Why work at Flinders

Our mission to change lives and change the world underpins everything we do.

Flinders University is a dynamic institution with a well-justified reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

We’re rising to the challenge of a future that will be as unpredictable as it is exciting, and charting a course that will see us rise to a top ten university in Australia, and top 1% in the world.

Our vision, set out in our strategic plan Making a Difference: The 2025 Agenda, is to be internationally recognised as a world leader in research, an innovator in contemporary education, and the source of Australia’s most enterprising graduates.

As an institution we have never been content with the status quo; we have always looked for ways to make the world a better place by making a positive difference.

However, in the same way that Matthew Flinders achieved success by allowing his actions to speak to the world, we know Flinders University's success depends upon the achievements of its people.

What is more, it is our culture that encourages and enables our people's success.

In the words of founding Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Karmel, at Flinders you are encouraged to experiment and experiment bravely.

Our vision and culture

Achieving our vision, to be internationally recognised as a world leader in research, an innovator in contemporary education, and the source of Australia's most enterprising graduates, requires that our people share a sense of purpose and set of values.

Our core values and ethos form the foundation for our success, and underpin our decision-making and culture.

They are:

Student centred
Integrity
Courage
Innovation
Excellence.

We enthusiastically rise to the challenge of preparing our graduates for success in a future that will be every bit as dynamic and unpredictable as it is exciting.

On the road to success, the journey matters

Read the 2025 Agenda

The quality of our working lives matters.

Of the four pillars of our strategic plan - People and Culture, Research, Education, and Engagement and Impact - it is People and Culture that forms the cornerstone, for our collective success depends upon the achievements of our people, and it is our culture that will sustain that success into the future.

Our people have an excellent quality of working life, which is supported by progressive employment practices that balance the needs and interests of staff and the university.

Importantly, our ongoing consultation with staff and students ensures that our values continue to manifest positively and productively in our day-to-day working lives.

World class research

Research and creative endeavour have been core to Flinders University’s identity since inception.

Through research, and research-led teaching, we build and develop the knowledge and capabilities that improve lives and enhance society as a whole.

We’re building from a strong base - Excellence in Research Australia has ranked 90% of Flinders research as at, or above, world standard, and we’re amongst Australia’s leading universities for student experience and support.

The Flinders experience

Our people are the heart, soul and strength of Flinders.

We’re renowned for our talented teachers, outstanding researchers and dedicated professional staff; together, we ensure Flinders provides an unrivalled student experience.

Our touchstone is that university life should be enriching and enjoyable.

The Flinders Experience affords our students the flexibility to choose their own path, and the confidence to build their own future.

In an era of disruptive change we’re equipping our students to future proof their careers, with a focus on the critical thinking, problem solving, and personal enterprise skills to turn knowledge into opportunity.

Committed to staff development

Together, we enthusiastically rise to the challenge of preparing our graduates for success in a future that will be every bit as dynamic and unpredictable as it is exciting. As such, the development of our people is important.

Flinders offers staff development activities and services for all university staff, particularly in the areas of:

research
teaching and learning
professional development
flexible education support
leadership and management
computer and technical skills.

Learn more about staff benefits

Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Flinders University recognises the unique position of Indigenous Australians as First Nations people, and is committed to Indigenous education and engagement.

The Indigenous Workforce Strategy establishes a framework for broader Indigenous engagement that achieves the University’s long-term goals for Indigenous employment.

The Strategy includes key success indicators; prioritises increasing the number of Indigenous academic employees; provides a focus on academic and professional staff development and career advancement; and sets an ambitious target of 3 per cent of all employees by 2025.

View the Indigenous Workforce Strategy