Discover Thriving Careers at Melbourne School of Design
The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, known as ABP and home to the Melbourne School of Design (MSD), stands as a cornerstone of built environment education at the University of Melbourne. Located in the vibrant Parkville campus, this faculty brings together disciplines like architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, property, urban design, and urban planning. Led by Dean Professor Julie Willis and a team of esteemed academics such as Professor Dan Hill, Director of MSD, ABP fosters an environment where innovative thinkers shape the future of how we live, work, and connect in urban spaces. With its multidisciplinary approach, the faculty attracts professionals passionate about addressing pressing challenges like climate resilience, sustainable development, and equitable cities.
Working here means contributing to world-class research and teaching that influences global practices. The Glyn Davis Building, a state-of-the-art facility, symbolizes the faculty's commitment to cutting-edge design, providing collaborative spaces that inspire creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. Staff members engage with over 14,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom lead transformative projects in Australia and beyond.
Academic Roles: Leading Innovation in Built Environment Education
Academic positions at ABP offer opportunities to blend teaching, research, and industry impact. From lecturers to professors, roles span entry-level to senior leadership. For instance, recent openings include Lecturer in Landscape Architecture (Level B, full-time fixed-term for three years) and Education Fellows in Architectural History and Theory. These positions involve delivering lectures, supervising studios, and conducting research on topics like sustainable urbanism and digital fabrication.
Lecturers typically hold a PhD and relevant professional experience. They design curricula for programs like the Master of Architecture or Bachelor of Design, mentor students in studios, and publish in top journals. Senior roles, such as Program Director for Architecture, oversee curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and accreditation, ensuring alignment with industry standards like those from the Australian Institute of Architects.
- Lead studio-based learning where students tackle real-world projects, from prefabricated housing to climate-adaptive landscapes.
- Conduct funded research, often in collaboration with government bodies or firms like Arup.
- Engage in international partnerships, enhancing global perspectives in teaching.
Research fellows contribute to initiatives like the Expanding Ecologies studio or AI in Construction subjects launching in 2026, exploring how technology transforms building practices.
Professional and Administrative Positions
Beyond academia, ABP seeks professional staff in areas like student experience, technology integration, and engagement. Roles such as Student Experience Officer or HR Business Partner support operations, from coordinating public programs to managing diversity initiatives. These positions suit those with backgrounds in administration, IT, or communications who want to support a creative ecosystem.
Professional staff enjoy stable contracts, contributing to faculty strategy under leaders like Associate Dean for Engagement, Professor Jillian Walliss. They facilitate events like the Retrofit Forum or symposia on urban health, bridging academia and industry.
Casual and Sessional Teaching Opportunities
For flexible entry points, casual roles are abundant. Sessional tutors and studio leaders assist in subjects across disciplines. For Semester 2 2026, opportunities include tutoring Architectural Technologies 1 or Landscape Studio 4 Strategies. Duties encompass delivering tutorials, marking assessments, and attending briefings.
Requirements: Relevant degree (often postgraduate), strong communication skills, and a Working with Children Check. Applications via the faculty's CTRS platform open periodically, with pay scales per university policy. These roles build portfolios toward permanent positions, offering hands-on experience in dynamic classrooms.
- Studio leaders design postgraduate studios in expertise areas like urban planning.
- Tutors support non-studio subjects such as Property Investment and Finance.
- Ideal for PhD candidates or industry practitioners seeking part-time academic engagement.
Competitive Salaries and Remuneration Structure
ABP staff benefit from the University of Melbourne's structured pay scales under the Enterprise Agreement. Academic Level A starts around AUD 83,000–113,000, Level B (lecturers) AUD 119,000–148,000, Level C (senior lecturers) higher, up to professors exceeding AUD 216,000 plus loadings. Superannuation stands at 17%, above the national guarantee.
Loadings for heads of department (10–25%) or general faculty loadings reward merit. Increments occur annually based on performance, with salary packaging options maximizing take-home pay. For detailed scales, refer to the loadings schedule.
Exceptional Benefits Supporting Work-Life Balance
The university prioritizes staff wellbeing with comprehensive perks. Flexible arrangements include part-time, job-sharing, and hybrid work, crucial for balancing teaching loads and research.
- 26 weeks parental leave from day one, plus on-site childcare.
- Employee Assistance Program for counseling and financial coaching.
- Professional development via LinkedIn Learning, leadership programs, and 25% off graduate courses.
- Discounts: 8% on health insurance, Myki passes, cultural events.
- Access to sports facilities, University House club, and sustainability initiatives.
Recent union negotiations highlight pushes for enhanced protections, like AI safeguards and four-day weeks for professionals.
Vibrant Work Culture and Employee Perspectives
UniMelb earns 4.3/5 on Glassdoor, praised for its beautiful campus, supportive teams, and resources. ABP's creative atmosphere shines in collaborative studios and events. Employees note strong work-life balance (3.9/5 on SEEK), flexible hours, and diverse colleagues. Challenges include bureaucracy and high workloads during peaks, but endless opportunities for growth prevail.
Staff profiles reveal a commitment to impact: from Associate Deans driving sustainability to tutors mentoring future leaders. The faculty's inclusivity, with dedicated Indigenous and diversity roles, fosters belonging.
Navigating the Application Process
Explore openings on the Workday portal. Tailor applications with CVs, portfolios for design roles, and statements addressing selection criteria. Casual apps via CTRS require academic transcripts. Interviews assess teaching demos and research fit. International hires receive relocation support.
- Review handbook for subject coordinators.
- Submit via portal before deadlines (e.g., May 31 for Semester 2 casuals).
- Prepare for reference checks and portfolios (max 10MB).
Professional Development and Career Progression
ABP invests in growth through Jawun programs, research grants, and conferences. Career Transitions Program aids mid-career shifts. Many advance from sessional to tenured roles, leveraging the faculty's global network.
Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a Disability Confident Recruiter, ABP offers adjustments like interpreters. Indigenous pathways via Murmuk Djerring priorities ensure representation. Women in leadership initiatives empower underrepresented voices.
Future Outlook: Pioneering Tomorrow's Built Environments
With new subjects like AI in Construction and symposia on healthy trajectories, ABP is at the forefront. Staff will drive retrofit projects, net-zero designs, and urban equity amid Australia's housing crisis. Joining now positions you for impactful contributions in a resilient future.
Whether launching a career or advancing expertise, ABP offers a fulfilling path in Australia's premier higher education institution.
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