Academic Director - Research & Prototype Foundry

• We are seeking to appoint an Academic Director, Research and Prototype Foundry

• Located in Camperdown

• 5-year fixed term position

About the opportunity

The Research and Prototype Foundry (RPF) is the University of Sydney’s core research facility providing access for researchers to state-of-the-art capabilities in micro and nano fabrication. RPF offers access to a substantial suite of advanced equipment and world-class expertise for the fabrication of devices and structures with features on the micro and nanoscale.

We serve a wide user base from academia and industry, providing access to specialised processes allowing users to prototype new optical chips, electronic devices and new quantum science and technology devices.

This is a University-wide academic leadership role that is a conduit into the University leadership, decision making, and strategy. Concomitantly, it is an academic appointment, where the successful applicant will balance academic leadership and personal scholarship. The Academic Director works with key stakeholders to determine the needs and opportunities, and to develop strategies to enhance the capabilities and engage with major initiatives to build a reputation for global leadership in science and technology based on micro and nanofabrication. The role is responsible for the management of the significant resources allocated to the RPF, including the workforce, the extensive suite of equipment and the specialized laboratories, to ensure the operation of a world-leading micro and nanofabrication, shared user access facility, serving the research needs of University of Sydney researchers, collaborators, and industry partners.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

The successful candidate will have:

• Doctorate in a relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience

• A strong research track record in a closely related field such as semiconductor, quantum, or photonic device fabrication; ideally in advanced packaging / heterogeneous integration / hybrid integration.

• A strong understanding of micro and nanofabrication processes and the role that these can play in a variety of disciplines and how this capability can support the University’s research strategy

• Effective management of diverse stakeholder groups across large or complex projects, and the ability to develop productive relationships with industry providers and key users

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with a variety of matters

• Evidence of a capacity to successfully support and facilitate the research agenda of users/colleagues via mentoring/advising/collaboration or other influence

• Evidence of an understanding of the leading relevant national and international networks that operate in the micro and nanofabrication and advanced packaging space, and a capacity to influence these.

• Proven leadership and management experience at a senior level with evidence of an ability to provide overall strategic alignment within and between institutions/organisations.

Term and remuneration

This appointment will be offered full time on a 5-year fixed term basis with the understanding that the Academic Director position will be 0.8FTE and supported by a 0.2FTE appointment in a cognate School. The appointment is subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Applicants are encouraged to engage in discussions with Professor Simon Fleming to explore how this opportunity can be tailored to meet their professional needs prior to application submission, reflecting our commitment to flexibility and alignment with individual career trajectories, wherever possible.

Existing staff of the University are asked to provide a letter from their Head of School or equivalent indicating that they

(i) are supportive of this development step in your personal career,

(ii) recognise that this is part of the school and faculty’s broader contributions to academic leadership at the University, and (iii) confirm that satisfactory school and faculty consultation has occurred, and that the arrangement has the support of relevant stakeholders.

Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required.

How to apply

Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) must be submitted via the link above. Please refer to the candidate information brochure for further details.

Candidate Information Brochure

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a copy of the candidate information brochure, a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact:

Lucy Porter (Senior Talent Partner, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources) on + 61 429 771 115 or by email [email protected]

For role specific questions please email Professor Simon Fleming via [email protected]

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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 as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

© The University of Sydney

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

Applications Close

Wednesday 01 May 2024 11:59 PM