lecturer

researcher

postdoctoral research fellow

associate professor

research fellow

James Cook University

As the Research Fellow working in collaboration with other researchers  and in collaboration with international Organisations in a Conservation Project in a developing country. 

A typical day in the field required a 4.00am wake up, travel 40 km to the Airport. Armed with boxes of questionnaires, camping supplies and lots of patience. Small fixed aircraft flight of 20 minutes lands me at one of 6 possible airstrips. I spend 4-6 weeks in the field, walking between villages, sometimes taking 3 days..food was organic local cuisine..this was the hardest and the most enjoyable part of the job

The academic workplace culture can be cutthroat with the publishing requirements weighing heavy on academics. I was part of a team that was supporting and dependable.

I learned that I had a responsibility to listen to issues outside of my contractual obligations because these were important and validated people.

Great entitlements and good salary but be prepared to work well in excess of contracted hours. Slow, complex, arduous internal processes were frustrating and often difficult to navigate. Large incentives and bonuses for the people at the top while jobs and budgets are cut for those below - includes academic and support services staff. Excessive use of outsourcing and continual restructures designed to reduce costs undermine morale.
I built some strong personal and professional relationships in my time and found strength and support in some of these. The hardest part was raising legitimate concerns and being ignored.  Spectacularly bad management practices were reported and given the band-aid treatment. A very political workplace.

The typical day during my week of experience included a diverse list of skills some of which involved (Soldering and Building Robotic circuits, Programing simple Arduino Robots and finally building and programing a virtual reality and interactive sandpit.). The Supervising students and lecturers gave us great help and gave some inspiring research within their speciality. Possibly the hardest part of the experience was the steep learning curve, yet this made for a challenging but fun experience. Finally the best part of that week was the creation of both the small Arduino Robots and the creation of a virtual reality sandbox that later became an official JCU Project out on display on the 2016 open day. Lastly this was purely an experience and not a job this was to give me and a few of my associates to have an understanding of what an Engineering Degree would require, therefore it had no pay but was a great experience.

Working at JCU was a highlight in my career.  My role was to provide support to one of the professors who I grew to admire and respect immensely.

Working at JCU introduced me to "Government" positions and the formality that goes with every Government job.

The culture at JCU was something I had never experienced.  I very much enjoyed working here unfortunately we had to move to Sydney if that had not occurred I am certain I would have remained in the position for a very long time.

The most difficult part of the position was that the Professor was overseas a lot which meant that one on one communication was at times difficult.  However, when the Professor was in the office the role was very rewarding and enjoyable.

James Cook University (JCU) is a public university in North Queensland, Australia. The second oldest university in Queensland, JCU is a teaching and research institution. The University's main campuses are located in the tropical cities of Cairns, Singapore and Townsville. JCU also has study centres in Mount Isa, Mackay and Thursday Island. A Brisbane campus, operated by Russo Higher Education, delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to international students. The University’s main fields of research include marine sciences, biodiversity, sustainable management of tropical ecosystems, genetics and genomics, tropical health care, tourism and engineering.

I work casually as a research assistant. A typical working week would involve independent laboratory work and result analysis. I would later update and consult with my supervisor on my progress. The most challenging part of this work is to develop the research results to a point where all the anomalies are explained and minimised. When these challenges are overcome it is the most satisfying part of the job.

Worked at various jobs for the uni due to flexibility, environment and convenience. Once I was known it was easy to apply for work and be offered employment. Through my having been an Ambassador and a Mentor my ability to communicate, lead, work unsupervised and  manage my time we're sort after skills.

a typical day was serving students and lecturers from the university. I enjoyed the interaction with staff and students. the management was hard but fair and my attitude to me job gave me an edge being able to deal with any type of customer. the hardest part was been run off my feet for 8 hours a day and catering would be nights and very long days

A good place to gain some experience but was only there on a contract basis for 6 months and due to financial constraints the contract was not renewed.

I was not given any type of handover, basically thrown in the deep end.  Found my feet and enjoyed the job and learning new skills.

Multiple deadlines, throughout multiple peak periods, with constant changes, within a friendly and supportive team environment.  The hardest part of my day, is advising students of negative outcomes to their study, the most enjoyable part of my day, turning a students negative news into a positive.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Lecturer 32 salaries reported	$130,344 per year
Researcher 10 salaries reported	$90,661 per year
Postdoctoral research fellow 8 salaries reported	$95,583 per year
Associate professor 8 salaries reported	$159,649 per year
Research fellow 9 salaries reported	$135,644 per year

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