in an interdisciplinary environment that connects legal reasoning with real-world justice challenges. Teaching is delivered across Murdoch’s campuses in Perth, Singapore and Dubai, reflecting a strong global orientation and commitment to transnational education.

The Dean will lead a School of approximately twenty-five academic staff, supported by a large cohort of casual and honorary staff. Working closely with Associate Deans, Academic Chairs and professional colleagues, the Dean will guide the development of future-facing programs, strengthen research culture, build partnerships with the legal profession, justice agencies and community organisations, and ensure a high-quality, student-centred experience.

This appointment offers the opportunity to lead a collegial and intellectually engaged community, to shape law and criminology education for a changing world, and to advance Murdoch’s mission of social justice, access and impact.

About you

You will be a respected academic leader with the credibility, judgement and interpersonal capability to lead a School spanning law and criminology. You will bring a record of scholarly or professional achievement appropriate to appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level, together with experience in academic leadership, people management and governance within complex organisations.

You will demonstrate the ability to set and deliver a clear, future-focused academic strategy, including the renewal and growth of programs aligned to student needs, professional expectations and University priorities. You will lead with care and clarity, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and supportive culture, and supporting the development of both established and emerging leaders.

Collaborative in style, you will be an effective communicator and trusted representative of the School, able to build constructive relationships across disciplines, professions, industry, government and the community. A strong commitment to student-centred values, equity and inclusion, academic integrity and public purpose will be central to your approach.

About Murdoch University

Founded in 1974, Murdoch University was established with a distinctive mission to challenge convention, broaden access to higher education and ensure that knowledge serves society. That ethos continues to shape a collegial culture grounded in integrity, respect and inclusion.

Located in Perth, Western Australia, Murdoch operates across campuses in Perth, Singapore and Dubai, with a strong international orientation and deep local engagement. Guided by its strategic framework Ngala Kwop Bidi – Building a Brighter Future, Together, Murdoch is committed to delivering inclusive and transformative education, research with real-world impact, sustainability and reconciliation with First Nations peoples.

Murdoch values how its people work together as much as what they achieve, and seeks leaders who are thoughtful, collaborative and principled in their approach.

How to Apply

Odgers is assisting Murdoch University with this appointment and applications should be submitted through their website at www.odgers.com/95807.

Please see the Candidates’ Pack for detailed information regarding this role, selection criteria and how to apply.

For a confidential conversation please contact Dr Alistair Clark on Alistair.Clark@odgers.com or Sophie Malone on +61 2 8905 3703 or Sophie.Malone@odgers.com.

Applications close: Thursday, 7 May 2026.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.