Outside the Architecture Building

Application Process

Are You Eligible?
The University of Newcastle welcomes applications from Australian and overseas applicants to work in Australia.  However, before you submit your application, please check whether you are eligible to apply.

Domestic Applicants Only
To apply for these positions you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident at the time of the closing date.

Sponsorship for overseas applicants
Offers of employment to overseas applicants are subject to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship granting approval for permanent residency or an appropriate temporary work visa to cover the period of employment.  Applicants are required to notify the University of any immigration restrictions that may preclude them from fulfilling the terms of any contract of employment offered by the University.

Overseas applicants for most academic and research positions may be eligible for employer sponsored migration and, in these cases, Human Resource Services will liaise with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on behalf of the University.

The University publishes a fact sheet on Temporary Resident Visas, which includes information on hospital and medical insurance and school enrolment for dependant children.

This is a guide only and should be read in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website as all visa conditions and obligations are subject to change.  The DIAC website contains many useful links, including the document, Beginning Life in Australia.

Fixed-Term Positions
For some fixed term positions advertised, applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents or hold a valid temporary visa at the time of the closing date which allows the applicant to work the required hours set out for the duration of the fixed term appointment.

University Staff
Some positions advertised are open only to University of Newcastle staff.  To apply for these positions you must, at the time the position is advertised, be a current staff member of the University (ongoing, fixed term or casual).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Some positions advertised are open only to people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.  Being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent is a genuine occupational qualification for these positions and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Applicant Inquiries
Applicants are encouraged to telephone or email the contact person named in the job vacancy to discuss job requirements in greater detail to assist you with your application.

Submitting Your Application
Select the position that interests you from the Job Vacancies page. Complete your application online, and submit before the closing date using the 'Apply Now' link in the bottom left hand corner of the page.  If you are applying for more than one position, a separate application is required for each position as the selection criteria will differ.

To apply for a vacancy at the University of Newcastle, please provide, in a single document (PDF preferred), your cover letter, responses to the selection criteria* and a brief resume / curriculum vitae (CV)**

*It is essential you address the selection criteria which should not exceed four (4) pages

**Your resume / CV must include the contact details of at least three (3) referees.

For academic positions, please use the following headings in your Resume / CV:

  • Books
  • Book chapters
  • Refereed Journal Articles
  • Refereed conference papers and other articles.

If you have already submitted your application and would like to amend or remove it , or if you require assistance with alternative methods of applying, please phone Human Resource Services on +61 2 4921 5266 or email employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Qualifications
You will be asked to provide details of relevant qualifications as part of the application process.  Candidates who proceed to interview will be asked to produce original qualification documents at the time of interview.  The successful applicant’s qualifications will be confirmed with the conferring institution at the time of appointment and a certified copy held on file.

Referees
Your Resume / CV must include the contact details of at least three (3) referees.  Referees should be able to speak about your skills, capabilities and recent work performance.  Remember to confirm their willingness to act as a referee before nominating them.

The selection panel will contact your referees if you are being considered for appointment.

Acknowledgement
To confirm that your application has been received, the University will send you an automated email acknowledging your application.

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria are used by the University as the basis for a selection panel to shortlist applicants for interview. Selection criteria are a summary of the knowledge, skills and abilities that a person requires to successfully undertake the duties of the position.

The selection panel determines standards for each selection criterion. Applicants are ranked according to how closely they meet the selection criteria in comparison to the standards expected by the panel.  Applicants who best meet the selection criteria will be considered for an interview.

The panel needs evidence that you meet the selection criteria.  Each of the selection criteria should be addressed separately and you are encouraged to provide examples that demonstrate your skills and abilities and illustrate the complexity and demands of tasks you have undertaken.  If an example applies to a number of selection criteria, include it under each separate criterion.

You should not exceed four (4) pages when addressing the selection criteria.

Selection Process

At the University of Newcastle, selection is based on merit – this means that the person judged most able to perform the duties of the position is offered the position.

Shortlisting for all positions usually takes place within four (4) weeks of the closing date for applications.  Your application will be considered by the selection committee and assessed against the selection criteria for the position.

The selection committee will decide which applicants meet the selection criteria sufficiently to be placed on a shortlist.  Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview for the position.

Shortlisted applicants should advise the Human Resource Services (Phone No. +61 2 4921 5266 or email employment@newcastle.edu.au) of any access or support requirements needed in order to attend the interview.

Interview Process

If you have been shortlisted to attend an interview, you will be contacted by telephone or email within 30 days of the closing date of the vacancy.  If you have not been contacted within this time period, it will mean unfortunately that your application has not been successful.

Interviews are normally held at the University of Newcastle.  There are however a range of options, eg Skype, video-conferencing, available when applicants live interstate, overseas or cannot personally attend an interview.

Recommendation
The Selection Committee rates each applicant against the selection criteria together with the experience, skills and capabilities required to do the job.  Other selection measures include referee reports and where applicable, task tests and presentations.

Notification Process

After the interview, the successful candidate will be telephoned by the Chair of the Selection Committee and will receive a letter of offer.

Successful candidates should not make any decisions regarding the offer of employment until the written letter of offer is received, understood, signed and returned to the University. 

All unsuccessful candidates will be notified by telephone or email.

Health and Safety

The University is committed to providing an environment that maintains the health and safety of its staff, students and visitors.  Good health and safety practice should form an integral part of each activity at the University whether it involves teaching, research or administrative functions. For further information, please refer to our Health & Safety Contacts page.

Equity and Diversity

The University values equity, diversity, access and social justice. We strive to create a learning and working environment that reflects and celebrates diversity, practises affirmative action, offers equal opportunity and is free from discrimination and harassment.

The role of the University’s Equity & Diversity Unit is to work in partnership with staff, students and the wider community to ensure that the principles of equity, diversity, access and social justice are embedded into all that the University aims to achieve.