Discover Career Opportunities at CQUniversity's School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences

The School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences (HMAS) at Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) stands as a cornerstone of higher education in Australia, particularly for those passionate about health professions, applied research, and regional impact. Nestled across multiple campuses in Queensland, including Rockhampton, Cairns, Mackay, Brisbane, and Townsville, this dynamic school offers a collaborative environment where academics blend teaching, clinical practice, and cutting-edge research. Working at CQUniversity HMAS means contributing to programs that prepare the next generation of paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, medical imaging specialists, and environmental scientists, all while addressing real-world challenges in regional Australia.

With a strong emphasis on industry partnerships and practical training, HMAS supports a workforce that values innovation and community engagement. Whether you're an early-career lecturer seeking to inspire students through high-fidelity simulations or a seasoned researcher tackling musculoskeletal health issues, the school provides pathways to make a tangible difference. Its regional focus ensures that staff play a pivotal role in bolstering healthcare and scientific advancements where they're needed most, from rural clinics to coastal ecosystems.

A Diverse Array of Academic and Professional Roles

CQUniversity HMAS offers a wide spectrum of positions tailored to health and applied sciences professionals transitioning into academia. Entry-level roles like Associate Lecturers (Academic Level A) involve delivering tutorials, practical sessions, and marking, ideal for those with relevant qualifications and a passion for teaching. Lecturers (Level B), such as the recent opening for Paramedicine in Cairns or Townsville, focus on designing curricula, leading simulations, and supervising clinical placements, requiring an undergraduate degree in the field plus postgraduate study or teaching credentials.

Senior Lecturers (Level C) and above lead research teams, develop interdisciplinary programs, and engage in consultancy. Casual academic positions abound in areas like Medical Imaging, Echocardiography, Chiropractic, and Allied Health at the CQU Health Clinics, providing flexible entry points with opportunities for theory teaching, lab supervision, and marking across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Clinical Academics in the multidisciplinary CQU Health Clinic in Rockhampton supervise students in podiatry, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, blending patient care with education.

Research-focused roles, such as those in the Precision Livestock Management project (fixed-term to 2029), appeal to scientists in agriculture and environmental health. Identified positions, like Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, prioritize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to enhance cultural responsiveness. These roles span colleges within HMAS: Clinical Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology, and Science and Sustainability, ensuring variety for career explorers.

Research Excellence and Innovation Hubs

Research at HMAS is applied and impactful, aligning with national priorities in health, agriculture, and sustainability. Staff contribute to institutes like the Appleton Institute for behavioural science, the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), and the Institute of Future Farming Systems. Dedicated groups, such as the Experimental Gambling Research Lab, Flora Fauna and Freshwater Research Group, and Musculoskeletal Health and Rehabilitation Research Group, offer platforms for publications, grants, and collaborations with governments and industry.

Working here means leading projects like improving health outcomes for Pacific Island seasonal workers or reducing regional musculoskeletal burdens. Academics balance teaching loads (e.g., 60% research in Research Focussed profiles) with supervision of honours and postgraduate students. The school's regional lens fosters partnerships that translate findings into community benefits, providing researchers with fieldwork sites, labs, and funding pathways for career advancement.

Teaching and Clinical Integration

Teaching at HMAS emphasizes hands-on learning through state-of-the-art facilities: health clinics, simulation suites, science labs, and field sites. Lecturers deliver lectures, workshops, and clinical supervision, often in flexible modes including online delivery. For instance, Paramedicine staff guide field placements, while Allied Health clinicians provide real-time feedback in multidisciplinary settings.

Staff develop transferable skills in curriculum design, assessment, and student support, with opportunities to coordinate units from undergraduate agriculture to postgraduate clinical psychology. The school's vocational arm adds diversity, training in beauty services, fitness, and laboratory skills, allowing academics to bridge higher education and VET.

Competitive Compensation Structure

CQUniversity offers robust remuneration under its Enterprise Agreement, effective through mid-2026. Academic salaries scale by level and step, with annual increments for satisfactory performance:

Average lecturer pay hovers around $126,000, per industry data, with casual rates including 25% loading. Superannuation stands at 17%, among Australia's highest, plus market loadings for high-demand fields. For detailed scales, refer to the CQUniversity Enterprise Agreement.

Comprehensive Benefits and Support

Beyond salary, HMAS staff enjoy generous entitlements fostering well-being and growth. Key benefits include:

• 5.4 weeks annual leave plus loading, with Christmas/New Year closure
• 10 days personal/sick leave, 5 days carer's leave
• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave
• 17% superannuation, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Passport
• Relocation support for regional roles
• Professional development funding, including Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching

These perks support a sustainable career, especially in regional settings.

Professional Development and Progression Pathways

CQUniversity invests in staff growth through annual performance reviews, promotion opportunities (merit-based to higher levels), and research grants. Progression from Level A to B is streamlined for doctoral holders, with recognition for teaching loads as scholarship. Leadership roles like Heads of College or Deputy Deans emerge from demonstrated excellence. Partnerships enhance consulting and industry networks, boosting CVs.

Explore current openings and application tips on the CQUniversity Careers portal.

Work-Life Balance in Regional Queensland

HMAS campuses offer a lifestyle blend: coastal beauty, affordable living, and proximity to nature. Flexible arrangements, including part-time (e.g., 0.5 FTE Clinical Exercise Physiology), suit families. Dispersed sites foster independence, with 4.5/5 Glassdoor work-life ratings. Staff praise supportive teams and rewarding student interactions.

Insights from Employee Experiences

CQUniversity earns 76% recommendation on Glassdoor, with academics highlighting collaborative culture, training access, and flexibility. Pros include friendly colleagues, modern tech, and generous leave; challenges like campus dispersion are offset by regional perks. For more perspectives, visit Glassdoor reviews. HMAS staff contribute to expansions like the Regional Medical Pathway, welcoming record student cohorts.

Steps to Launch Your Career at HMAS

Applications involve tailored resumes, selection criteria responses, and interviews emphasizing teaching philosophy. Monitor the school site for expressions of interest. Networking via industry events accelerates entry.

The Future of Working at CQUniversity HMAS

With health sciences expansion, new dean Professor Andy Stewart at the helm, and growing enrolments, HMAS promises abundant opportunities. Join a forward-thinking team shaping Australia's health workforce amid rising demand for regional experts.

Photo by Wander Fleur on Unsplash