Lecturer in Mechatronics

The Vietnamese-German University (VGU) is seeking a highly qualified full-time lecturer in Mechatronics. 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 undergraduate courses in the Mechanical Engineering (MEN). 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:

• Electrical Engineering: This module prepares dor the learner's knowledge of fundamental electrical laws and analysis methods for linear circuits, Maxwell’s theory, and the principles behind transformers, direct current, and induction machines. Students will also learn to use software for circuit analysis, simulation, and design, and solve simple mathematical problems related to these topics. The module covers Maxwell’s Theory of Electromagnetism, electrostatics, electromagnetism, magnetic induction, and circuit theories, and extends to practical applications including direct current machines, alternating current for variable frequencies, rotating magnetic fields, transformers, synchronous and asynchronous motors, and semiconductor switching elements.
• Measurement technology with practical training: In the course, the lecture gives an overview of the field of measurement techniques. Basic terms of the measurement chain, the measurement errors, and the statistical evaluation of measurement data are explained. Most importantly, those physical effects that allow the use of sensors and transmitters as an electrical measurement method for mechanical properties are treated. There are 10 laboratory experiments available to support the modules: i) Materials Technology 1+2; ii) Mechanics – strength of materials; iii) Fluid Mechanics; iv) Electrical Engineering. The lecturer will work with lab engineers to teach and supervise these experiments.
• Engineering drawings: This module provides the fundamental knowledge of technical drawing. Learners will develop basic knowledge of technical drawing based on ISO standards and differentiate between first-angle and third-angle projections. They will understand the meaning of lines, tolerance, symbols, and surface roughness, and will be able to visualize the shape and size of an object from orthographic views, physical models, and vice versa. Additionally, students will be proficient in reading and understanding technical working drawings (assembly and detailed drawings), preparing drawings for simple and moderately complicated workpieces for production, and creating assembly drawings for simple machines and mechanisms (up to six parts). Learners will also gain fluency in using at least one CAD software (NX recommended) to create 2D and 3D parts, assembly models, and working drawings.
• MEN project work: The lecturer will join the supervisory team to guide senior projects for mechanical engineering students. The project aims to provide students with the opportunity to transfer the theoretical knowledge acquired during their ME studies across diverse fields of knowledge to reality. By working on these projects, students will not only reinforce their understanding of core concepts but also gain valuable hands-on experience, preparing them for real-world engineering challenges. The lecturer will guide students in interdisciplinary areas such as robotics, renewable energy, automotive engineering, and more, allowing students to explore their interests and develop specialized skills that will be beneficial in their future careers.
• Fundamental courses in related areas.

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 Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering (plus experience in mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering (MEN) 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 Ruhr-Universität Bochum. 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 Mechatronics 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 Mechatronics or other areas closely related to it
• Proven expertise in  Automation and Control Systems, Robotics, Artificial

Intelligence and Machine Learning, Energy Systems

• 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:

Candidates who are from non-native English-speaking countries should include one of the following valid English proficiency certificates; IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 548(PBT), TOEFL 84 (iBT), TOEFL 212 (CBT), CEFR level B2 or Aptis level C1 at the time of application submission. Alternatively, candidates who do not hold a valid English proficiency certificate at the submission time need to be internally assessed at VGU to meet the criterion stated above.

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 “Mechatronics_[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 Roland.Span@thermo.ruhr-uni-bochum.de and/or
• Program Academic Coordinator at vi.nh@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.