Director, Australian Centre for Robotics
* Lead one of Australia's premier robotics centres to shape the future of autonomous systems through world‐class research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
* Five‐year fixed‐term position with an attractive remuneration package, including the possibility of a substantive continuing academic appointment at Level D/E or Professor of Practice depending on candidate profile.
About the opportunity
The Faculty of Engineering seeks to appoint an exceptional academic or industry leader as Director of the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR). The ACFR is a global leader in robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines, recognised for its pioneering research and real‐world impact across industry and government.
The Director will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership to ensure ACFR remains at the forefront of robotics research and innovation. Responsibilities include leading the Centre's strategic direction, research performance, financial sustainability, and engagement with industry, government, and international collaborators. Working closely with the Associate Dean (Research), the Dean, Heads of School, and senior University leaders, the Director will align ACFR's strategy with institutional priorities in robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems, and represent ACFR to national and global partners.
Exceptional leaders from academia, industry, government, or applied research organisations are encouraged to apply. The substantive academic appointment will be tailored to the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, and career trajectory. The Director may also contribute to teaching, supervision, mentoring, or professional training in line with their academic level.
About you
You will be an accomplished academic or industry leader with deep expertise in robotics or autonomous systems and a demonstrated record of excellence in research, translation, or major engineering achievements. Candidates without a higher education qualification but with exceptional professional achievements and recognised leadership in robotics or autonomous systems may be considered for appointment as Professor of Practice.
The successful candidate will:
* Hold a PhD or equivalent terminal qualification in robotics, autonomous systems, or a closely related field.
* Demonstrate excellence in robotics and autonomous systems through scholarly outputs, major engineering achievements, translational impact, or commercial innovation.
* Be recognised internationally as a leading authority in robotics or related domains, evidenced through significant achievements, honours, or leadership roles.
* Demonstrate a strong track record of industry engagement, including partnerships with government, industry, and professional associations.
* Possess strong planning and organisational capabilities, with the ability to deliver multiple concurrent strategic initiatives.
* Show excellent communication and stakeholder‐management skills, with the capacity to influence and inspire at senior levels.
* Have proven people‐leadership experience, including mentoring, performance management, and building high‐performing teams.
* Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture, with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
* Contribute to teaching, supervision, mentoring, or professional training in line with the substantive academic appointment.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required.
Term and remuneration
Five‐year fixed‐term position with an attractive remuneration package, including the possibility of a substantive continuing academic appointment at Level D/E or Professor of Practice depending on candidate profile.
Pre‐employment checks
Employment is conditional upon the completion of all required pre‐employment or background checks to the satisfaction of the University. Ongoing employment remains conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. Failure to meet these conditions may lead to termination of employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programmes, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Dr Mushtaq Sobhan, Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations by email at mushtaq.sobhan@sydney.edu.au or via phone +61 2 8627 9411.
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