Lecturer/Senior Lecturer - Mechatronics

The University of Auckland is seeking a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Mechatronics Engineering to join the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. The role involves conducting high-quality research in Mechatronics, supervising research, and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Candidates with an interest in intelligent mechatronic devices and systems, particularly in areas like robotics, biomechatronics, smart manufacturing, and AI-driven systems, are encouraged to apply. The position requires developing research collaborations and attracting funding, contributing to curriculum development, and performing departmental service roles.

Must Have

• A PhD in Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related area
• Teaching experience and a commitment to student success
• An excellent track record of published research in Mechatronics Engineering or a related field
• A collaborative approach, coupled with strong communication skills
• A commitment to supporting a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and students

Perks & Benefits

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave
• Career development programs
• Discounted car parking
• Generous parental leave allowance
• Childcare
• Discounts on internal and external services

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s #1 university: it is ranked 65th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2026. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of New Zealand’s largest employers.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Lecturer (Assistant Professor in USA) / Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor in USA) in Mechatronics Engineering to join the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

In this role, you will undertake high quality research in the general area of Mechatronics, to supervise research and to teach in areas compatible with the interests and activities of the department. Candidates working in or having interest in intelligent mechatronic devices and systems are encouraged to apply. Your research will reflect the interdisciplinary nature of mechatronics, integrating mechanical, electrical, software and biological systems, and aim to deliver economic, social or health impact in one or more of the following application areas:

• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Biomechatronics and medical systems
• Smart manufacturing
• AI-driven mechatronics systems
• Advanced sensing and actuation
• Transportation (e.g. autonomous, aerospace, automotive)

You will be required to develop research collaborations with researchers both within and outside of the department and attract research funding, nationally and/or internationally.

You will contribute to our taught programmes in areas relevant to your specialisation. You will also be committed to the development and delivery of curricula and courses. You will teach Engineering courses across our undergraduate Mechatronics specialisation (Mechatronic systems, Software, Design), contribute to postgraduate course development, and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to advance the department’s teaching and research excellence. You will also contribute to the wider activities of the relevant research and teaching groups and perform service roles for the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering.

This is a permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) academic position. The salary range for this role is NZ $97,831 - $142,883 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information, please review the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Engineering and Design is a leader of research, innovation, and education across engineering, architecture, urban planning, and design. With over 5,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the Faculty fosters critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering seeks to generate new knowledge and design solutions for real-world problems, through our research and innovation. By placing students at the centre of our teaching approach, we aim to develop the creative, analytical and practical engineers of tomorrow. Our department is highly ranked internationally, and is composed of approximately 30 academic and 15 technical staff, 600 undergraduates and 140 postgraduate students. We provide BE (Hons) degree programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, together with a range of postgraduate taught courses.

We offer a diverse, inclusive and active community for research at and above postgraduate level, and are proud of our strong international reputation for the quality of our research outputs, and our track record of implementing and commercialising research. Our research activities broadly concern aerodynamics, thermofluids, space, smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, mechatronics, acoustics, dynamics, control, industrial automation, micro-systems and smart materials, polymers and composites, medical devices and rehabilitation robotics. We have collaborative links with research groups and industry within New Zealand and across the world.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are looking for an outstanding academic and emerging global leader who will contribute to high-quality teaching, innovative and impactful research, and meaningful engagement with industry and the academic community.

You will possess or demonstrate:

• A PhD in Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related area.
• Teaching experience and a commitment to student success - preferably at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and/or experience in industry.
• An excellent track record of published research in Mechatronics Engineering or a related field, appropriate to the appointment level sought.
• A collaborative approach, coupled with strong communication skills.
• A commitment to supporting a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and students.

We welcome applications from early-career academics. We also encourage applications from people who identify with groups that are typically underrepresented in the Engineering sector:

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by 12th January 2026, to be considered. Please include:

Cover Letter: Maximum 2-3 pages, A4, 11 points, highlighting how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role. Please also include

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include personal and contact details, education and qualifications, employment history, a list of peer-reviewed publications (accepted or published), and the names and contact details of 2–3 referees.

Research Statement / Research Plan: Maximum 2–3 pages, A4, 11 points, including current and past research, short-, medium-, and long-term research vision, details of research funding received, and the impact of that research.

Teaching Philosophy: Maximum 2–3 pages, A4, 11 points, outlining teaching approach, innovations, methods, and relevant teaching and supervision experience. Candidates should also include their vision for AI-enabled pedagogy.

Please note that we may close the advert earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Professor Simon Bickerton - s.bickerton@auckland.ac.nz . Please note that applications sent via email will not be accepted.

Additional Information

To be considered for this role, you must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid New Zealand work visa.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz._

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz_