Discovering Opportunities at ECU's School of Business and Law
Edith Cowan University's School of Business and Law, located primarily on the stunning Joondalup campus in Perth, Western Australia, stands as a beacon for professionals seeking dynamic careers in higher education. This AACSB-accredited institution, recognized globally, offers a blend of teaching excellence, cutting-edge research, and strong industry ties that make it an attractive workplace for academics, researchers, and professional staff alike. With its commitment to student success and societal impact, the school fosters an environment where employees can thrive while contributing to real-world solutions in business, law, and beyond.
The school's high-performance culture emphasizes integrity, respect, rational inquiry, personal excellence, and courage. These values guide daily operations, ensuring that staff members not only teach future leaders but also engage in applied research that addresses contemporary challenges like sustainability, mental health in workplaces, and digital transformation. For those considering a move to Western Australia, the school's location provides access to Perth's vibrant economy, beautiful beaches, and a balanced lifestyle.
Prestigious Rankings and Achievements Shaping the Workplace
Working at the School of Business and Law means being part of an elite team. In the 2025 Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List, it ranked number three in Australia for teaching quality, underscoring the dedication of its educators. Globally, it climbed into the top 201-250 for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, a testament to its rising international stature.
Under the leadership of Executive Dean Professor Maryam Omari, the first female and longest-serving in this role since 2016, the school has earned top spots in Western Australia for undergraduate business and management learning resources, full-time employment outcomes, and overall student experience, according to the Good Universities Guide 2025. Similarly, it leads in full-time employment for law graduates. These accolades reflect a supportive ecosystem where staff innovation directly translates to student and institutional success.
Recent highlights include three educators receiving national Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in the 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching, as well as eight researchers named in the 2025 Stanford/Elsevier global Top 2% Scientists list. Such recognition boosts morale and opens doors for professional networking and funding opportunities.
Diverse Roles Available for Ambitious Professionals
Career paths at the school span academic, research, and professional positions. Lecturers and senior lecturers deliver courses in areas like accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, and law, often incorporating work-integrated learning that prepares students for immediate industry impact. Research-focused roles thrive in clusters such as Leadership and People, Finance and Investment, and Business Intelligence, where staff tackle projects on public sector motivation, Indigenous higher education access, and sustainable governance.
Professional staff support operations through roles in student services, industry partnerships, and executive education. For instance, the Business Executive Education unit designs tailored short courses and workshops for organizations, blending academic rigor with practical training. PhD supervision opportunities abound, with listed projects across disciplines inviting potential candidates to collaborate with leading supervisors.
- Lecturer positions emphasize innovative teaching and curriculum development.
- Research fellows contribute to centres like the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Centre, focusing on mining sector wellbeing.
- Administrative roles in the ECU Tax Clinic provide hands-on mentoring for students advising real clients.
Current vacancies, accessible via ECU's dedicated portal, often include fixed-term and ongoing positions tailored to business and law expertise. With around 20-30 university-wide openings listed on platforms like SEEK at any time, proactive applicants can align with the school's strategic plan through 2026.
Competitive Compensation and Comprehensive Benefits
ECU offers attractive remuneration packages, including 17% superannuation on top of base salaries, which positions it competitively in the Australian higher education landscape. Lecturers typically earn around AUD 125,000 annually, with senior lecturers ranging from AUD 135,000 to 155,000, associate professors AUD 159,000 to 175,000, and professors exceeding that threshold. These figures, drawn from industry benchmarks, include generous leave entitlements exceeding standard provisions.
Benefits extend to wellness programs, onsite facilities, salary packaging options, and relocation support for interstate or international hires. CareerHub provides resources for resume enhancement and skill-building, accessible to staff, students, and alumni alike. The inclusive workplace supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment with targeted strategies, ensuring diverse perspectives enrich the team.
A Vibrant and Inclusive Culture
Employees describe a friendly, collaborative atmosphere at ECU's Joondalup campus, with beautiful surroundings and rewarding student interactions. Glassdoor rates the university 3.9 out of 5, praising the supportive environment and flexibility. SEEK reviews highlight a 3.9 for work-life balance and 3.8 for working environment, with comments noting autonomy, collegiality, and above-industry pay in select roles.
Challenges like high workloads and slower career progression exist, particularly amid funding constraints common in regional universities, but the school's focus on diversity and inclusion mitigates these. Initiatives inspired by Edith Cowan's legacy empower women and embrace cultural variety, fostering a high-performance yet approachable culture. Staff events, such as Orientation Week at the new ECU City campus, build community spirit.
For a deeper look into daily life, the official ECU Working with Us page outlines values alignment and team dynamics.
Thriving in Research and Innovation
Research is a cornerstone, with dedicated facilities like The Research Hub nurturing interdisciplinary projects. The Centre for Sustainability and Governance Research (CSGR) drives global impact on business challenges, while the SBL Centre for Tourism Research delivers world-class studies. Recent grants, such as the federal funding for sheep industry diversification and an ARC Linkage Project on digital human capabilities, showcase collaborative prowess.
Staff lead publications envisioning future food tourism in 2075 and influence national policies via student projects on electric freight. National field leader recognitions in The Australian’s 2025 Research Magazine affirm expertise. For researchers, this translates to publication opportunities, industry partnerships, and PhD mentorship, all within a supportive framework.
Explore ongoing work through the SBL Research page.
Teaching Excellence and Student Engagement
Awards like the AAUT citations highlight teaching innovation, with staff creating inclusive, real-world curricula. The award-winning Work-Integrated Learning program pairs students with industry for experiential gains, reducing staff administrative burdens while enhancing teaching impact. Participation in the ECU Tax Clinic and Study Abroad Plus builds global perspectives.
Recent studies on public sector motivation and Indigenous student pathways demonstrate how teaching intersects with research, enriching roles. This student-centered approach yields top employment outcomes, validating staff efforts.
Career Progression and Professional Development
While progression can be competitive, opportunities arise through research leadership, grant wins, and executive education. Career development scores 3.3 on SEEK, with internal promotions favoring standout performers. Staff access webinars, alumni networks, and industry alliances for growth.
Pathways from lecturer to professor involve publications, supervision, and service, supported by mentorship. For professionals, cross-functional roles in partnerships expand horizons.
Future Outlook: Growth and Impact Through 2026
The school's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan positions it for expansion amid Perth's economic boom. New campuses, global rankings climbs, and research funding signal stability and opportunity. As digital disruption and sustainability dominate, SBL staff will pioneer solutions, from AI in tourism to ethical governance.
Prospective employees should monitor ECU's job portal and prepare tailored applications addressing selection criteria. With its blend of rewards, impact, and lifestyle, the School of Business and Law offers a compelling career destination in Australian higher education.
