Description:
- Based in College of Creative Arts, Design & Humanities at the North Terrace Campus
- Full-time, continuing position
- Join the Elder Conservatorium of Music — A Rare Opportunity to Shape the Future of Adelaide University.
Role Summary
We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Elder Conservatorium of Music. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s most prestigious music institutions. The successful candidate will be a distinguished academic with a strong reputation, nationally and internationally, demonstrated through a significant record of research publications, creative works, or equivalent professional achievements.
You will play a key role in strengthening the Conservatorium’s reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and creative practice. As an inspiring academic leader, you will mentor emerging staff and early career researchers, fostering a vibrant culture of collaboration and innovation across the discipline.
In this role, you will help cultivate an environment of professional excellence — driving research growth, attracting competitive funding, and building impactful partnerships with industry and community. Your work will contribute to meaningful outcomes and long-term impact at the state, national, and international levels.
At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.
We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.
Work that matters
Play a pivotal role in advancing the Conservatorium’s excellence by leading innovative teaching, impactful research, and mentoring the next generation of scholars.
You will be a distinguished academic with a proven national and international reputation in research, creative practice, or equivalent professional achievement.
Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description below to discover more about this opportunity.
The team
Adelaide University’s College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities represents one of the most diverse creative and cultural academic portfolios in Australia.
Our foundation is built on a strong legacy of leadership in arts, culture and creativity, including the South Australian School of Art - one of the nation’s longest-running art schools, and home to the world’s first Bachelor of Design degree - and the Elder Conservatorium of Music, which continues to shape Australia’s musical talent.
Visit the AU website to learn more about College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities.
Our people
Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.
Working within a supportive, collaborative team, you will develop strong stakeholder relationships that contribute to their satisfaction and success.
Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.
Experience
To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:
Level D/E
Essential Criteria
- A completed doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline.
In addition to the above criteria, to be considered for a Level E position, you will require the following skills and experience:
An established international reputation in their field of research, supported by a substantial track record of publications, creative works, or equivalent outputs. Proven leadership in research programs, centres, and networks, with a strong record of securing substantial external research funding. Evidence of mentoring and developing staff and early career researchers, building research capacity across the discipline. A record of shaping research directions at a School, Faculty, or University level, contributing to national or international research policy, strategy, or advocacy. Demonstrated capacity to generate long-term impact through research translation, industry partnerships, and community engagement at state, national, or international levels.Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Launch your future with Adelaide University now
Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:
your current CV a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the roleThe online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.
Submit your application by 11:30pm, Friday 20 March 2026.
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
Please note that the role description is not attached to this advertisement as it is currently being finalised.
For further information about this opportunity, please contact:
Jessica Maslen
Team Lead – Talent Acquisition
People and Culture
E: jessica.maslen@adelaide.edu.au
Pursuant to the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (the Act) and the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations), this position has been deemed prescribed. This role will require the successful candidate to hold a current Working with Children Check.