Associate Professor

General role description

Associate Professors are senior academics who lead independent research programs, teach university students, and contribute to institutional leadership. Their responsibilities typically include supervising postgraduate research students, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and designing and delivering university courses. Associate Professors are also expected to secure competitive research funding, collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders (such as those in industry and government), and champion inclusive, evidence-informed practices across academic and professional settings.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead research in health and medical disciplines
  • Supervise honours, Masters, and PhD students
  • Maintain active research collaborations nationally and internationally
  • Publish findings in high-impact scientific journals
  • Apply for competitive research grants and manage project funding
  • Promote responsible research and help ensure it follows the ethical and legal standards
  • Engage in institutional leadership and contribute to strategic planning
  • Develop and teach university courses for students

Workplace settings

  • Universities
  • In some cases, may hold a dual appointment with a medical research institute, hospital, public health organisation, or government health agency, in addition to their university appointment

Required qualifications

  • A PhD in a health and medical-related discipline

Other notable requirements

Associate Professors often need:

  • Strong track record of research publications
  • Evidence of successful research funding applications
  • Experience in university teaching and academic programme delivery
  • Proven leadership in academic or research settings
  • Expertise in supervision and mentoring of research students
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Common entry points

Common next roles