Te Tari PÅ«hanga PÅ«rere | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Te Kaupeka PÅ«hanga | Faculty of Engineering

Located in ÅŒtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Continuing (permanent) position

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do and Mōu | Who You Are

Applications are invited for a continuing position of Associate Professor/ Professor within our dynamic and growing Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.

We are looking for an outstanding candidate to grow the aerospace minor within the BE (Hons) programme in the department of mechanical engineering alongside existing academic colleagues. The successful applicant will be an active researcher with a proven record of working with industry, and help establish, as the inaugural Director, a new UC Aerospace Research Centre (term as Director will be for a minimum of three years, with extension of the Directorship possible by mutual consent).

This exciting opportunity has arisen because of a significant and increasing level of aerospace activity involving the University of Canterbury, regional, national, and international partners. New Zealand is at the leading edge of the space race and is the fourth largest player in the world.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery and development of our aerospace curriculum including supporting a very active student club. We invite applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas: avionics, aerodynamics (sub- to hypersonic), aeroacoustics, flight mechanics & control, aerospace structures, or other areas which will strengthen and complement the department's expertise. A PhD degree or equivalent with at least 10 years' experience in Aerospace Engineering in industry or academia is required for this position.

We are seeking candidates who are motivated to develop and maintain a vigorous research programme in their area(s) of expertise and who would relish collaboration with other researchers and industrial partners nationally and internationally. The University encourages interdisciplinary projects, and our department has strong links with industry and research groups in New Zealand and overseas to help the new appointee grow strong and productive networks. The laboratories are well equipped and housed in a spacious, modern building. Internal funding supports the purchase of capital equipment for research.

This position offers the opportunity to help further develop and enhance the Mechanical Engineering programme. The successful applicant will be required to deliver a core undergraduate course and to offer another course in line with their specific area of expertise.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The role of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to remain at the forefront of research and technology and preserve our strong international reputation for high quality teaching. We aim to constantly develop our alumni and industry partnerships, to provide students with an education that is relevant to industry at the highest level, and to expand the scope of our research expertise by attracting and retaining highly-skilled academic and support staff.

The Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree programme has grown significantly to 150 new students per year, and the Mechatronics programme to 100 per year.

We value manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha and these uara (values) guide our decisions and behaviour. Our values provide a roadmap for how we do things, affirming our commitment to the oranga (health, safety and wellbeing) of our students through mana-enhancing pastoral care and support. Ngā Uara challenge and inspire us to be the best we can be. They make UC a great place to work and study.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata TÅ«, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury stands for whanaungatanga - we value people and their differences, manaakitanga - we extend care and empower others, and tiakitanga - we will enhance and nurture our resources.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates, who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

We offer a range of fantastic benefits including flexible work practices, study opportunities and generous superannuation and leave provisions. For more information, please visit us:

For more information about the University of Canterbury, please visit

The closing date for this position is: Sunday 8th May 2022 (midnight NZ time)

Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.

PÄ“hea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted online through our careers website and should include:

• a 'cover letter' including a 2-3 page statement outlining your research interests and goals, teaching philosophy, and your thoughts on how to develop a successful Aerospace program in the Department.
• a 'resume' which includes a list of relevant research publications.

We do not accept applications by email; however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process. Please forward these to

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Prof Mathieu Sellier,

Important Information

This role requires that you are, and remain, fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including any periodic boosters required by law or required to obtain a My Vaccine Pass), during your employment with the University of Canterbury.

In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government have imposed travel restrictions and are currently only allowing New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents to enter the country.

In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government have imposed travel restrictions but have recently announced a five-step plan for a phased border re-opening. This phased re-opening will take some time and this may alter the nature of the standard interview process for offshore candidates, particularly at the on-site interview stage. To see how this might affect your application and for more information and updates on the border restrictions and phased re-opening, please visit the or the .