The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET) at the University of Adelaide has long been a cornerstone for innovation in STEM fields, attracting professionals eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and world-class education. Even as the institution transitions into the new Adelaide University structure following the 2026 merger with the University of South Australia, the legacy of SET endures through its dedicated colleges of Science and Engineering and Information Technology. Working here offers a blend of academic rigor, cutting-edge projects, and a supportive environment tailored for those passionate about advancing science, engineering, and technology.
This dynamic setting provides diverse opportunities across teaching, research, and professional services, all within a vibrant campus in Adelaide, South Australia. With modern facilities, collaborative teams, and a commitment to real-world impact, professionals find ample room to grow while enjoying South Australia's renowned lifestyle—beaches, festivals, and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
🛠️ The Structure and Scope of SET's Legacy Colleges
The former SET faculty encompassed a wide array of disciplines, now reorganized into the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Information Technology at Adelaide University. The College of Science includes the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine; School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; School of Mathematical Sciences; and School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences. These schools drive discoveries in biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and fundamental sciences.
Meanwhile, the College of Engineering and Information Technology features the School of Chemical Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Construction Management, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, and School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. This structure fosters interdisciplinary work, such as sustainable infrastructure projects and AI-driven innovations, preparing staff for collaborative challenges.
Staff in these areas benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs, field stations like the Waite Research Precinct, and partnerships with industries like defense, mining, and agribusiness—key sectors in South Australia's economy.
Academic Roles: Teaching and Shaping Future Innovators
Academic positions at Level A through E form the backbone of SET's educational mission. A Level A academic, often a postdoctoral researcher transitioning to lecturing, starts around AUD 102,000 annually (adjusted for recent increases), handling tutorials, marking, and introductory research. With experience, they progress to full course coordination, requiring a PhD and demonstrated teaching prowess.
Level B lecturers (approximately AUD 111,000–173,000) develop curricula, supervise honors students, and publish in high-impact journals. Senior roles like Level C (AUD 115,000+) involve leading programs, such as chemical engineering degrees that integrate industry placements. Professors at Level E (over AUD 200,000) spearhead strategic initiatives, like climate modeling in earth sciences.
These roles emphasize a balanced workload: 40% teaching, 40% research, 20% service, allowing academics to mentor students while pursuing grants from the Australian Research Council.
- Develop specialized courses in areas like renewable energy engineering.
- Supervise postgraduate theses on topics such as quantum computing.
- Engage in outreach, like school STEM programs.
Research Positions: Driving Discovery and Impact
Research roles, from assistants to fellows, are plentiful in SET's labs. Research assistants (around AUD 70,000–85,000) support experiments in biological sciences, analyzing data on crop resilience amid climate change. Postdoctoral fellows (AUD 95,000–110,000) lead projects, often funded by national grants, publishing in journals like Nature.
Grant-funded researchers in chemical engineering might develop biofuels, collaborating with local wineries in the Barossa Valley. The merger has expanded opportunities through combined resources, including advanced computing clusters for simulations in mechanical engineering.
Staff highlight the thrill of translating research into patents—over 100 annually pre-merger—with pathways to industry spin-offs. Explore research openings via the university's portal for fixed-term roles up to five years.
Professional and Support Roles: The Unsung Heroes
Beyond academia, professional staff (Higher Education Officers, HEO 1–10+) keep operations smooth. HEO 4 technicians (AUD 68,000+) maintain equipment in physics labs, ensuring safe experiments with particle accelerators. HEO 6 lab managers (AUD 85,000+) oversee biosafety protocols in veterinary sciences.
Senior roles like HEO 7 project officers (AUD 92,000+) coordinate grants, while IT specialists in computer science support cybersecurity for engineering simulations. These positions offer stable progression, with many starting as casuals and converting to ongoing after 12 months.
Demand is high for skills in data analysis and project management, reflecting South Australia's tech boom.
Compensation: Competitive Pay and Robust Benefits
Salaries are governed by the University of Adelaide Enterprise Agreement (extended post-merger), with 3.5% annual increases through 2025 and beyond. Academics enjoy 17% superannuation—higher than the national 11.5%—plus clinical loadings for health-related roles.
Professional staff receive similar boosts, with juniors at AUD 55,000+ scaling to AUD 113,000+ for HEO 6. Additional perks include salary packaging for tax savings, up to 20 days personal leave, and parental leave enhancements.
PhD stipends hover at AUD 33,000 tax-free, competitive nationally. For detailed scales, refer to the Enterprise Agreement.
Work Culture and Work-Life Balance
Glassdoor rates the university 4.1/5, praising flexible hours—many opt for hybrid models post-pandemic. Employees in engineering note "friendly teams and interesting projects," though some cite bureaucratic delays in approvals.
Initiatives like psychosocial safety programs address workload pressures, with staff surveys guiding improvements. Diversity thrives: 40% international staff, strong Indigenous support via reconciliation action plans.
Adelaide's appeal amplifies this—short commutes, affordable housing (median rent AUD 500/week), and events like the Fringe Festival foster community.
- Flexible start times for parents or researchers.
- Wellbeing subsidies for gym memberships.
- Peer mentoring networks across schools.
Employee Experiences: Real Stories from the Field
A biological sciences lecturer shares: "The collaborative vibe in SET allowed me to pivot from postdoc to leading a biodiversity lab—supportive colleagues made it seamless." An engineering technician adds: "Hands-on work with drones for civil projects, plus training funding, keeps skills sharp."
Challenges include merger transitions—some report role navigation issues—but leadership pledged no compulsory redundancies, focusing on redeployment. Overall, 80% recommend to friends per reviews.
Check aggregated insights on Glassdoor.
Navigating the Merger: Opportunities Amid Change
The 2026 Adelaide University launch merged 11,000 staff into six colleges, enhancing SET's reach with UniSA's applied focus. Engineering now integrates construction management for infrastructure projects, while science gains veterinary expertise.
Staff transitioned smoothly, with training for new systems. Expanded funding pools promise more grants, positioning Adelaide as a top-100 global university.
Application Process and Getting Started
Applications go through the online portal: CV, cover letter, selection criteria responses. Interviews assess fit via panels; background checks follow. Casual roles, like tutoring, suit entry-level.
- Search positions at careers.adelaide.edu.au.
- Tailor documents to highlight STEM experience.
- Prepare for behavioral questions on teamwork.
- Onboard with orientation and buddy systems.
Future Outlook: Growth in STEM Heartland
South Australia's AUKUS pact and renewable push signal job surges in defense engineering and green tech. SET alumni lead at BHP and SAAB, underscoring career pipelines.
With global rankings rising, working here positions you at Australia's innovation forefront—join a legacy of excellence.
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