Careers at UniSC

• School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay Campus
• Level D, $168,933 - $186,045 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, ongoing appointment

This targeted recruitment strategy is part of an ongoing commitment to support gender balance within the School of Science, Technology and Engineering, closing the gender pay gap across UniSC, and ensuring Australia has an engineering workforce that more equitably represents our society. This position is open only to applicants who are women to improve the under-representation of women in Engineering, as a genuine equal opportunity measure under section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

The Opportunity

The School of Science, Technology, and Engineering (SSTE) is a driving force in tackling the pressing challenges our planet faces today. With a strong emphasis on STEM education and research, we equip our students with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Our dedicated academic staff are committed to high-quality teaching, industry engagement, community outreach, and research that holds both global relevance and regional impact. Join us today to address global threats and work towards building a more sustainable future.

UniSC invites applications from established Associate Professors or Senior Lecturers ready for Academic Promotion in Mechanical Engineering to join our team of dedicated researchers and educators. In this role, you’ll bring your expertise to shape and lead UniSC’s growing mechanical engineering programs, including teaching in areas like mechanical design and contributing to new program developments such as our three new Masters of Engineering programs in Civil, Mechanical, and Engineering Project Management. You’ll also conduct innovative research, collaborating with partners that are local, national, and international. Our research strengths include sustainable building (including construction materials and energy efficiency), pavements, engineering materials, renewable energy (including hydrogen and battery storage), and advanced manufacturing. Engineering staff have established strong relationships with governmental and industry groups, including Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Councils, Veolia, Helimods, and SMEC. This is a unique opportunity to impact the next generation of engineers and to drive progress in a supportive, flexible, and inclusive academic setting.

The creation of this position forms part of a strategic effort to increase gender diversity within our engineering discipline. Research shows that visible women role models can make a significant impact, building confidence and inspiring women to pursue careers in engineering. Within UniSC’s Athena Swan action plan, we are taking active steps to create a balanced and inclusive academic environment, and this targeted recruitment is a key part of our commitment.

For more information please visit us online: School of Science, Technology and Engineering

You will:

• lead nationally recognised research, secure grants, and mentor emerging scholars;
• inspire through innovative teaching that empowers students and shapes learning;
• build impactful partnerships across industry, government, and academia; and
• foster an inclusive, forward-thinking academic culture at UniSC.

About you:

Our ideal candidate is a passionate and accomplished academic leader who is ready to make a lasting impact. You’re deeply invested in advancing your field, whether through pioneering research, inspiring teaching, or building meaningful partnerships. With national, and sometimes international, recognition, you’ve led research teams, secured competitive grants, and mentored emerging scholars, creating opportunities for others to thrive.

You bring an inclusive and student-focused approach to teaching, designing engaging learning experiences that empower the next generation. Your ability to collaborate and build strong connections within UniSC and beyond ensures your work delivers real-world outcomes. As a leader, you foster a supportive, high-performing academic community where innovation, engagement, and excellence go hand in hand.

You will possess:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant field, with extensive academic experience.
• A strong influence on the development of your discipline, with a proven impact on research and practice.
• A well-defined research program with a strong record of high-quality outputs, external recognition, successful supervision of Higher Degree by Research candidates, and meaningful research impact.
• A commitment to strengthening research culture, mentoring Mid and Early Career researchers, and contributing to national discipline panels and expert assessments.
• A history of delivering engaging undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, ideally in mechanical engineering design, with experience in curriculum and assessment design, program coordination, and collaboration within academic teams. Evidence of teaching excellence may include student feedback, peer review, curriculum development, and teaching awards.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach that fosters a positive academic environment, ensuring high engagement and achievement for staff and students alike.
• Extensive experience in academic administration, contributing to the effective operation of a university.
• A talent for developing and leading strategic partnerships at regional, national, and international levels that create meaningful opportunities for students, the community, and the University.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in higher education.
• Formal recognition for excellence in learning, teaching, or research.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. This position is open only to applicants who are women under section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), as it is a genuine special measure intended to promote equal opportunity for women in Engineering. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

For further information please refer to the candidate information page - https://careers.usc.edu.au/associate-professor-mechanical-engineering

Position description:  492549_position description.pdf

The key objective of this initiative is to attract outstanding applicants, both nationally and internationally, who are women. UniSC is committed to attracting top talent from around the world and is pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities for international candidates.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 23 March 2025

Your completed application must include:

• Resume
• A cover letter not to exceed one page. This statement should outline your skills, knowledge and qualities that will make you a success at UniSC.
• A response to key selection criteria not to exceed 3 pages.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team.

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Dean, School of Science Technology and Engineering
Email: deansste@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South-East Queensland.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. According to the 2023-24 Good Universities Guide we are Australia's highest rated public university for postgraduate teaching quality, skills development and student support and Australia's number one public university for overall postgraduate student experience. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. In 2023 we recorded the biggest improvement in Australia for research quality, moving up more than 331 places in the world rank.

At UniSC you will have the opportunity to shape the educational landscape and inspire the minds of future generations. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your teaching and research endeavours.

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.