Senior Lecturer: Mechatronic Engineering

SUMMARY:
1. Learning, Teaching and Programme Coordination - Deliver high-quality undergraduate and postgradu

POSITION INFO:
CORE PURPOSE OF JOB The purpose of this permanent academic post is to strengthen learning and teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership, industry engagement and internationalisation within the Department of Mechatronics. The incumbent will teach and coordinate undergraduate and postgraduate modules, contribute to curriculum development and programme quality, develop a sustainable research profile, supervise postgraduate students, mentor colleagues and support the strategic and operational functions of the Department, School and University. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS 1. Learning, Teaching and Programme Coordination Deliver high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Mechatronic Engineering using appropriate blended, problem-based, project-based and research-informed approaches. Coordinate modules, practical and project activities, and contribute to assessment, moderation, quality assurance and continuous improvement. Contribute to curriculum development, renewal and alignment with institutional, CHE and ECSA requirements where applicable. Support programme reviews, accreditation processes, student success initiatives and departmental academic administration. 2. Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Supervision Develop and maintain a coherent research programme in Mechatronic Engineering or a closely aligned field. Publish research in DHET-accredited journals and conferences and contribute to interdisciplinary research and innovation projects. Supervise and co-supervise master's and doctoral candidates and contribute to improved postgraduate throughput and quality. Develop external funding proposals and participate in funded national and international research initiatives. 3. Industry Engagement and Internationalisation Establish and sustain partnerships with industry, professional bodies, community stakeholders and relevant public-sector organisations. Support collaborative projects, student opportunities, technology transfer, applied research and professional service activities. Contribute to international partnerships, joint research, staff and student mobility, collaborative supervision and related reporting and coordination. 4. Academic Leadership, Mentoring and Institutional Service Provide academic leadership in teaching, assessment, module and programme coordination, and selected departmental portfolios. Mentor early-career academics and contribute to staff development in teaching, research and postgraduate supervision. Participate in departmental, school, faculty and institutional committees and perform reasonable duties required to meet operational needs. Contribute to professional societies, engagement initiatives and the broader academic citizenship of the University. CORE COMPETENCIES Strong theoretical and applied knowledge in Mechatronic Engineering and one or more relevant areas such as automation and control, robotics, embedded systems, intelligent systems, industrial digitalisation, electronics, mechanical systems or systems integration. Ability to facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and to coordinate modules and assessment processes. Demonstrated capacity for research, publication, postgraduate supervision and the development of funded projects. Ability to build productive relationships with industry, professional bodies and national and international academic partners. Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including academic and professional presentations. Ability to work collaboratively, mentor colleagues, manage competing priorities and contribute constructively to academic leadership and administration. Commitment to student success, transformation, professional ethics and the values of Nelson Mandela University. REQUIREMENTS To be considered for appointment as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics, candidates should meet the following requirements: A relevant doctoral degree in Mechatronic Engineering, or MEng in Mechatronics subject to points 2 to 8 below. A minimum of five years' relevant academic and/or professional experience, including appropriate tertiary teaching experience. The final experience requirement must be confirmed against the Univ