The University of Adelaide, often referred to as Adelaide Uni, is a prestigious public research university located in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1874, it is one of Australia's oldest universities and a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of leading research-intensive universities. Situated on the cultural boulevard of North Terrace, the university spans five campuses and is renowned for its contributions to research, teaching, and innovation. With a student body of over 27,000, including a significant international cohort, it offers a dynamic environment for academic careers.
Jobs at The University of Adelaide span teaching, research, administration, and professional services. The university's commitment to excellence attracts top talent globally, making it a prime destination for those seeking impactful roles in higher education. Its location in Adelaide, a city known for its high quality of life, vibrant festivals, and proximity to beaches, enhances the appeal for professionals.
Founded as the third university in Australia, The University of Adelaide was the first in the country co-educational from inception, admitting women on equal terms with men. It has produced eight Nobel laureates, including Nobel Prize winners in Physics, Medicine, and Chemistry. Key milestones include pioneering discoveries in penicillin, the bionic ear, and cervical cancer vaccine. This rich history underscores its reputation for fostering groundbreaking research, which continues to define jobs at the university today.
The university comprises five faculties: Arts, Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (EC MS), Health and Medical Sciences, and Sciences. Programs range from undergraduate degrees to PhDs, with strengths in agriculture, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, and wine science. For job seekers, this diversity means opportunities in niche areas like viticulture or biomedical engineering, aligning with Australia's economic priorities.
Career opportunities include academic positions such as lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors, and professors; research roles like postdoctoral fellows and research associates; and professional staff in HR, IT, and finance. Teaching-focused roles emphasize pedagogy, while research jobs prioritize grant acquisition and publications. For more on types of positions available, explore detailed breakdowns.
To aid understanding, here are key terms related to jobs at The University of Adelaide:
For academic jobs at The University of Adelaide, a PhD in the relevant field is mandatory for lecturer and above positions. Entry-level research roles may accept a Master's with strong research experience. Professional staff roles require bachelor's degrees or equivalent vocational qualifications. For clinical positions in the Faculty of Health, medical degrees and registration with bodies like AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) are needed.
Adelaide Uni excels in areas like quantum physics, cancer research, and sustainable agriculture. Expertise in high-impact fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and precision medicine is prioritized. Successful candidates often have interdisciplinary skills, e.g., combining engineering with data science for projects at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning.
Employers seek candidates with 3+ peer-reviewed publications, teaching experience (e.g., tutoring 100+ students), and grant success (e.g., ARC Discovery grants averaging AUD 300,000). Industry collaborations or patents boost applications. For senior roles, leadership in research teams or supervision of PhD students is key.
Essential skills include strong communication for grant writing and teaching, data analysis proficiency (e.g., R, Python), and project management. Soft skills like collaboration and adaptability are vital in a multicultural environment. Technical competencies vary by faculty, e.g., lab skills for sciences or statistical modeling for health research.
The process involves online submission via the university's careers site, followed by shortlisting, interviews, and referee checks. Tips:
Applications take 4-8 weeks; follow up politely.
The University of Adelaide champions diversity through the SAGE Athena SWAN Bronze award for gender equity, WげRE program for women in STEM, and Indigenous employment strategy with targets for Aboriginal staff. It supports LGBTQ+ via pride networks and accessibility for disabilities, fostering an inclusive workplace.
Staff enjoy 35-hour workweeks, 5 weeks annual leave, and flexible hybrid models. Adelaide's affordability (lower living costs than Sydney), parks, and wine regions promote balance. Campus life includes gyms, childcare, cafes, and events like open days. The Roseworthy campus offers rural charm for agriculture roles.
With AUD 200M+ in annual research funding, demand is high for roles in AI and health. Check research jobs and postdoc opportunities. Salaries are competitive, with benefits like superannuation (11%).
Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, get career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For lecturer paths, see how to become a university lecturer and excel as a research assistant in Australia.
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