Lead one of Australia's premier robotics centres to shape the future of autonomous systems through world-class research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Five-year fixed-term position with an attractive remuneration package, including the possibility of a substantive continuing academic appointment at Level D/E or Professor of Practice depending on candidate profile.

About the prospect
The Faculty of Engineering seeks to appoint an exceptional academic or industry leader as Director of the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR). The ACFR is a global leader in robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines, recognised for its pioneering research and real-world impact across industry and government.
Appointed at an appropriate senior academic level (Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Practice), the Director will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership to ensure ACFR remains at the forefront of robotics research and innovation. They will lead the Centre's strategic direction, research performance, financial sustainability, and engagement with industry, government, and international collaborators. Working closely with the Associate Dean (Research), the Dean, Heads of School, and senior University leaders, the Director will align ACFR's strategy with institutional priorities in robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems. Externally, they will represent ACFR to national and global partners, strengthening its reputation as Australia's leading robotics research hub.
Exceptional leaders from academia, industry, government, or applied research organisations are encouraged to apply. The substantive academic appointment will be tailored to the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, and career trajectory. The Director may also contribute to teaching, supervision, mentoring, or professional training in line with their academic level.
About you (Skills, capabilities and experience)
You will be an accomplished academic or industry leader with deep expertise in robotics or autonomous systems and a demonstrated record of excellence in research, translation, or major engineering achievements.
Candidates without a higher education qualification but with exceptional professional achievements and recognised leadership in robotics or autonomous systems may be considered for appointment as Professor of Practice.
The successful candidate will:
hold a PhD or equivalent terminal qualification in robotics, autonomous systems, or a closely related field
demonstrate excellence in robotics and autonomous systems through scholarly outputs, major engineering achievements, translational impact, or commercial innovation
be recognised internationally as a leading authority in robotics or related domains, evidenced through significant achievements, honours, or leadership roles
demonstrate a strong track record of industry engagement, including partnerships with government, industry, and professional associations
possess strong planning and organisational capabilities, with the ability to deliver multiple concurrent strategic initiatives
show excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the capacity to influence and inspire at senior levels
have proven people leadership experience, including mentoring, performance management, and building high-performing teams




foster a collaborative and inclusive culture, with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
contribute to teaching, supervision, mentoring, or professional training in line with the substantive academic appointment.

Sponsorship / work rights forAustralia
Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required.
Term and remuneration
This is a Full-time, Fixed term chance for 5 years.The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellenceand we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women ,people living with a disability ,people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify asLGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .
How to apply
Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via theApplybutton at the top of the page. Please refer to the candidate information brochure for further details.
Candidate information brochure can be downloaded via this link:
The University has engaged executive search firm The Insight Group to assist with this appointment. The Insight Group team will support the Selection Committee to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates and to assess candidates against the requirements for the role.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Rohan Carr,



Director The Insight Group, email:****** , P: ***************
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Applications Close
Wednesday 28 October *******:59 PM
The University of Sydney was established in **** and is consistently recognised, both locally and internationally, for its outstanding teaching and research excellence. Sydney alumni include Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, Nobel Prize winners and leaders in every field of endeavour.
The University offers a comprehensive range of courses, including a number of disciplines unique in Australia. Teaching is spread across nine different state-of-the art campuses, located across New South Wales.
The University of Sydney's commitment to excellence in research has resulted in an outstanding record in national competitive funding and underpins an approach to teaching which has won nominations for excellence and resulted in high student satisfaction ratings. The University has 78 research centres and institutes and is home to three ARC Centres of Excellence.
The teaching, research and cultural life of the University is supported by extensive facilities, including the largest library collection in the Southern Hemisphere, the world-class Nicholson Museum of archaeological antiquities, the Macleay Museum of natural history and ethnographic collections and the University Art Gallery. Its outstanding sporting and recreation facilities provide a training centre for students and Olympic athletes.
The University of Sydney is a key member of the Group of Eight Australian major research-intensive universities, and the Worldwide Universities Network.
Campuses
The University of Sydney has nine official campuses.
1. Camperdown/Darlington Campus.
2. Cumberland Campus. Home to the Faculty of Health Sciences (based in Lidcombe).
3. Mallett Street Campus. Home of the Sydney Nursing School.
4. Sydney Conservatorium of Music Campus. In Macquarie Street, central Sydney.
5. Rozelle Campus. Home to Sydney College of the Arts.
6. Surry Hills Campus. Home to the Faculty of Dentistry.
7. Camden Campus. Contains facilities connected to the Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment.
8. Burren Street Campus. Facilties are currently under development.
9. Sydney Medical School campuses. These include the School of Rural Health (in Dubbo and Orange), the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Concord Hospital, Westmead Hospital, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Nepean Hospital, Northern Clinical School, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, and Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health.
Faculties
The University of Sydney has 16 faculties.
1. Agriculture and Environment
2. Architecture, Design and Planning
3. Arts and Social Sciences
4. Business (Business School)
5. Dentistry
6. Education and Social Work
7. Engineering and Information Technologies
8. Health Sciences
9. Law (Sydney Law School)
10. Medicine (Sydney Medical School)
11. Nursing and Midwifery
12. Pharmacy
13. Science
14. Sydney College of the Arts
15. Sydney Conservatorium of Music
16. Veterinary Science
Number of Employees
Full-time employees: ****
For more information, please visit: /

📌 Director, Australian Centre For Robotics (Sydney)
🏢 The Insight Group
📍 Sydney