Discovering Career Pathways at University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast, often referred to as UniSC or USC, stands as a dynamic employer in Australia's higher education landscape. Located in the vibrant Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, this public university has evolved rapidly since its inception in 1996. With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact, UniSC offers a range of fulfilling career opportunities that appeal to academics, researchers, and professional staff alike. Whether you're an early-career lecturer seeking to make your mark or a seasoned administrator looking for a supportive environment, USC provides roles that align with diverse professional goals.

UniSC's growth trajectory is impressive, employing over 1,200 staff members across its multiple campuses. This expansion reflects the university's rising profile, ranked as Queensland's top public university for undergraduate and postgraduate educational experiences. Careers here aren't just jobs; they involve contributing to real-world outcomes in fields like health sciences, environmental studies, business, and creative industries. The institution's focus on hands-on learning and industry partnerships creates an ecosystem where employees can thrive while advancing the university's mission.

Academic Roles: Shaping the Future Through Teaching and Research

Academic positions at University of the Sunshine Coast represent the core of its educational and research endeavors. These roles span from entry-level Lecturer (Level A or B) to senior positions like Associate Professor (Level D) and Professor (Level E). Salaries are competitive, governed by the UniSC Enterprise Agreement (2023-2027), with Level B starting around AUD 118,481 plus 17% superannuation, escalating to over AUD 192,000 for Level D roles.

Current openings highlight demand in high-impact areas. For instance, the Associate Professor in Anatomy position at Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay campuses emphasizes inspiring teaching in biomedical sciences alongside impactful research. Similarly, the Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Fraser Coast campus focuses on transformative education and health partnerships. Other roles include Lecturer in Environment and Health, promoting public health leadership, and Associate Professor in Biochemical Pharmacology, bridging research and industry.

Casual academic talent pools exist for schools like Business and Creative Industries, Health, and Science, Technology, and Engineering, offering flexible entry points for sessional teaching. These positions allow academics to engage with UniSC's UNESCO biosphere reserve campuses, fostering innovative pedagogy tailored to regional needs.

• Teaching-focused roles: Develop curricula and deliver interactive classes.
• Research-intensive positions: Secure grants and publish in sustainability and health.
• Hybrid opportunities: Balance lecturing with community-engaged projects.

To explore live academic vacancies, check the UniSC academic jobs page.

Professional Staff Positions: The Backbone of University Operations

Beyond academia, professional roles at USC are essential for smooth operations and student success. With over 780 professional staff, opportunities abound in student services, finance, IT, marketing, clinical trials, and academic support. Salary bands range from Level 4 (around AUD 76,000) for administrative assistants to Level 10 (AUD 148,000+) for managers.

Recent listings include Workforce Capability Lead in People and Culture, focusing on strategic planning; Team Leader in Financial Services for accounts management; and Clinical Trials Operations Manager at the new Maroochydore clinic. Other roles like STEM Learning Adviser and Senior Business Analyst support student progression and systems enhancement. Technician positions in Nursing and Midwifery provide hands-on simulation support across Caboolture and Moreton Bay.

These positions often involve cross-functional collaboration, ensuring compliance, innovation, and efficiency. For example, Work Integrated Learning Placement Officers coordinate student placements, bridging academia and industry.

• Administrative and finance: Streamline operations and budgeting.
• Student-facing: Advise and support diverse learner needs.
• Technical and research support: Enable cutting-edge trials and labs.

Casual and Targeted Employment: Flexible Entry Points

UniSC embraces flexible employment through casual roles and identified positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Casual academics fill talent pools across schools, paid per engagement with minimum two-hour blocks. Professional casuals, like Registered Nurses at Thompson Institute or venue coordinators, offer hourly rates with super.

Identified roles, such as Academic Success Coordinator in Indigenous Services, prioritize First Nations applicants, aligning with UniSC's reconciliation action plan. These opportunities provide pathways to ongoing employment while valuing cultural expertise.

Competitive Benefits and Work-Life Harmony

UniSC prioritizes employee wellbeing with a comprehensive package. Key perks include 17% superannuation, salary packaging, flexible working arrangements (including hybrid models), and professional development funding via the Professional Development Program (PDP). PDP supports skill-building in teaching, research, and leadership.

Additional benefits encompass generous leave (annual, personal, parental), employee assistance programs for mental health, and on-campus facilities like gyms and childcare. The subtropical Sunshine Coast lifestyle—beaches, rainforests, and mild climate—enhances work-life balance. Staff recognition for milestones like 20 years of service underscores a culture of appreciation.

UniSC's Athena SWAN Bronze Award highlights gender equity efforts, particularly for women in STEM.

Navigating the Application Process Step by Step

Applying for USC jobs is straightforward via the online portal at careers.usc.edu.au. Here's how:

1. Search and select: Browse categories like academic or professional; note closing dates (e.g., many in May-June 2026).
2. Prepare documents: Update CV/academic portfolio; address selection criteria using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.
3. Submit online: Include cover letter linking experience to UniSC values like sustainability and community.
4. Shortlisting and interview: Expect acknowledgment email; prepare for behavioral questions and UniSC knowledge.
5. Checks and offer: References via third-party; base salary per agreement.

Talent Acquisition team supports queries at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au.

Thriving in the Sunshine Coast Environment

UniSC's campuses inspire with sustainable designs amid biosphere reserves. Sippy Downs headquarters features innovative spaces; Moreton Bay emphasizes health and engineering; Fraser Coast focuses on regional needs. Proximity to Brisbane (1 hour) offers urban access without congestion.

For detailed staff stats, visit UniSC key statistics, showing 1,289 total staff.

Professional Growth and Development Initiatives

UniSC invests in careers through PDP guidelines, funding conferences, workshops, and internal mobility. Early-career academics access mentorship; professionals pursue leadership via capability frameworks. The university's growth—fastest in Australia—creates internal advancement, from casual to ongoing roles.

Stakeholder perspectives praise collaborative culture: academics note research freedom; admins value impact on student outcomes.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As an equal opportunity employer, UniSC encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Initiatives target First Nations peoples, women in STEM, and diverse abilities. Identified positions and talent pools ensure inclusive hiring, fostering a rich cultural tapestry reflective of Queensland's communities.

Future Outlook: Expanding Horizons at UniSC

With new facilities like Maroochydore Private Hospital clinic and national research hubs, UniSC anticipates hiring surges in clinical trials, health, and sustainability. Graduate employment rates (89.6% at four months post-study) underscore quality, attracting talent. As UniSC eyes top global rankings, careers here promise stability and excitement amid Queensland's booming economy.

Stakeholders foresee increased demand for interdisciplinary roles blending AI, environment, and health—positioning USC jobs as future-proof.

Photo by Sidharth Koyipallil Sivaprasad on Unsplash

Real-World Impact: Stories from USC Careers

Employees highlight meaningful contributions: a Nursing Technician enables simulation training for 100+ students annually; a Placement Officer secures partnerships boosting employability. These cases illustrate how roles drive UniSC's transformative agenda, from local health improvements to global sustainability research.