Discovering the Heart of Innovation at UNSW's Faculty of Medicine & Health

The Faculty of Medicine & Health (FMH) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) represents a dynamic hub for advancing healthcare education, groundbreaking research, and clinical practice in Australia. Located in Sydney, this faculty brings together world-class experts dedicated to tackling pressing global health challenges, from infectious diseases to mental health and cancer. For professionals eyeing a career in higher education, working here offers a blend of intellectual stimulation, collaborative environments, and real-world impact. With UNSW consistently ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide by QS Rankings and boasting Australia's most employable graduates, the FMH stands out as a premier destination for ambitious academics, researchers, and support staff.

Spanning multiple schools including the School of Clinical Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Population Health, School of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and School of Optometry and Vision Science, the faculty employs thousands in roles that drive Australia's health agenda. Whether you're a fresh PhD graduate seeking postdoctoral opportunities or an experienced clinician aiming for professorial leadership, the FMH provides pathways to contribute to equitable health outcomes.

Overview of the Faculty's Structure and Mission

Established as a leader in health sciences, the FMH's mission is to improve health equity through innovative education and research. Its research is organized around five key themes: Cancer, Infectious Disease Immunity and Inflammation, Neuroscience Mental Health and Addiction, Cardiac Vascular and Metabolic Medicine, and Health Systems. These areas address critical issues like autoimmune diseases—recently highlighted by faculty research uncovering hidden sex differences in the human immune system—and malaria's impact on male infertility.

The faculty's hands-on approach integrates teaching with clinical placements across Sydney and rural clinical schools, preparing staff and students for diverse healthcare landscapes. Recent milestones include the opening of Australia's first Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre in May 2026, uniting research and care for young patients. This structure fosters an inclusive culture, emphasizing lifelong learning and cultural safety for First Nations and diverse communities.

Diverse Career Pathways Available

Career opportunities at the FMH span academic teaching-focused roles, research-intensive positions, and professional support jobs. Academic staff engage in education-focused (EF) or teaching and research (T&R) tracks, while research roles attract postdocs and fellows funded by prestigious grants like Snow Medical Research Foundation fellowships, each worth millions.

Current openings reflect this breadth: Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Physiotherapy (EF or T&R), Nexus Fellows in Medicine & Health ($127,000–$150,000 base plus super), Lecturers in Population Health and Pharmacy, Postdoctoral Fellows in Pathology and thermal hydraulics, and professional roles like Wellbeing Manager and Faculty Engagement Officer for Research Grants. These positions, listed on the UNSW jobs portal, close throughout 2026, offering fixed-term and ongoing contracts.

Academic Positions: From Lecturer to Professor

Academic roles form the backbone of the FMH, with levels progressing from Associate Lecturer (Level A) to Professor (Level E). Level B Lecturers deliver courses in areas like medical clinical skills, population health modeling, and pharmacy, often with infectious disease focus. Senior Lecturers (Level C) lead excellence in physiotherapy education, while Associate Professors (Level D) head schools like Population Health.

Expectations include designing curricula, supervising HDR students, and publishing high-impact research. Progression relies on teaching evaluations, grant success, and service contributions. Salaries commence at approximately $85,000 for Level A (2024 rates, increasing annually), rising to $119,000 for Level B, $145,000 for Level C, $173,000 for Level D, and $222,000 for Level E, all plus 17% superannuation. Clinical staff receive an additional annual loading of around $39,000, superable during leave.

These figures, detailed in the UNSW Academic Enterprise Agreement, position FMH salaries competitively within Australian higher education.

Research Roles: Driving Cutting-Edge Discoveries

Research positions thrive on the faculty's $100+ million annual funding from NHMRC, ARC, and philanthropies. Postdoctoral Fellows support projects like RNA institute developments or health services epidemiology, with salaries from $91,000 (Level C equivalent). Nexus Fellows bridge research and teaching, ideal for early-career scientists.

• Independent research contributions to milestones
• Collaborations with clinical partners
• Publication in top journals
• Grant writing support

Recent awards, such as $8 million Snow Fellowships to Dr. Deborah Burnett and others, underscore the faculty's prowess. Achievements like Scientia Professor Helen Christensen's 2024 NSW Scientist of the Year title highlight the impact.

Professional Staff Opportunities

Beyond academia, roles like Research Program Managers, Senior Project Officers for trials (e.g., SAGE Trial), and Faculty Engagement Officers support operations. These positions offer competitive pay (e.g., $129,000+ base for some), flexible hours, and pathways to executive levels like Head of School.

Wellbeing Officers enhance student and staff support, reflecting the faculty's commitment to mental health amid high-pressure environments.

Compensation, Benefits, and Financial Perks

UNSW's remuneration package excels with 17% super on all salary components, including loadings. Professional staff start at hourly rates around $67 for specialized roles. Additional perks include salary sacrificing, financial planning discounts, and relocation allowances for key hires.

The enterprise agreement ensures annual increases, with 2026 projections reflecting inflation adjustments. Compared to NSW Health, UNSW offers superior work-life balance, per Indeed comparisons.

Work-Life Balance and Supportive Culture

Flexible working—hybrid models, compressed weeks—and generous leave (annual, parental, plus 3 extra Christmas days) define the culture. Wellbeing programs under Healthy Body, Mind, Places, and Culture pillars include on-campus gyms, counseling, and mindfulness sessions.

While past challenges like 2021 managerial concerns exist, recent initiatives promote inclusivity and anti-bullying faculty-wide. Staff praise collaborative colleagues and student engagement, fostering a vibrant community.

Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

UNSW invests in growth via workshops, leadership programs, and study leave. Academics access sabbaticals, while all staff benefit from Unisuper schemes and career coaching. Mentorship pairs early-career researchers with professors, accelerating promotions.

Navigating Challenges and Maximizing Rewards

High workloads and grant pressures challenge staff, but solutions like team-based research and wellbeing resources mitigate burnout. Rewards include shaping policy—e.g., malaria insights influencing reproduction health—and global collaborations.

• Risks: Intense competition for funding
• Benefits: Publication prestige, clinical impact
• Solutions: Peer support networks, time management training

Steps to Secure Your Role at FMH

Applications via Jobs@UNSW require tailored CVs highlighting teaching philosophy, research track record, and diversity contributions. Prepare for panels assessing fit with faculty values. Networking at events like alumni spotlights boosts prospects.

Future Outlook: Growth and Innovation Ahead

With a new Dean search, expanded cancer initiatives, and Bengaluru campus ties, FMH anticipates hiring surges. Rising health demands post-2026 promise sustained opportunities in AI-driven health systems and personalized medicine.

Joining means contributing to a healthier Australia while advancing your career in one of Sydney's most innovative faculties.

Photo by Jeremy Huang on Unsplash