The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) at The University of Queensland (UQ) stands as a beacon of innovation in Australia's higher education landscape. Nestled in the vibrant St Lucia campus in Brisbane, this faculty attracts professionals passionate about shaping the future through cutting-edge research, teaching, and industry collaboration. Working at EAIT means contributing to groundbreaking advancements in fields like sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, and urban design while enjoying a supportive environment renowned for its work-life balance and professional growth opportunities.
With five specialized schools—Architecture, Design and Planning; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; and Mechanical and Mining Engineering—EAIT offers diverse roles that blend academic rigor with real-world impact. Whether you're an aspiring lecturer, seasoned researcher, or technical specialist, the faculty provides a dynamic platform to advance your career in one of Australia's top-ranked universities.
Rich History and Global Reputation
Established with a legacy of excellence, EAIT traces its roots to UQ's founding engineering programs in the early 20th century. Today, it boasts world-class facilities and research centers such as the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology and the Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre. UQ consistently ranks in the global top 50 for engineering and technology, drawing top talent from around the world to Brisbane's sunny subtropical climate.
The faculty's reputation extends beyond academia, with strong ties to industries like mining, renewable energy, and tech startups. Professionals here often collaborate on projects addressing national challenges, such as Queensland's transition to net-zero emissions or enhancing cybersecurity amid rising digital threats.
Diverse Career Opportunities at EAIT
EAIT offers a spectrum of positions catering to various expertise levels. Academic roles include lecturers and senior lecturers who design curricula and mentor the next generation of engineers. Research-focused positions, such as postdoctoral fellows and research assistants, drive innovation in areas like AI bias detection and solar panel recycling, as highlighted in recent faculty breakthroughs.
Professional staff roles are equally vital, encompassing senior technical officers in workshops, administration officers supporting student services, and IT specialists maintaining state-of-the-art labs. Recent listings include Senior Technical Officer - Metal Machinist and Student and Academic Administration Officer, showcasing the faculty's need for skilled hands-on support.
- Lecturers and Professors: Blend teaching with research supervision.
- Research Fellows: Lead projects funded by Australian Research Council grants.
- Technical Officers: Maintain facilities for mechanical, mining, and electrical experiments.
- Administrative Roles: Facilitate smooth operations in student placements and industry partnerships.
Competitive Salaries and Comprehensive Benefits
Compensation at UQ's EAIT is structured under the University of Queensland Enterprise Agreement 2021-2026, ensuring transparency and annual increases. Academic salaries start at Level A (around $110,000 for early-career) and climb to Level E Professor at over $221,000. Senior Lecturers (Level C) earn up to $164,000, while Associate Professors (Level D) exceed $189,000.
| Level | Role Example | Approximate Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| A | Lecturer | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| B | Senior Lecturer | $140,000 - $164,000 |
| C | Associate Professor | $164,000 - $189,000 |
| D | Professor | $189,000 - $221,000 |
| E | Research Fellow | $86,000 - $100,000 |
Research assistants average $86,000 annually, 9% above national norms. Benefits amplify this package: 17% superannuation, generous parental leave (26 weeks full pay), hybrid work options, and wellness programs including free skin checks and fitness passports. For detailed scales, visit UQ's pay scales page.
Photo by Boston Public Library on Unsplash
Thriving Work Culture and Balance
Employee experiences at UQ paint a picture of a collaborative, inclusive culture. Glassdoor ratings show 89% recommendation rate, praising friendly colleagues, flexible hours, and strong work-life balance. Staff highlight the beautiful St Lucia campus with its lakes and heritage buildings, fostering creativity amid nature.
Hybrid arrangements allow remote work for many roles, while a 36.15-hour workweek and cultural leave support personal lives. Diversity initiatives like Women in Engineering promote equity, with dedicated Indigenous employment opportunities. Testimonials note 'innovative teams' and '10/10 culture,' though some mention slower project paces typical of academia.
Navigating the Application Process
Securing a role at EAIT begins at UQ's careers portal: UQ Careers. External applicants search for EAIT postings, submit tailored CVs, and prepare for interviews emphasizing research fit and teaching philosophy.
- Review openings and faculty research alignments.
- Customize application with EAIT-specific examples.
- Prepare for panel interviews, often including presentations.
- Undergo reference checks and offer negotiation.
Internal mobility is encouraged, with professional development programs like UQ Amplify aiding progression.
Research and Innovation Leadership
EAIT researchers tackle pressing issues: from cleaning toxic solar panels for indoor reuse to training hackers for global cyber competitions. The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science school leads in AI ethics, warning of biases in content moderation. Chemical engineers advance biotechnology for water purification.
Funding from ARC and industry partners supports over 100 active projects, offering staff publication opportunities in top journals and conference travels. Collaboration with Queensland's mining sector provides real-world testing grounds for mining tech innovations.
Professional Development and Progression
EAIT invests in growth through mentored pathways for early-career academics, leadership training for seniors, and interdisciplinary workshops. Staff access grants, teaching certifications, and industry secondments. Career trajectories often lead from research assistant to tenured professor within a decade.
Alumni networks and employability teams (primarily student-focused but beneficial for staff mentoring) enhance connections. Recent expansions in energy transition research signal more senior roles ahead.
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
Industry Partnerships and Community Impact
EAIT's ties with giants like Sandvik and Anglo American open consultancy doors. Initiatives like Mobile Makerspace inspire regional Queenslanders, while employability events connect staff with employers. In 2025, new programs boosted student-industry placements, benefiting faculty through feedback loops.
Working here means impacting Brisbane's growth as a tech hub, with projects enhancing urban planning resilience against climate change.
Future Outlook: Growth and Opportunities
As Queensland eyes 2032 Olympics and net-zero by 2050, EAIT gears for hiring surges in sustainable engineering and digital tech. With over 9,500 national tech vacancies, faculty roles will expand, prioritizing diverse talent. Brisbane's lifestyle—beaches, vibrant arts, affordable living—complements career ambitions.
Prospective staff should monitor 2026 postings amid infrastructure booms. EAIT promises not just a job, but a fulfilling career driving Australia's innovation engine.
.jpg&w=128&q=75)
