Prof Dr Zubaidah started her academic career as a tutor in 1975, a lecturer (1979–1988) at the Medical Faculty, UM (Biochem Department)  and then at the Dental Faculty, UM (1988 - now). She is instumental in setting up the Oral Biology Department and designing the oral biology course content. Besides teaching oral biology to the undergraduates which started in 1994/95, she also teaches basic dental science to the postgraduates. Her research interests include biochemical and physiological aspects pertaining to the oral cavity and oral biology. She has translated and written a number of academic books in Bahasa Malaysia. Her scientific publications include local and international journals.

She had been an external examiner (Postgraduate theses and Dental undergraduates) and an examiner and  Group Leader of the HSC/STPM examination.

She is currently the Honorary Treasurer (Asia Pacific Association on PBL in Health Sciences) and Board of Governor (Kolej SATT, Kuching). She has held positions as the Honorary Treasurer, Hon secretary and Commitee Member (Malaysian Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Society).

She has been in the committee of the Advisory Panel (Health and Medicine of Language and Literary Agency, Malaysia, reappointment of contract UKM Dental Lecturer and Professor and USM Advanced Medical and Dental Institute and is a reviewer of several scientific journals.

She had been awarded the Pingat Bintang kenyalang by His Excellency, The Governor of Sarawak, Tokoh maal Hijrah 2009 (Sarawak) Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship, CICHE grant, UM 20 and 30 years Service, Staff Excellence and Certificate, Visiting Lecturer (Oral Biology Dept, Newcastle Upon-Tyne University, UK), Visiting Fellow (Otago University), a Book Prize - main category (Malaysian Linguistic Society and Public Bank) and medals for joint research presented (MOSTI, UM and 33^rd International Exhibition in Geneva).