Lecturer in City Planning - Job Opportunity at University of New South Wales

Sydney, Australia
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 6, 2025
Hybrid
AUD 123,620 - 145,730 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive superannuation package with 17% employer contributions significantly exceeding the standard 11% Australian requirement, providing enhanced retirement security
Premium leave loading payments that increase the value of annual leave entitlements beyond base salary rates
Extended holiday period with additional 3 days of leave over Christmas, supporting work-life balance during peak family time
Extensive discount program covering retail, education, and fitness services, reducing personal expenses across multiple lifestyle categories
Comprehensive career development opportunities within Australia's top-tier university system, providing access to professional growth and advancement
Hybrid working arrangements offering flexibility while maintaining collaborative academic environment
Access to world-class research facilities and academic networks supporting professional development

Key Responsibilities

Lead curriculum delivery and assessment across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, directly shaping the next generation of urban planning professionals and influencing city development practices
Design innovative learning experiences and assessment frameworks that prepare students for complex urban challenges, establishing the university's reputation for cutting-edge planning education
Develop and implement evidence-based teaching methodologies that drive measurable improvements in student outcomes and program accreditation standards
Pioneer educational technology integration and online delivery innovations, positioning the program at the forefront of modern academic delivery methods
Manage comprehensive course administration as Course Authority, ensuring compliance with professional accreditation requirements and maintaining program quality standards
Conduct independent and collaborative research that contributes to urban planning knowledge base and influences policy development at regional and national levels
Secure competitive research funding through strategic grant applications, supporting institutional research objectives and establishing thought leadership
Mentor and supervise emerging academics and research students, building the next generation of planning scholars and practitioners

Requirements

Education

PhD in city planning or a closely related discipline

Experience

Demonstrated experience in teaching and learning design, development and delivery at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level

Required Skills

Demonstrated experience in and passion for the delivery of high-quality city planning-related curriculum and program material A critical interest in urban infrastructure planning and policy (including transportation policy) Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments Experience using and/or designing with educational technologies and online delivery methods Demonstrated knowledge of industry or experience of work-integrated learning, including the ability to work with industry partners Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Urban planning education is experiencing increased demand as cities worldwide grapple with climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and infrastructure resilience challenges. Universities are expanding their planning programs to address the growing need for qualified professionals who can navigate complex urban challenges including housing affordability, transportation equity, and environmental sustainability. The integration of technology in urban planning education has accelerated, with institutions investing heavily in GIS systems, data analytics training, and digital modeling tools. This technological shift requires educators who can bridge traditional planning theory with modern digital planning practices, creating significant demand for technically proficient academic staff. There is a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches in urban planning education, with programs increasingly incorporating elements of environmental science, public health, economics, and social justice. This trend creates opportunities for academics who can teach across multiple domains and develop integrated curriculum approaches.

Salary Evaluation

The salary range of AUD 123,620 - 145,730 is competitive within the Australian academic market for lecturer positions, representing approximately the 60th-75th percentile for similar roles. This compensation package, when combined with the 17% superannuation contribution, places the total remuneration well above market average and reflects UNSW's position as a leading research university.

Role Significance

The position involves leading individual courses while collaborating within a larger school structure, typically managing 2-4 courses per semester and supervising 3-8 research students at various levels. The role includes participation in departmental committees and working groups, suggesting integration into teams of 15-25 academic staff members.
This lecturer position represents a mid-level academic appointment with significant autonomy in teaching and research activities. The role requires independent scholarship while operating within established departmental frameworks, indicating a position suitable for early-career academics with 3-7 years of post-PhD experience.

Key Projects

Development and delivery of accredited urban planning curriculum meeting professional body requirements Research projects focusing on urban infrastructure policy and transportation planning with potential for government and industry collaboration Supervision of honours and postgraduate research projects addressing contemporary urban challenges Community engagement initiatives connecting academic research with real-world planning issues

Success Factors

Ability to balance rigorous academic research with practical industry applications, ensuring curriculum remains relevant to contemporary planning challenges while maintaining scholarly standards Strong communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders including students, industry partners, government agencies, and community groups in collaborative planning education initiatives Demonstrated capacity for securing competitive research funding and building collaborative research partnerships that enhance both personal career development and institutional reputation Commitment to innovative teaching methodologies that prepare students for rapidly evolving urban planning practice, particularly in areas of digital planning tools and sustainable development approaches

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified urban planning academics, particularly those with expertise in infrastructure and transportation policy. The combination of growing urbanization challenges, increased government investment in infrastructure, and the need for climate-resilient planning creates strong job security and advancement opportunities in this field.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Research excellence and publication capability are essential for career advancement in academic planning positions, with emphasis on high-impact journals and policy-relevant research that influences planning practice and policy development Teaching effectiveness and curriculum innovation are fundamental to success in university environments, requiring ability to engage diverse student populations and adapt to changing educational technologies and methodologies Industry engagement and professional network development are crucial for maintaining curriculum relevance and securing research partnerships that enhance both career prospects and institutional reputation

Beneficial Skills

Grant writing and funding acquisition skills become increasingly important for career advancement and research independence, particularly for securing ARC and industry-sponsored research projects Digital planning tools and GIS expertise are valuable for modern urban planning education, reflecting industry demands for technically proficient graduates Policy analysis and government relations experience enhance opportunities for consulting work and research collaboration with planning agencies and infrastructure organizations

Unique Aspects

Focus on urban infrastructure and transportation policy provides specialization in high-demand areas of planning practice, offering opportunities for significant research impact and industry collaboration
Hybrid working arrangements offer flexibility rare in traditional academic positions, supporting both collaboration and independent research productivity
Integration with UNSW's broader engineering and social science faculties provides interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities not available at smaller institutions
Location in Sydney provides access to one of the world's most dynamic urban planning laboratories, with ongoing major infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives

Career Growth

Progression to Senior Lecturer typically occurs within 4-6 years, with Associate Professor advancement possible within 8-10 years for those demonstrating exceptional research output and teaching excellence.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Lecturer positions with increased research leadership responsibilities and potential for establishing specialized research centers Associate Professor roles involving greater administrative responsibilities and department leadership functions Industry consulting opportunities leveraging academic expertise in urban infrastructure and transportation policy Policy advisor positions with government agencies focusing on urban development and transportation planning

Company Overview

University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among Australia's top universities and maintains strong international recognition for research excellence and graduate outcomes. UNSW's planning program is well-regarded within the Australian academic and professional planning community, with strong industry connections and accreditation from professional planning bodies.

UNSW holds a prestigious position in the Australian higher education landscape, ranking within the top 50 universities globally and maintaining particular strength in engineering, business, and social sciences. The university's research output and industry partnerships provide significant career development opportunities for academic staff.
Located in Sydney, one of Australia's most dynamic urban centers, UNSW provides unique opportunities for urban planning research and education. The university's position within Australia's largest metropolitan area offers extensive collaboration opportunities with government agencies, planning consultancies, and infrastructure development organizations.
UNSW promotes a collaborative academic environment with strong emphasis on research excellence and innovation. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with flexible working arrangements, creates a supportive environment for academic career development and work-life balance.
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