Associate Professor - Mechanics & Design of Structure in North East

Salary, Level D – AUD $185,917 to $204,218 per annum + 17% superannuation

Full time 2-Year Convertible Tenure Track or continuing

Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

The Opportunity

Join the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW as an Associate Professor in a Teaching and Research role. As an Associate Professor, you will be a leader at one of Australia’s premier engineering schools, where you’ll drive impactful research in mechanics and the design of structures while shaping the next generation of engineers. With established strengths in solid mechanics, multiscale computational modelling, optimisation, and digital twin simulation, UNSW offers an exceptional environment for ambitious academics who want to contribute to world‑class innovation, inspire student learning, and help advance the future of safe, high‑performance, and sustainable structural design.

We are seeking a candidate with a proven research background and strong educational experience in Mechanics and Design of Structures, with a focus on computational mechanics, structural optimisation, and advanced manufacturing applications. To be suitable for this role, you will have a proven research and publication record, as well as a teaching background in engineering mechanics, solid mechanics, structural design, and related computational or experimental methods.

This is an opportunity to join a global leader in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, with cutting‑edge facilities, world‑class faculty, and an innovative research environment. With strong industry partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, UNSW provides unparalleled opportunities for career growth, collaboration, and impact. This role reports to the Head of School and has no direct reports.

About UNSW

UNSW is a world‑leading institution recognised for its scale, prestige, and impact. With strong industry engagement and partnerships across sectors, UNSW provides a unique environment where academic expertise translates into real‑world outcomes. The university is home to cutting‑edge research that drives innovation and societal progress, while its excellence in teaching ensures students are prepared to lead in their fields. For academics, UNSW offers an outstanding platform to flourish — combining world‑class facilities, collaborative networks, and a culture of innovation that supports both career growth and meaningful contributions to the wider community.

The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is internationally recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Our mission is to nurture students to become industry leaders who will generate societal, economic, and environmental benefits. The School is one of the largest and most prestigious schools in Australia for thriving research programs and contribution to education excellence in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, and Mechatronic Engineering. Our Schools QS ranking for 2025 is #46 globally and the highest in Australia.

Skills & Experience

• PhD in an area of direct relevance, including but not limited to Mechanical, Aerospace, Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing, and Nuclear Engineering
• Significant portfolio of scientific research in engineering mechanics, mechanics of solids, dynamics, design for manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing
• Significant experience and achievements in translating research results into practical outcomes
• Demonstrated teaching expertise, experience in pedagogical development, and capacity for development of alternative delivery models for teaching, including online and blended delivery
• Excellent level of communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff
• Demonstrated experience of supervising higher degree research students
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships
• Willingness to undertake any compliance and supervisor training as required
• Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

To Apply

If you are an established academic seeking to further your career in a senior role that provides the opportunity to lead significant research initiatives, deliver high‑quality teaching, and contribute to the strategic direction of the School, we encourage you to click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter, and systematic responses to the Skills and Experience. If you’re excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn’t align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply. If you have had any interruption in your career, you are encouraged to include a ROPE Statement as part of your application.

For Information On ROPE Please Check here.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries, please contact Prof Chun Wang (Head of School) E: chun.h.wang@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Consultant) E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:50 pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday 22 April 2026

Pre-Employment Checks

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW. UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.