Academic Staff Levels: Minimum Standards - an AcademicJobs.com podcast
This AcademicJobs.com podcast outlines minimum standards for academic positions (Levels A–E) at Australian Universities. Each level details expected responsibilities, from working under supervision at Level A to providing leadership and fostering excellence at Level E. Equivalent occupational titles are listed for each level.
Hierarchical Structure: The document establishes a clear hierarchical structure for academic positions, ranging from Level A (entry-level) to Level E (professorial). Each level is defined by increasing complexity, autonomy, leadership requirements, and achievement.
Progressive Development: The academic career path is presented as a progression. Staff at each level are expected to build on their skills and expertise, moving towards greater independence, leadership, and impact in their field.
Multi-faceted Roles: Academic work is described as being multifaceted, encompassing teaching, research, scholarship, professional activities, and administration. The emphasis given to each facet varies across levels.
Discipline Specificity: The document acknowledges that the specific duties and responsibilities of academics may differ based on their discipline or field. There is a mention that tasks will be appropriate to his or her profession or discipline.
Emphasis on Impact: As academics progress to higher levels, the importance of making an impact at the national and international level increases. 3. Academic Level Breakdown & Key Duties
This section outlines the core expectations at each academic level.
Level A (Tutor, Research Assistant Grade 2, Research Fellow 1):
Focus: Development of expertise in teaching, research, and/or professional practice.
Supervision: Works under the supervision of more senior academic staff (Level B and above).
Teaching: Contributes to teaching at undergraduate and graduate diploma level.
Research: Conducts research, potentially as sole author or in collaboration.
Level B (Lecturer, Research Fellow 2):
Focus: Independent teaching and/or research, with contributions through professional practice and expertise.
Leadership: May coordinate and/or lead the activities of other staff.
Teaching: Contributes to teaching at undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate levels.
Research: Conducts independent and/or team research that is reflected in refereed journal articles or other scholarly work.
Level C (Senior Lecturer, Senior Research Fellow):
Focus: Significant contribution to the discipline at the national level with original and independent contributions.
Impact: Work expands knowledge or practice in their discipline and has significant impact.
Leadership: Plays a major role or provides significant leadership in scholarly and research activities.
Research: Leadership in research and research training and will be acknowledged at a national level as being influential
Level D (Reader, Associate Professor, Principal Lecturer, Principal Research Fellow):
Focus: Outstanding contribution to research, scholarship, teaching, and administration.
Recognition: Achieves national or international recognition in their discipline.
Innovation: Makes original and innovative contributions to the advancement of scholarship.
Leadership: Plays an outstanding role in fostering the research activities of others and in research training.
Level E (Professor, Professorial Fellow):
Focus: Provides leadership and fosters excellence in research, teaching, and policy development.
Authority: Recognized as an eminent authority in their discipline, achieving national or even international distinction.
Contribution: Makes original, innovative, and distinguished contributions to scholarship, research, and/or teaching.
Leadership: Provides leadership in their field, fostering excellence in research policy, and training.Find all jobs in Australian Universities from all Academic Levels on AcademicJobs.com
