Research Speech Pathologist - Targeted

Join a leading multidisciplinary team at John Hunter Hospital and Hunter Medical Research Institute, combining specialised speech pathology practice with cutting-edge respiratory research to improve outcomes for people living with chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until November 2027
Position Classification: Speech Pathologist Level 1
Remuneration: $40.05 - $57.14 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ695362
Location: John Hunter Hospital
Applications Close: Thursday, 5th November 2026
 

Where you'll be working
Join a highly regarded speech pathology and respiratory research team based at John Hunter Hospital and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) in Newcastle, New South Wales. This position offers the unique opportunity to work across a large tertiary referral health service and one of Australia's leading regional medical research institutes. The successful applicant will become part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of respiratory physicians, speech pathologists, and researchers with internationally recognised expertise in asthma, chronic cough, and inducible laryngeal obstruction. The team has an established track record of delivering high-quality clinical research, publishing in leading international journals, and translating research findings directly into patient care.

Based within the John Hunter Hospital campus, the role provides access to clinical services for a large population. Through HMRI, researchers benefit from a vibrant research environment, strong academic partnerships, dedicated research infrastructure and opportunities to collaborate across multiple disciplines and research programs. Newcastle offers an exceptional lifestyle, combining a thriving regional city with beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural scene and easy access to the Hunter Valley and national parks. It is an ideal location for clinicians and researchers seeking both professional development and an outstanding quality of life.

The Opportunity 
This is an exciting opportunity for a speech pathologist to join a nationally and internationally recognised respiratory research program and contribute to research that is improving the assessment and management of chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). Working across John Hunter Hospital and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), you will be involved in both the clinical and research aspects of the program, providing specialised speech pathology assessment and intervention while supporting the delivery of high-quality clinical research. You will work alongside experienced speech pathologists, respiratory physicians, researchers and trial coordinators within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

The role offers exposure to all stages of the research process, from study planning and governance through to participant assessment, data collection, analysis, publication and translation of findings into clinical practice. Responsibilities include providing speech pathology services in accordance with clinical and research protocols, recruiting and supporting research participants, managing research data, contributing to ethics and governance processes, and assisting with conference presentations, manuscripts and grant applications. You will also contribute to the translation of research findings into clinical resources and guidelines, helping to ensure that new evidence is rapidly incorporated into patient care. 

 With opportunities to present research findings at meetings, seminars and conferences, this role is ideal for a clinician seeking to build their research skills and academic profile while contributing to research with a direct impact on patient care. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive support to develop both their clinical and research skills. Training will be provided in the clinical aspects of the program, research procedures, ethics and governance requirements, and data management processes. Working alongside experienced speech pathologists, respiratory physicians and researchers, the successful applicant will benefit from ongoing supervision, mentoring and professional development opportunities, including involvement in publications, conference presentations and other research activities.

About You
Our ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and capable speech pathologist with strong clinical skills in the assessment and management of adults, a commitment to evidence-based practice, and a genuine interest in improving patient outcomes. They are motivated to contribute to clinical research, whether through previous research experience or a desire to develop research skills as part of their career progression. They demonstrate sound clinical reasoning, excellent attention to detail, and strong computer literacy, together with the ability to critically reflect on their practice and use feedback and evidence to support continuous improvement.

The successful applicant will be highly organised, resilient and proactive, with the ability to manage competing priorities, solve problems effectively and take initiative when required. They will possess excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt their communication style for patients, clinicians, researchers and other stakeholders. A collaborative approach is essential, as the role involves working closely with speech pathology colleagues and multidisciplinary clinical and research teams. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with others, contributes positively to team goals, and is committed to ongoing professional development, research excellence and innovation in clinical care.
 

Requirements

1. Degree in Speech Pathology that allows for full practicing membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
2. Eligibility to drive in NSW and ability to travel for work purposes.

What we can offer you

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees
• 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional information

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
   

How to apply
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1. Sound clinical speech pathology skills in the assessment and management of the adult population.
2. Previous training or experience in clinical research or desire to commence research training as part of career development. 

 Need more information? 
  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Dr Anne Vertigan on Anne.Vertigan@health.nsw.gov.au