Lecturer in Automation Technology and Robotics

The Vietnamese-German University (VGU) is seeking a highly qualified full-time lecturer in Automation Technology and Robotics. Candidates must hold a PhD in this field or a closely related field and have a strong background in research. Relevant international experience is of advantage. The successful candidate will become part of an international network of universities and research institutes.

Teaching Responsibilities

In the role of a lecturer, the successful candidate will teach graduate courses in Global Production Engineering & Management (GPE) program and undergraduate courses in the Mechanical Engineering (ME) program. The expected workload for the in-class lecture conduction is 08 academic hours per week, totaling 240 academic hours per year (1 academic hour equals to 45 minutes).

Teaching should reflect current research methods and results, and comprises lectures on the following modules:

• Automation technology and robotics (GPE& ME) – This course introduces the basics and advances of automation system technology and robotics. Topics include the history, development, current applications, trends, and basics of automation technology and robotics. The course will introduce the basics of hardware components and their functions in an automation system, such as sensors, actuators, interface devices, control technology, etc. The basics and principles of computerized numerical control (CNC) machines are introduced as examples of automation systems. Further, programmable logic controller (PLC) hardware and programming languages are addressed intensively. In particular, the logic control, structure text and ladder logic (LAD) language are fully presented for programming with examples and applications. Hardware and programming are deeply studied with laboratory exercises. The course also introduces concepts, principles, and applications of support systems in manufacturing automation, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS) to industrial manufacturing automation. Finally, the basics and applications of industrial robots, the Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial control for smart manufacturing systems, and Industry 4.0 are provided for designing an intelligent manufacturing automated system.
• GPE/MEN Project Course: This course extends beyond the domains of production technology, management, automation, robotics, information and communication technology, and engineering education. It introduces students to several ongoing research projects, enabling active participation in projects sponsored by experts. Students have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge from GPEM/MEN studies across various knowledge areas. The instructor provides guidance for students to independently conduct scientific research through tasks such as conducting in-depth literature reviews, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data, drawing meaningful conclusions, and sharing findings through presentations and written reports.
• Scientific Writing (GPE & ME): Demystifying the writing process while imparting the essential fundamentals of effective scientific writing; Distinguishing industrial and technical writing reports vs. scientific writing; Guiding and equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the intricate process of crafting and publishing scientific manuscripts.
• Control Engineering (MEN): The lecturer recruited for control engineering must possess a deep understanding of both classical and modern control theories. They should be proficient in teaching the fundamental principles of control theory, including PID control, as well as advanced topics such as sliding mode and optimal control. The candidate should have experience in analyzing real-world control systems and developing innovative control solutions using basic modules. A strong background in theoretical concepts and practical applications and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to students is essential. Additionally, expertise in utilizing simulation tools and software commonly used in control engineering is highly desirable.

The named courses are subject to change upon realistic needs of the programs and joint agreement between the lecturer, relevant Academic Coordinators, and Dean/Vice Dean in charge of teaching. Courses may requires conducting relevant laboratory activities and/or advising student projects.

The holder of this job is also responsible for supervising bachelor’s and master’s theses and mentoring PhD students.

Research Responsibilities

As a faculty member of a research-oriented university, the successful candidate is expected to significantly contribute to the scientific profile of VGU through innovation. This includes and is not limited to comprehensive activities in basic research as well as applied research in the fields of Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Industrial Engineering, and related fields. The ability to apply and generate externally funded research projects is highly desirable.

Administrative responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of the Global Production Engineering & Management program (GPE) by participating in administrative, marketing and other public activities of the program in consultation with the Academic Coordinator of the study program and the German partner university, namely Technical University Berlin. She or he is also expected to contribute actively to the academic self-administration of the Faculty of Engineering and university by being willing to stand for election to the Faculty Council, Academic Senate and/or other bodies.

Qualification

Candidates must hold a PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Automatic Control, Industrial Engineering or a closely related field, preferably from a well-known international university. A current title of Professor will be a plus, as experience and understanding of the German higher education system and methodology. Other requirements include:

• An outstanding academic record with a focus on Manufacturing Automation and Robotics or other areas closely related to it
• Proven expertise in robot design and control; manufacturing automation; control engineering
• Strong track record of successful research activities and publications in international and peer-reviewed journals in the related area
• Proven teaching experience with strong self-motivation combined with a passion for teaching and research
• Experience in industry is of advantage
• Proven excellent English proficiency:

Employment benefits

The successful candidate will become part of a professional and interdisciplinary group of faculty and have access to state-of-the-art laboratories. VGU supports its lecturers with attractive start-up endowments for quality research projects. VGU also supports participation in national and international conferences and the publishing of research papers.

VGU lecturers enjoy a rich cultural experience and a dynamic teaching environment through interactions with inquisitive and quality students.

Further information, e.g. regarding the appointment procedure, the competitive salary and research activities can be downloaded here.

Application

To apply please send your application (with the following documents in one PDF max. size: 5 MB) to academicpositions@vgu.edu.vn with subject line “Automation Technology and Robotics_[Your Name]”

Your application should include:

• Form for basic information (Please download, complete this form electronically and submit it together with your application)
• A cover letter stating your interest in joining VGU
• Curriculum Vitae (including list of publications)
• Scans of university degrees, university transcripts and other relevant certificates
• Scans of language certificates (if applicable)
• References illustrating your professional and academic career, including contact details of references (if available, highly appreciated)
• Evaluation results for teaching (if available)

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by VGU's international Application Review Team.

For further information, please contact:

• Program Academic Director at holger.kohl@tu-berlin.de and/or
• Program Academic Coordinator at said.zahedani@vgu.edu.vn

About us

The Vietnamese-German University (VGU) is a Vietnamese state university. Founded in 2008, VGU is a joint venture based on a close cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with the goal of becoming the leading research university in Vietnam and the region.

VGU´s strategy is to customize excellent German study programs in the fields of engineering, informatics and economics to meet the needs of Vietnamese higher education. Being a joint effort of Vietnamese and German institutions, VGU follows the successful German model and standards concerning the academic and administrative structures.

The principle of non-discrimination against women: Female candidates will receive priority consideration for lecturer positions at VGU. In case of equally qualified male and female applicants, the women will be preferred.