Director, Australian Centre for Robotics
Lead Australia’s premier robotics research hub with strategic vision, industry partnerships, and operational excellence.
Best for:Best for senior academics, industry leaders, or applied researchers with a proven track record in robotics, autonomous systems, and strategic management.
Overview
The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering seeks a visionary Director for the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR), a globally recognised leader in autonomous systems and intelligent machines. This five-year fixed-term role demands a senior academic or industry leader to shape the Centre’s strategic direction, secure its financial sustainability, and foster collaborations with industry, government, and international partners. The Director will oversee research performance, mentorship, and teaching while aligning ACFR’s goals with broader institutional priorities in robotics, AI, and intelligent systems. Exceptional candidates from academia, industry, or government—with or without a PhD—are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate transformative leadership and impact in the field.
What you'll do
- Provide strategic leadership to maintain ACFR’s global standing in robotics and autonomous systems research.
- Develop and implement a long-term research strategy aligned with university and national priorities.
- Secure funding and ensure financial sustainability of the Centre’s operations.
- Foster partnerships with industry, government, and international collaborators to drive real-world impact.
- Oversee research performance, academic appointments, and team development within the Centre.
- Represent ACFR externally, enhancing its reputation as Australia’s leading robotics research hub.
- Contribute to teaching, supervision, mentorship, or professional training as appropriate for the role.
- Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Centre’s culture and practices.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD or equivalent terminal qualification in robotics, autonomous systems, or a closely related field OR exceptional professional achievements and recognised leadership in robotics without a higher education qualification (for Professor of Practice role).
Language: English proficiency at a level suitable for senior academic or industry leadership roles.
Instruction: English
Publications: Demonstrated excellence through scholarly outputs, major engineering achievements, translational impact, or commercial innovation.
- Proven leadership experience in academic or industry settings, particularly in robotics or autonomous systems.
- Demonstrated excellence in research, translational impact, or major engineering achievements.
- Strong track record of industry engagement, including partnerships with government and professional associations.
- Exceptional planning, organisational, and multitasking capabilities to manage concurrent strategic initiatives.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills to influence senior-level decision-making.
- Proven experience in mentoring, performance management, and building high-performing teams.
- Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
- Open to candidates from academia, industry, government, or applied research organisations.
- No specific nationality restrictions mentioned, but visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
- No age or residency restrictions explicitly stated.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28 (Australia/Sydney)
Applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter outlining how their skills, capabilities, and experience meet the role requirements. Applications are to be submitted via the University of Sydney’s application portal. For further details, refer to the candidate information brochure available at the provided link.
- CV
- Cover letter outlining qualifications and experience
- Candidate information brochure (optional reference)
Contact
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