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Continuing Academic Position in Mechanical Engineering

The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) at the University of Adelaide is seeking applications for a full-time, continuing position in the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering. This is a teaching and research role available at the Lecturer or Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor level. 

The School welcomes outstanding applicants in all areas of mechanical engineering with demonstrable strong research and teaching experience in, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Materials and Structures: Advanced materials (e.g., flexible materials, metamaterials, smart materials, composites), Materials modelling and simulation, Advanced manufacturing, Additive manufacturing, Aerospace structures, Mechanics of materials, Structural mechanics, Fracture mechanics, Nanomechanics, MEMS and NEMS, Computational mechanics, Structural health monitoring, Multifunctional and adaptive structures.
• Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Prosthetics and medical devices, Biomechanical materials and tissue engineering, Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal biomechanics, Orthopaedic biomechanics, Computational biomechanics, Biofluid mechanics, Biomechatronics, Artificial organs, Nanofluidics.
• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Compressible flows, Environmental fluid mechanics, Flow control and optimisation, Fluid-structure interaction, Wave energy, Wind energy, Multiphase flows and complex fluids, Turbulence and transition, Newtonian and non-Newtonian flows, Reactive flows, Microfluidics , Heat transfer, Experimental techniques.
• Dynamics and Control Systems: Vibration and acoustics control, Thermoacoustic, Underwater acoustics, Aerospace dynamics and flight control, Robotics and automation, Human-robot interaction, Novel sensors and actuators, Mechatronics and embedded systems, Computational dynamics and simulations, Avionics, Autonomous systems, Control and signal processing, Bio-inspired systems, Non-linear dynamics, Vehicle dynamics, Adaptive control, Smart control.
• Sustainable Engineering and Renewable Energy: Renewable energy technologies (e.g., wind, wave, solar), Sustainable design and development, Sustainable transportation systems, Hydrogen fuel and battery technologies, Energy efficiency and conservation, Environmental impact of engineering solutions, Recyclable materials, Sustainable materials, Thermal storage, Clean energy

Our School is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we enthusiastically encourage applications from individuals who can enrich the fabric of our community. The University provides a range of professional development opportunities, including our Academic Mentoring for Women Program (AMW), designed to empower and support women in advancing their careers, based on this we encourage female applicants to apply.

The University of Adelaide, Australia's third-oldest university and a member of the elite Go8 universities, is ranked 82nd place in the QS world rankings. The University of Adelaide's Engineering program is ranked no. 46 in the world in the US News and World Reports Best Global Universities Subject Ranking. Situated amidst the captivating landscapes of South Australia, which boasts the distinction of being the tenth most liveable city globally*, Adelaide offers an exceptional environment for both living and working. With its relaxed atmosphere, safety, lack of pollution, and ease of navigation, this city of approximately 1.4 million residents is nestled between picturesque beaches and stunning hills.

Lecturer (Level B, $114,917 - $135,932 per annum) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

To be successful at Level B you will need:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline, with expertise in a recognised specialisation.
• Ability to conduct high quality research with increasing independence that supports the School's research strengths as listed.
• Proven research record, with publications in high-quality journals or conferences.
• Willingness to supervise or co-supervise postgraduate students.
• Ability to teach effectively using evidence-based pedagogy that promotes student learning.
• Evidence of reflective practice in curriculum, learning, and teaching.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Senior Lecturer (Level C, $140,127 – $161,145 per annum) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

 To be successful at Level C you will need:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline, with expertise in a recognised specialisation.
• Substantial record of high-quality publications.
• Demonstrated ability to win significant research funding through competitive and industry funding programmes.
• Demonstrate expertise to achieve national recognition through independent and innovative contributions to research in the discipline.
• Substantial record of success in effective teaching and course coordination using evidence-based pedagogy that promotes student engagement.
• Leads teams in evidence-based design and development of learning activities, assessments and content, at the course level.
• Demonstrated ability to attract and supervise postgraduate students to successful completion.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability and willingness to engage with industry or external research organisations.
• Participation in University engagement and outreach activities.

Associate Professor (Level D, $168,146 – $184,955 per annum) plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

To be successful at Level D you will need:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline, with expertise in a recognised specialisation.
• Demonstrates independent and original contributions to research in their field of expertise which have a national impact.
• Evidences a consistent record of leadership and success in gaining research income including through nationally competitive grants and industry funding.
• Ability to lead major research programs and engages and supervises the work of other participants in significant research projects.
• Evidence of successful PhD completions as principal supervisor.
• Demonstrates teaching ability to maps and monitors the achievement of program learning outcomes, and implements program-level improvements.
• Ability to develop and lead innovation in curricula and programs to enhance the university's standing as a national leader in education.
• Demonstrates effective leadership to peers and colleagues.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to lead University outreach and engagement activities. 

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

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Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance.

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If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the 'Apply Now' button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, Monday 1 December 2025

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

We understand that a career change is a big decision. This role may even have you considering a move to Adelaide to embark on your next career chapter?

For further information

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this role, please contact us for a confidential discussion:

Name: Dr Rey Chin
Position: Discipline Lead (Mechanical Engineering)
email address:

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application

Download the Position Description