Hadrian has had a widespread academic career. Prior to Curtin University, he held positions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Lincoln University, and Edith Cowan University (ECU). He had held various academic leadership roles, including Research Dean (Business and Law), Head of Department (Accounting, Finance, Economics, MIS and Project Management), Director of MBA and Postgraduate Programs, Accounting Accreditation Chair, International Coordinator, and leader of research groups.