sydney.edu.

au

Associate Dean
(Academic Affairs)
Faculty of Engineering
 sydney.edu.au
(Academic Affairs)
Associate Dean

Faculty of Engineering

Reference number: 1507/0719F

Closing date: Tuesday October 15 2019

Applications will start being reviewed

from this date onward and the position
will remain open until successfully
filled.

The University of Sydney

Contents

Advertisement������������������������������������������� 3
About the position������������������������������������ 4
About the Faculty of Engineering���������� 6
About the University����������������������������������7
Benefits of working here�������������������������� 8
Conditions of employment��������������������� 9
How to apply���������������������������������������������10
Page 2
Advertisement
Associate Dean (Academic Affairs)
Faculty of Engineering
Reference no. 1507/0719F

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is Australia’s premier University with an outstanding global reputation for academic and research
excellence, and employs over 7,500 permanent staff supporting over 70,000 students.

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney is one of the largest and preeminent faculties of its kind in the world;

sydney.edu.au
ranked in the global top 40 (QS 2018). The faculty is one of the largest at the University and is known globally for the quality
education program and its graduates, its research impact and industry connections. The faculty is a world leader in
generating smarter technology and driving real impact through engineering and technology innovation.

We are seeking to appoint a distinguished senior academic as Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) to support all academic
staff in achieving outstanding academic performance. Under the direction of the Dean, the Associate Dean (Academic
Affairs) will work to create and implement a culture that promotes and rewards excellence, develop and set academic
performance standards, and manage the allocation of supporting resources. We are looking for someone who is creative
and passionate about academic performance in engineering related fields and operates at the forefront of innovation in
the disciplines of engineering.

Term and remuneration

It is the intention that the Associate Dean term be for four years. This will be constructed as an initial two year appointment
followed by a performance evaluation and a potential further two year appointment. This position will also be supported by
an underlying continuing position as a full professor. A competitive salary will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Relocation assistance may also be provided if required.

How to apply
The University has engaged executive search firm Perrett Laver to assist with this appointment. Perrett Laver 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 an initial discussion about the role, please contact Sophia Ha, Research Associate, at sophia.ha@perrettlaver.com
or on +61 2 8354 4026. For more information and to submit your application please visit the Perrett Laver website at
candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 4320.

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 15 October 2019

Applications will start being reviewed from this date onward and the position will remain open until successfully filled.

Protecting your personal data is of the upmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously.
Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection
The University of Sydney

legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and transferred to our clients for
the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in.

As defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor,
and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interest’. You have the right to object to us processing
your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please
visit our website http://www.perrettlaver.com/information/privacy-policy/

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as
LGBTIQ; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are encouraged.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

© The University of Sydney

Page 3
About the position

Primary Functions
The Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) aims to support all academic staff in the Faculty of Engineering to achieve
outstanding academic performance, through creating an appropriate culture that promotes and rewards excellence,
through suitable development and setting of standards, and through allocation of supporting resources.

The Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) has primary responsibility for all matters relating to academic staff, including
recruitment, probation, confirmation, mentoring, remuneration, promotion, performance evaluation and retirement.

sydney.edu.au
In addition, the Associate Dean (Academic Affairs), critically evaluates and implements enhancements of the faculty’s
processes for academic staff, undertakes regular reviews of the schools within the faculty, proposes academic staff for
internal and external awards, and oversees sabbatical leave and visiting academic staff appointments.

Reporting to the Dean, the position of Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) is a member of the faculty leadership team that
is collectively responsible for setting and implementing the strategic priorities of the faculty and their alignment to the
overall University strategic plan. The Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) works primarily with the Dean, the Associate Deans
for Education and for Research, the Heads of Schools, and the Vice-Provost (Academic Performance). The Associate
Dean (Academic Affairs) represents the faculty on related University Executive committees, provides input to discussions
and decision making at the University level and reports back to the faculty from University-wide discussions regarding
academic affairs.

The Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) demonstrates and promulgates the values of the University in relation to its people,
culture and the provision of a safe working environment for all staff and students.

Key accountabilities
The Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) is responsible for:

1) W
 ith respect to all matters relating to academic staff, including recruiting, probation, confirmation, promotion,
performance evaluation and retirement, for maintenance of high standards, conduct according to University Rules and
Regulations, expedient handling of outcomes, and promotion of diversity.

2) W
 ith respect to all matters relating to academic staff, including recruiting, probation, confirmation, promotion,
performance evaluation and retirement, for the dissemination of information to relevant parties.

3) W
 ith respect to all matters relating to academic staff, including recruiting, probation, confirmation, promotion,
performance evaluation and retirement, for the evaluation and improvement of processes within the faculty, and input
into discussions on the evaluation and improvement of processes at the University level.

4) The establishment and evaluation of processes for periodic evaluation of all aspects of the schools within the faculty.
The University of Sydney

5) A
 s part of the faculty leadership team, for the development and implementation of the faculty strategic plan and its
alignment with the University strategic plan.

6) A
 s part of the faculty leadership team, for the management of risk and workplace health and safety for the faculty and
its related entities, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff, continuous monitoring and evaluation of risks and
opportunities for improvement, in line with University policy and legislative and regulatory requirements, and ensuring
compliance with University of Sydney WHS Management System, including WHS Policies and Procedures.
Page 4
About the position

Selection criteria

Professor: Candidates must meet the below criteria to be eligible for appointment at Level E.
Criterion Essential Desirable

1. A PhD (or equivalent) in a STEM discipline. 

sydney.edu.au
2. K
 nowledge and understanding of the current key strategic issues in the higher education sector. 

3. Demonstrated experience and expertise in driving standards for academic performance. 

4. Well-developed consultation and communication skills. 

5. E xperience in people leadership and engagement within the higher education sector. 

6. Understanding of governance, policy and compliance frameworks and ability to translate this into

operational plans and processes.

7. Understanding of and ability to contribute to developing and supporting an academic endeavour from

curriculum design to producing leading research, and providing a student enabling environment.

8. A
 n established network of relationships with key academic, industry and professional institutions,

partners and stakeholders that can be leveraged to enhance the standing of the faculty and University

9. D
 emonstrated understanding of the University’s organisational culture and values as outlined in the

2016-20 Strategic Plan.

10. Skills and demonstrated experience in delivering projects at the portfolio level in the higher education/

knowledge sector.

The University of Sydney

Page 5
About the Faculty of Engineering
Schools:
−− Biomedical Engineering
−− Electrical & Information Engineering
−− Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering
−− Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
−− Civil Engineering
−− Computer Science
The Faculty of Engineering is ranked 39th engineering and
technology universities in the world by QS World Rankings*
and 76th by Times Higher Education**. The Faculty also
obtained a ranking of 4 (“Above world standard”) for
engineering research performance in the Excellence in
Research for Australia*** rankings.
Research
Research undertaken within the Faculty of Engineering is
multidisciplinary and centred on the key themes of:
−− robotics and intelligent systems
−− AI and data science
−− Internet of Things and telecommunication
−− food products, process, and supply chain
−− biomedical engineering and technologies
−− materials and additive manufacturing
−− infrastructure and transport
These research themes break down conventional
disciplinary barriers and enable us to work collaboratively
to develop truly holistic solutions to today’s big issues.
Teaching and learning
Our diverse degree options cover biomedical, aeronautical,
space, mechanical, mechatronic, chemical and
biomolecular, civil, materials, electrical, power and
software engineering, along with information technology,
computer science and project management. Our students
can broaden their career options by combining their degree
with studies in architecture, arts, music, commerce, law,
medical science or science.
We also offer Advanced Engineering and Talented IT
programs to students with outstanding academic ability.
These students work at an advanced level in science,
engineering and IT units or in a small, supervised project
group tackling a specific engineering problem relevant to
the community.
We know that employers want well-rounded individuals
who embrace all the opportunities and challenges that
come their way. That’s why we work with hundreds of
organisations to support our students through leadership
development programs, scholarships, international
exchange, vacation work and industry sponsored projects.
Our students graduate with globally recognised
qualifications. Our engineering degrees are accredited
by Engineers Australia, our IT degrees are accredited
by the Australian Computer Society, our Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering degrees are accredited by
sydney.edu.au
the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and our
Master of Project Management by the Project Management
Institute Global Accreditation Centre for Project
Management Education Programs.
Partnerships
Our commitment to leadership extends beyond our teaching
and research. We partner and work in collaboration with
leaders from across business, industry and academia.
Our advisory boards have extensive industry experience
and members have diverse professional backgrounds
covering business, consulting, government, technology and
innovation.
We partner with many different organisations – from
large global companies to small business. Through these
partnerships, we foster innovation to deliver effective
outcomes for the professional, education and wider
communities.
We are committed to internationalising teaching, research
and industry collaboration. As one of the top 50 engineering
and technology universities in the world, we have developed
partnerships with key international institutions. We
encourage our staff, researchers and students to engage
in various forms of collaboration that deepen their
understanding and knowledge and broaden their global
outlook.
2019 faculty overview
Undergraduate students 6023
Postgraduate coursework students 2421
The University of Sydney
739
Postgraduate research students
Academic and Professional staff 482
For more information visit sydney.edu.au/engineering
* QS World Ranking by Faculty 2018: Engineering and Technology
** Times Higher Education 2018 Top 100 Universities: Engineering and
Technology
*** Excellence in Research for Australia 2015 rankings: University of
Sydney
Page 6
About the University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is a leading, comprehensive Our campuses

research and teaching university. We are committed to
harnessing the transformative power of education to foster
greater knowledge and a better understanding of the world
and its people.
We are highly influential in shaping Australia’s national
and international agenda, and delivering solutions to the
challenges facing society. We achieve this through critical
Located close to the heart of Australia’s largest and most
international city, our Camperdown/Darlington Campus
features a mixture of iconic Gothic-revival buildings and
state of-the-art teaching, research and student support
facilities.
The University also has an extensive footprint throughout

analysis, intellectual leadership and active contribution to
public debate.
Our primary objective is to create and sustain a university in
which, for the benefit of both Australia and the wider world,
the brightest researchers and the most promising students,
whatever their social or cultural background, can thrive and
realise their full potential.
This central purpose underpins our strategic goals. It
challenges us to develop and support a community of
scholars, where interdisciplinary research can flourish and
where the student experience is enriched.
To learn more about our strategic objectives, including
how we developed those goals and our progress towards
achieving them, visit sydney.edu.au/strategy/about
Our research
The University of Sydney is recognised as one of the best
universities in the world, with a breadth and depth of
disciplinary excellence unequalled by any other Australian
university.
Our research, all of which is ranked at world standard or
above (ERA 2018), is driven by the big picture and aims to
solve the most important problems and the most exciting
new challenges facing society.
The University of Sydney invests in research excellence.
Initiatives that contribute to outstanding research
outcomes are key to our University strategy and are
being supported by an unprecedented investment in our
sydney.edu.au
Sydney. Some faculties are based in Camperdown/
Darlington but have facilities elsewhere. For example,
Veterinary Science and Agriculture & Environment have
farms and research units at the Camden Campus, while
the Faculty of Medicine and Health has clinical schools
in hospitals across the city and in rural NSW with very
close cooperative links and affiliations with a range of
independent medical research institutes.
Other faculties and schools have their own dedicated
campuses, such as the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
in the central city, Sydney Dental School in Surry Hills
and Westmead, Health Sciences at Lidcombe (moving to
Camperdown Campus in 2020), and Sydney Nursing School
at Mallett Street, Camperdown.
Our researchers and students have access to excellent
library resources. These will soon be enhanced by a range of
new technology-enabled learning environments, thanks to a
project currently underway on the Camperdown/Darlington
Campus.
Useful links
Careers website: sydney.edu.au/recruitment
Home page: sydney.edu.au
Organisational structure: sydney.edu.au/about-us/
governance-and-structure/organisational-structure
Annual Report: sydney.edu.au/about-us/vision-and-values/
annual-report
News: sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news
Statistical snapshot 2018
The University of Sydney

research activities.
For more information about our research and its impact, Enrolments, total 70,401

visit sydney.edu.au/research Enrolments, international 28,231

Staff (full-time equivalent) 8789.7

Our teaching
Faculties and University schools 9
The University of Sydney attracts highly talented
Research centres and institutes 90+
undergraduate and postgraduate students, drawn by our
comprehensive range of quality degrees and a strong track Student:Staff ratio 16:1
record for postgraduate research programs.
ARC Centres of Excellence 11

Our students study alongside top researchers and, in some Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) 14
cases, contribute to their research. We expect them to HERDC research income (2017) $364 million
excel and challenge them to succeed as leaders in whatever
career field they choose. Sporting clubs 40+

Clubs and societies 200+

Page 7
Benefits of working here
At the University of Sydney we attract the most vibrant
thinkers to form a community dedicated to the pursuit of
transformative education and research.
Achieve your ambitions
If you want to engage with brilliant minds, are willing to push
boundaries, and believe in making a positive difference,
you’ve come to the right place. Our people come from
all cultures and backgrounds and enjoy a true sense of
community and belonging.
We recognise that our talented staff are invaluable and
we support them to achieve their career ambitions and
follow their dreams. Using our outstanding local and global
networks, we can offer flexibility, responsibility, personal and
professional development, and much more.
We reward our staff
We welcome open minds, curiosity, and a readiness to tackle
big questions – and we reward it accordingly. Our people
are part of an exciting environment where development
is encouraged and intellectual pursuits foster a sense of
purpose and confidence. We are also committed to diversity
and equal opportunity.
sydney.edu.au
In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a wide
variety of financial and non-financial benefits to our staff.
These include:
−− working arrangements which assist staff in managing
their work and personal/family responsibilities and
provide flexibility in meeting business needs.
−− family-friendly working hours
−− generous leave entitlements
−− a University contribution of up to 17% of base
salary to your superannuation (pension) fund
−− opportunities for tax-efficient salary packaging,
including motor vehicles, laptops and additional
personal contributions to your superannuation fund
−− a variety of training and development opportunities
−− exceptional health and wellbeing services, including
sports and fitness centres, medical clinics and free
counselling via the Employee Assistance Program
−− University Parents Network which offers support
to parents throughout the University
−− on-campus parking and convenient transport services
−− contribution to professional membership fees
−− a free Staff Benefits Program providing online discounts
across an extensive range of goods and services
−− access to the cultural life on campus which includes
our museums and art galleries; music and theatre
at the Conservatorium of Music and Seymour
Centre; and Sydney Ideas which is the University’s
The University of Sydney
premier public lecture series program that aims to
bring some of Sydney’s, Australia’s and the world’s,
leading thinkers to the wider Sydney community.
Page 8
Conditions of employment
This section provides a summary of conditions of
employment currently applicable to senior staff of the
University of Sydney. It has been prepared to provide
general guidance to prospective candidates, and does not
form part of the terms of any employment offer or any staff
member’s contract of employment.
The University of Sydney offers excellent employment
conditions and a highly rewarding working environment. We
seek to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, and
take pride in our reputation.
In addition to specific selection criteria for each role,
candidates must also demonstrate the following:
−− Equal employment opportunity/gender equality
Demonstrated understanding of the incorporation of the
principles of equal employment opportunity and gender
equality; and ability to work positively with staff and
students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
−− Work health and safety (WHS)
Understand your WHS responsibilities and actively ensure
the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others
at work in accordance with your delegated authority, as
described in the University WHS policy and guidelines.
Term of the position
It is the intention that the Associate Dean term be for
four years. This will be constructed as an initial two year
appointment followed by a performance evaluation and a
potential further two year appointment. This position will
also be supported by an underlying continuing position.
Academic planning and development
The academic planning and development process (AP&D)
helps academic staff at the University to reach their full
career potential and to achieve their work goals through:
−− setting clear expectations, actions and
priorities for the year ahead
−− providing professional development opportunities
−− enabling meaningful, open and regular review
discussions that incorporate coaching and mentoring.
Salary
The successful candidate will be offered an attractive
remuneration package commensurate with the
responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant
sydney.edu.au
experience and qualifications.
Salary sacrificing options are also available under the
University’s Flexible Remuneration Packaging Scheme.
Provision is also made for limited private consulting in
accordance with the University’s regulations.
A range of superannuation options will be available to the
successful candidate. By law, the University is required to
make employer superannuation contributions equivalent
to 10% of salary (called ‘Superannuation Guarantee’
contributions). The successful candidate may elect to
have Superannuation Guarantee contributions made
to a complying fund of their choice, or to have a higher
level of contributions (currently 17% of salary) made to
‘UniSuper’. The components of the successful candidate’s
remuneration package will reflect their choice of
superannuation arrangements.
Relocation assistance for candidates
moving to Sydney
Where the successful candidate is required to move to
Sydney from their present place of residence, the University
will assist with reasonable air travel and relocation
expenses for the candidate and accompanying family
members. Visa sponsorship will be made available if
required.
Sydney is acknowledged as the gateway to Australia – a
truly international location. Along with a cost of living
The University of Sydney
comparable to other major cities around the world,
Sydney’s world-renowned outdoor lifestyle makes it one
of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities in which to
live and work. Indeed it ranks in the top ten places to live in
the world and the Asia-Pacific in the Mercer 2018 Quality of
Living Survey.
See mercer.com/qualityofliving
Page 9
How to apply

Address for Applications For further information

The University has engaged executive search firm Perrett For an initial discussion about the role, please contact:
Laver to assist with this appointment. Perrett Laver will
support the selection committee to identify the widest Sophia Ha

sydney.edu.au
possible field of qualified candidates and to assess Research Associate, Perrett Laver
candidates against the requirements for the role. sophia.ha@perrettlaver.com
+61 2 8354 4026
To submit your application please visit the Perrett Laver
website at candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting For further information and to submit your application
reference 4320. please visit the Perrett Laver website at candidates.
perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 4320.
Prepare your application to include the below. Do not
submit more than one application per position.
Indicative dates
−− Covering letter including a statement that summarises Closing date for applications: Tuesday 15 October 2019
how your experience, skills, qualifications and
knowledge meet each of the selection criteria.
−− Response to each of the selection criteria. Applications will start being reviewed from this date onward
and the position will remain open until successfully filled.
−− Your curriculum vitae or resume including:
−− degrees, qualifications Commencement: To be negotiated
−− positions held (including details of the
most recent and significant career
appointments) and major achievements
−− details of management and/
or professional experience
−− current and proposed research interests
−− research outputs including a list of your
publications (in chronological order, with
your most recent publication listed first)
−− competitive grants won and current/
future involvement
−− courses taught, students supervised and
curriculum development activities
The University of Sydney

−− fellowships, professional memberships and

contributions to professional associations
−− contributions to your academic field, for example,
involvement with editorial and review boards,
invitations to conferences, consultancies undertaken

Include the names and contact details of a broad mix of a

minimum of five referees who can collectively comment on
all aspects of your background and experience.
Page 10