Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Mechatronics

Exciting Opportunity in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Canterbury

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week
• Generous annual leave provisions and professional development opportunities
• Enjoy living and working in the revitalised city of Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Pūkenga / Pūkenga Matua? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Position Overview

The University of Canterbury (UC) invites applications for a continuing (permanent) Lecturer/Senior Lecturer position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on mechatronics engineering. This is an opportunity to contribute to UC's growing impact on the national and international mechatronics and technology sector, supported by strong research infrastructure and a collaborative departmental environment. 

While the position is housed within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the successful applicant will operate within the Mechatronics Engineering programme, delivered jointly with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and across the wider Faculty of Engineering. Mechatronics at UC is inherently interdisciplinary, and the appointee will be expected to collaborate with existing staff and contribute to initiatives within this rapidly advancing field. 

Key Responsibilities

• Work with and grow research in the mechatronics systems field within the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
• Contribute to the undergraduate (BE(Hons)) mechatronics and mechanical engineering programmes by teaching design, dynamics, and control-related courses, using project-based teaching methods where appropriate.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with industry, public research organisations, and other relevant national and international stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide students, fostering the development of future professionals in the mechatronics and technology industries. 

Who You Are

We are looking for a passionate person who can contribute to the department's growth and UC's vision of being a leader in engineering research and education. 

The successful applicant will have a strong research record in sensors, robotics, and automation, with a focus on primary sector applications such as agricultural technology and precision farming. Sound research experience in other compatible areas of mechatronics will also be carefully considered, including biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, soft robotics, autonomous/unmanned systems, and sensor networks. 

Preference will be given to those with industry experience. We are seeking someone with either a strong and credible pathway to developing an extensive industry network, or an established network of industry partners that can be further developed. 

We are looking for enthusiasm for student learning and a positive attitude towards developing effective teaching methods. Previous teaching experience is preferred, including experience coordinating larger classes. A demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity, including supporting the success of women and underrepresented groups in STEM, is essential. We also welcome an open-minded viewpoint and a genuine commitment to embracing the University's dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand's bicultural heritage and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

To be successful in this role, you will hold a PhD in Engineering or a related field, although we will also consider those yet to graduate from their doctoral studies. We welcome applications across the Lecturer to Senior Lecturer academic levels, with skills and experience assessed against the expectations for each rank below.

At Lecturer rank you will have:

• An emerging research programme, with initial publications in relevant journals/conferences and a clear plan for building a research trajectory.
• Willingness and capacity to contribute to funded research and industry-linked projects, typically as part of a team rather than in a leading role.
• Sound, developing teaching ability across undergraduate mechatronics/mechanical engineering courses.
• Supervision of Honours projects and developing Masters/PhD supervision capability through co-supervision.
• Participation in departmental service and student engagement activities, with a willingness to contribute to degree programme development as required.

At Senior Lecturer rank you will have:

• An active and developing research programme with a growing publication record and emerging national profile.
• Ability to contribute to externally funded research and industry-linked projects.
• High-quality teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate mechatronics/mechanical engineering.
• Supervision of Honours/Masters students and developing PhD supervision capability.
• Contribution to development or enhancement of the degree programme, student engagement, and departmental service.

Partnerships & Collaboration

UC's Department of Mechanical Engineering is renowned for its strong industry and research partnerships, both within New Zealand and internationally. Our laboratories, modern facilities, and internal funding mechanisms provide the support and resources needed to establish and grow a successful academic career.

The appointee will play a role in fostering meaningful engagement with existing experts in mechatronic systems, dynamics and controls, sensors, and automation, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and help to guide our active, professional, student-led clubs.

Who you will work with

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. We value collegiality, collaboration, and innovation in engineering education and research. We value diversity among our staff and strongly encourage applications from people of different cultural backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups.

For more information about the Department and Mechatronics Engineering programme, please visit: Mechanical Engineering at UC

Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference. 

We are 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 and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and driven to make a difference in the world.

At the University of Canterbury, we strive for inclusivity and diversity. We understand that some applicants may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criterion. Our hiring choices strive to go beyond traditional qualifications and job experience. If you're interested in applying but unsure about meeting all requirements or need extra support, please inform us. As part of our commitment to supporting academic career progression, we take proactive steps towards removing barriers, addressing unconscious bias, promoting equity in decision-making and providing support for career progression, promotion and development. We also encourage you to share your preferred pronouns at any stage of the recruitment process.

What we offer 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment, this includes:

• relocation support
• five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• widely accessible sabbatical provision
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• University and Faculty scholarship support for post-graduate students
• a unique bequest funded endowment (Erskine Fund) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• professional development and study opportunities
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information on our Benefits, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/

This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies: Lecturer $94,181 - $113,616; Senior Lecturer $119,586 - $135,630,

The closing date for this position is: Sunday 20 September 2026 (midnight NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date. 

How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:

1. a 1-page cover letter, a 1-page research statement outlining your research interests and goals,
   and a 1-page teaching philosophy statement (combined)
2. a Resume which includes a list of relevant research publications (combined).

Please note, only 2 documents can be uploaded in the application process.

We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Professor Chris Pretty, chris.pretty@canterbury.ac.nz

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand. 

Please note, this is an onsite position.