POSITION DESCRIPTION - Department of Engineering Science and ...

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Organisation Unit: Mechanical Engineering
Reference Number: 1313003
Type of Employment: Continuing, full time. For suitably qualified applicants, the University is
willing to consider a fractional appointment in recognition of family and/or
carer commitments.
Classification: Level B (Lecturer) / Level C (Senior Lecturer)
Remuneration: Level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and
experience.
Closing Date: 20 October 2008
Gross salary package consisting of:
Academic Level B (Lecturer): $79,840 to $94,810 per annum
Academic Level C (Senior Lecturer): $97,804 to $112,774 per annum
A base salary package consisting of:
Academic Level B (Lecturer): $68,239 to $81,034 per annum
Academic Level C (Senior Lecturer): $83,593 to $96,388 per annum
Plus employer superannuation of up to 17%; and any other cash benefits,
such as allowances or loadings.
Appointments on a short term contract basis qualify for 9% of employer
contribution.
For staff entitled to 17% employer contributions, UniSuper does not
mandate a level of member contribution to superannuation. However, in
order to receive the full standard range of benefits under UniSuper, the
member must pay 7% contribution from their salary (or a salary sacrifice
equivalent contribution of 8.25%). It will be assumed that a 7% member
contribution will apply unless the member formally notifies UniSuper of a
decision of pay a lesser member contribution (or no member contribution).
Other options for salary sacrifice include a motor vehicle, laptop computer,
campus car parking and "in-house" benefits
Further Information: Associate Professor David Mee, telephone +61 7 3365 4414
Organisational Environment
BACKGROUND
The School of Engineering at The University of Queensland is renowned for its world-class
engineering education, pioneering research and high quality graduates. The School conducts
undergraduate teaching for ten of the sixteen engineering study areas offered at The University of
Queensland. Boasting an annual research income in excess of $22 million, the School is one of the
leading providers of engineering research in Australia and houses more than 400 world-class academic

staff, research fellows and postgraduate research students. Strong links between the School and
industry have brought about a number of strategic industry partnerships.
The School of Engineering is comprised of the Divisions of Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Materials,
Mechanical and Mining Engineering. There are also programs in Aerospace, Biological and
Metallurgical Engineering. The Head of School is assisted in the management of academic functions
by executive, research and teaching and learning committees.
The Division of Mechanical Engineering is a major component of the school. It is responsible for
undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Mechanical and Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering and shares responsibility for Mechatronic Engineering with the School of Information
Technology and Electrical Engineering. Across these three undergraduate programs, there are over 500
students in years 2, 3 and 4, and 50 higher degree students. Undergraduate student numbers are
expected to increase in the coming years. The Division has research strengths in hypersonics, mining
machinery, energy, fluid mechanics, railway engineering, MEMS, advanced dynamics, quantitative
structural health monitoring, and quantitative non-destructive evaluation, combustion and automation.
There are externally funded chairs in Hypersonics and Smart Mining Machines. The Division is
associated with three CRCs: Mining, Rail and Advanced Composite Systems. The Division has
extensive laboratory and workshop facilities for research and teaching. It has a long record of academic
achievement and research leadership. It is among the leaders in mechanical engineering education and
research in Australia and has world standing in several research areas.
Details of the School’s teaching, research, alumni and industry activities are found on the School’s web
site at http://www.uq.edu.au/engineering/
Information for Prospective Staff
Information about the University, State of Queensland, living in Brisbane and employment at the
University is at the University’s web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/) For a comprehensive guide to
family friendly work practices and services visit the Work and Family web site at
http://www.uq.edu.au/gender_equity/famwork.html
The University of Queensland Enterprise agreement (Academic Staff) outlines the position
classification standards for Levels A to E.
Primary Purpose of Position
DUTY STATEMENT
The primary purpose of the position is to
• engage, as a lecturer (Level B) or senior lecturer (Level C) in undergraduate and postgraduate
teaching, postgraduate supervision and further development of the School’s Mechanical
Engineering programs;
• perform research in the area of mechanical engineering; and
• perform administrative and other activities (e.g. community engagement, liaison with industry)
associated with the School.
Duties
Teaching and Learning
Teach undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and research higher degree students including -
o development of course (subject) material, including web based delivery when
appropriate;
o coordination of course delivery;
o delivery of lectures, tutorials and/or practicals/laboratory classes;
o design, delivery and grading of assessment; and

o supervision of honours and postgraduate students;
• Consult with students on a range of academic matters including providing feedback on
assessment, development of study plans, etc.; and
• Provide support for other staff during absences (e.g. during study or parental leave).
Additional duties – Level C
• Provide leadership in program development.
Research
• Conduct research and publish scholarly papers in highly ranked, refereed national and
international journals, books and conference proceedings;
• Develop a program of fundamental, applied and/or contract research in the area of mechanical
engineering;
• Actively seek research funding from internal and external sources including the
Commonwealth research granting agencies, the state government and industry; and
• Develop joint research projects with colleagues and postgraduates.
Community Service
• Undertake activities to improve the School’s relationships with industry, government
departments, professional bodies and the wider community.
Administration
• Perform a range of administrative functions in the Division of Mechanical Engineering and
School of Engineering (e.g. advising students, coordinating seminars, coordinating student
activities); and
• Contribute to the Division’s and School’s decision making processes including serving on
Division/School committees; and
Other
• Comply with the University’s Code of Conduct (see the University’s web site at
http://www.uq.edu.au/staff/employment/).
• Comply with requirements of Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation
and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or School.
Reporting Relationships
The position reports through the Head of Division to the Head of School.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Qualifications
Essential
• A PhD in the area of Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
• Demonstrated expert knowledge in mechanical engineering or related discipline;
• Ability to develop innovative research programs in mechanical engineering;
• Demonstrated teaching skills at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (Level C);
• Ability to supervise postgraduate student theses;
• Ability (for level C, demonstrated ability) to establish effective relationships and to represent
and promote Mechanical Engineering at a university and wider community level, including
industry, government and professional bodies.

Desirable
• Research experience in one or more of hypersonics, aerospace engineering, smart machines or
energy, particularly geothermal energy.
• Ability to teach across a broad range of courses in mechanical, aerospace and mechatronic
engineering.
Experience
Essential
• Demonstrated record of publication in highly ranked, refereed journals.
• Evidence of independent contribution to research including, for Level C applicants, successful
external grant applications.
• For Level C applicants, evidence of successful supervision of higher degree research students
Desirable
• For Level C applicants, experience in curriculum design in mechanical engineering
• Experience in liaising and collaborating with external agencies to develop cooperative research
initiatives.
• Prior teaching experience at tertiary level.
Personal Qualities
Essential
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and other staff of the University;
• Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to relate well to students.
• An enjoyment of, and interest in, contributing to high quality teaching and research.
Seminar
Applicants invited for interview will be expected to present a seminar in conjunction with the selection
interview process.
Applications must consist of the following:
APPLICATION
1. Covering Letter. The covering letter should include the vacancy reference number, your contact
address, telephone number and the names and contact details (address, phone, fax and e-mail) of
three referees, including if possible a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the Head of
your organisation unit) closely associated with your current work. It is an opportunity in not more
than one page to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for
the role.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae. A resume is a brief history of your employment and experience
that covers the following areas:
• educational qualifications and professional affiliations that detail the full title of the
qualification, the year awarded and the title of the institution attended;
• employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying
dates of employment, title of the position, name of employer, main duties or
accountabilities and achievements.
• research fields and current interests, publications (full list as attachment with three most
significant marked with an asterisk), research grants awarded and, if applicable, details of
teaching evaluation.

3. Selection Criteria. A statement addressing how each of the selection criteria have been met is
required to assist the Selection Committee determine whether you have the relevant qualifications,
knowledge/skills, experience and personal qualities.
Applications are to be sent to:
Brianna Thompson
Human Resources Officer
Faculty of Engineering Physical Sciences and Architecture
The University of Queensland
Brisbane QLD 4072
Australia
Or e-mail: applications@epsa.uq.edu.au
Please note:
• applications should be typed;
• please do not send applications that are bound, or enclosed in plastic or manilla folders;
• simply staple the application at the top left hand corner; and
• retain a copy for your reference, because the University does not return copies to
applicants.
SELECTION PROCESS
A Selection Committee will consider all applications and shortlist candidates for interview who
appear to meet the selection criteria at the highest level. They will be invited to attend an interview
and the remaining unsuccessful applicants will be notified accordingly.
An invitation to attend an interview provides an opportunity to provide further information to the
Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the selection criteria or demonstrate your
capabilities. Please note that for some positions, interviews may be conducted by teleconference in
the first instance.
The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior to interview,
before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the preferred candidate. The purpose of
referee checks is to obtain, in confidence, factual information about your past work history, as well as
opinions regarding the quality of your work, behaviour in the work place and suitability for the
position. Referee reports may be sought orally, or for academic staff, in writing by post or e-mail.
Referees should normally include current supervisors or and/or managers. A referee must be able to
comment on your work experience, skills and performance with respect to the selection criteria.
Referee checks conducted after the interview process can sometimes delay notification of the
successful candidate and other interviewees.
If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to the position. Do
not take any action, such as resigning from your current position, before you receive a written offer of
appointment.
The University of Queensland is an equal opportunity employer.
Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.