Academic Roles: Leading Innovation in Health Education

Academic positions form the backbone of the School of Health, encompassing lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors, and professors across disciplines like nursing, paramedicine, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and public health. Current openings highlight the demand for expertise in areas such as environment and health, where lecturers guide students through dynamic curricula blending teaching, research, and industry partnerships.

For instance, the Lecturer in Environment and Health role at the Sunshine Coast campus involves developing future public health leaders via impactful research on environmental factors influencing community wellbeing. Salaries for these positions typically range from Academic Level B ($118,481 - $140,567 plus 17% superannuation) to Level D for associate professors ($174,423 - $192,092 plus 17% super). These ongoing or fixed-term roles emphasize curriculum innovation and real-world application, allowing academics to supervise Honours and postgraduate research projects.

Senior roles like Associate Professor in Anatomy or Biochemical Pharmacology offer leadership in research clusters, such as the Cancer Research Cluster or Healthy Ageing Research Cluster, fostering collaborations that translate findings into community benefits.

Professional and Technical Support Positions

Beyond academia, professional roles in the School of Health are essential for operational excellence. Positions like Technician (Nursing and Midwifery) at campuses such as Caboolture and Moreton Bay provide technical support for simulation facilities, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in clinical settings. These Level 5 roles offer salaries from $82,843 to $93,358 plus 17% super, with a focus on maintaining state-of-the-art labs and simulated wards.

Other opportunities include pharmacy coordinators and health assistants, which support clinical trials and student training. These positions appeal to those with clinical backgrounds seeking stable university employment with opportunities for skill diversification.

Casual and Talent Pool Pathways to Full-Time Roles

UniSC's Expression of Interest (EOI) for the School of Health talent pool is ideal for casual employment in teaching, research assistance, or clinical support. Health Assistants (casual, $43.98/hour +12% super) and registered nurses provide flexible entry points, often leading to ongoing positions. This approach suits those balancing other commitments while building a university career.

• Express interest via the careers portal for roles matching your expertise.
• Casual work in simulation labs, research support, or student supervision.
• Pathway to fixed-term or permanent roles based on performance and needs.

Research Opportunities Driving Real-World Impact

Research is a cornerstone of working at the School of Health, with clusters like VasoActive Cardiovascular Research developing natural therapies via exercise interventions, and the Queensland Pepi-Pod Program enhancing safe sleeping for vulnerable infants. Staff engage in PhD supervision, grant-funded projects, and partnerships with Sunshine Coast Health.

Recent highlights include national awards for bioscience teaching and studies on eating disorder recovery. For researchers, UniSC offers access to advanced labs, the $24 million sports precinct, and simulated paramedic suites, all contributing to publications in high-impact journals. Learn more about research clusters.

Teaching Excellence and Student Engagement

Educators in the School of Health deliver programs like Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated), and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics. Teaching involves small-group simulations, industry placements, and interdisciplinary projects, fostering skills for regional health shortages.

With plans for a local medical program by 2030, staff will shape pathways for Sunshine Coast students to become doctors, addressing workforce gaps collaboratively with partners.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• 17% employer superannuation (12% casual).
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options.
• Generous leave: annual, personal, parental, and study leave.
• Professional development funding and conferences.
• Employee assistance program and wellbeing initiatives.
• On-campus gym, childcare, and salary packaging.

These perks support long-term retention, as noted in employee feedback praising competitive pay and conditions.

Work-Life Balance and Inclusive Culture

UniSC earns high marks for its collegial atmosphere and work-life balance (3.6/5 on SEEK reviews), with 79% of Glassdoor users recommending it. Staff highlight supportive management, beautiful campuses, and community focus. Diversity initiatives include identified roles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, promoting cultural safety.

The regional lifestyle—beaches, national parks—enhances appeal, with flexible hours aiding family commitments. Explore the UniSC employee experience.

Career Progression and Development

While some reviews note limited progression in smaller settings, UniSC invests in growth via leadership programs, mentoring, and promotion pathways. From casual to associate professor, clear criteria reward research output, teaching excellence, and service. Annual performance reviews and funding access propel careers forward.

Multi-Campus Locations and World-Class Facilities

Opportunities span Sunshine Coast (Sippy Downs), Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Caboolture, Gympie, and Thompson Institute. Facilities include modern labs, nursing wards, commercial kitchens, and a sports stadium, enabling immersive learning and research.

Real Employee Insights

Testimonials praise the 'amazing working environment with constant support' in clinical trials and 'great people and nice location.' Challenges like bureaucracy exist, but positives dominate: ethical work, innovation, and impact.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

'Efficient management and participant safety focus make it rewarding.'

Future Outlook and Application Tips

UniSC's 2025 Strategic Plan emphasizes growth, including the medical program, expanding roles. To apply: Tailor CV to selection criteria, highlight industry links, submit via careers portal. Networking at open days boosts chances.

Explore related opportunities at UniSC Careers Guide.