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Head of Department and Professor, Mechanical Engineering

  • Critical management role - lead, guide, be resilient and empower
  • Utilise your modern approach to curriculum design and teaching innovation
  • Join AUT's dynamic School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is vibrant, achievement-oriented and a rewarding place to work. Ranked in the top 250 of world universities, it is also one of the world's top 40 young universities and #1 for global research impact in Australasia. We're poised for the next stage of growth and offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business and industry. AUT has close to 30,000 students and around 3,000 staff across our three teaching campuses and is located in New Zealand's (NZ's) largest city, Auckland - consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities.

Our well-established Department of Mechanical Engineering is part of AUT's large, unique, dynamic and interdisciplinary School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS). The Mechanical Engineering Department has a strong teaching, research and design focus and approximately 20 FTE staff. We prepare industry ready graduates to solve complex engineering problems, giving them a firm understanding of industrial computing, and the latest simulation techniques and methodologies to evaluate new materials, products and processes.

Become the Head of our Mechanical Engineering department

We're looking for an inspirational senior academic to lead innovative teaching pedagogy, and implement a modern future-focused approach to our engineering curriculum design and delivery. The department has strong growth potential and you will inspire staff around key initiatives in teaching and learning innovations (including new programme creation) and research (such as developing thematic research linking to other areas of engineering and design). Other key focus areas include development of the department's external profile, creating research collaborations with international partners and industry connections, and attracting students to our programmes. To achieve these aims you'll need resilience, tenacity, empathy and strong communication skills as you lead positive change and the professional growth and mentoring of staff.

It is an exciting time for the School's leadership team and you will be a key part of this, contributing to the strategic development and initiatives of this large and diverse academic unit. Great interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities exist across the School and Faculty and you will be expected to embrace these and connect different disciplines and development capabilities. You will also continue to maintain a research profile and take on a reduced teaching load.

NOTE: The School of ECMS is also currently advertising for a Professor in Data Science to further bolster its academic leadership, click HERE for further information.

What kind of person are we seeking?

You will be recognised as an academic leader critically displaying attributes of tolerance, empathy, trustworthiness, confidence and kindness. Your ability to listen, connect, collaborate, communicate and influence will be critical - as is your level of strong respect for others coupled with an open and engaging attitude that is flexible to changing requirements. You'll enhance the positive energy within the University, value diversity and work inclusively. A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.

Applications and Selection Criteria

We welcome applications from Professors (or Associate Professors of high standing) who understand the underpinning disciplines of Mechanical Engineering and have significant staff leadership and management experience. Relevant discipline backgrounds could include energy, fluid dynamics, machine dynamics, advanced manufacturing technology, engineering design or materials engineering.

Please submit a curriculum vitae (including full publication record), cover letter and a statement addressing the following key selection criteria:

  1. A record of distinguished academic achievement and research appropriate for appointment as a Professor. A PhD/Doctorate is required.
  2. Extensive subject matter experience in one (or more) of the disciplines related to the department including in energy. fluid dynamics, machine dynamics, advanced manufacturing technology, , engineering design or materials engineering.
  3. Significant staff management and leadership experience, ideally such as a programme leader/director or another Head of Department role.
  4. A passion for pedagogical leadership and significant experience successfully developing contemporary and compelling programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
  5. Significant experience gaining industry support and funding.
  6. A demonstrated record of commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and awareness of New Zealand as a bi-cultural society.
  7. Significant experience establishing effective and enduring partnerships with industry, government, professional groups and the wider community.
  8. An excellent understanding of operational and cultural change management.
  9. A high level of resilience, interpersonal and negotiation skills, combined with a coaching and consultative approach to leadership.
  10. Applicants are welcome to add further comments they may feel of relevance.

Further Information:

  • Start Date: The successful candidate will ideally join AUT in February 2022 (or earlier by negotiation).
  • The successful candidate will secure both a 3-year term to the role of Head of Department (extension may be agreed by mutual consent) and a permanent academic appointment as a Professor.
  • A competitive remuneration package will be agreed with the successful applicant, commensurate with skills and experience.
  • Referees will only be engaged for shortlisted candidates and will not contacted without the prior consent of the applicant. When applying, applicants should provide names, contact details and clarification of relationship for at least three potential referees.

For academic enquires: Contact Professor Aman Maung Than Oo (Head of School, Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences) - aman.oo@aut.ac.nz. For recruitment enquiries: Contact Mike Wood (AUT Executive Recruitment Partner) - mike.wood@aut.ac.nz.

Advertising closes: Sunday, 17 October at 23:55 pm (New Zealand standard time). We expect interviews to take place during November 2021.

Reference: 79493

Please note: In response to COVID-19, the New Zealand Government has imposed travel restrictions and are currently only allowing New Zealand residents, citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved isolation/quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. It's uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the manner in which an offshore candidate will be able to participate in the recruitment process although remote options will be in place.

Visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government's official Covid-19 website for further information and updates on the border restrictions.

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to inclusivity and the Treaty of Waitangi and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

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