Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering

Listing reference: ukzn_000959

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 9 November 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Durban

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING), SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, HOWARD COLLEGE CAMPUS.

Job description

The School of Engineering invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced academics for the position of Associate Professor in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering.

The incumbent will strengthen specialist undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, final-year design and capstone supervision, research leadership and postgraduate supervision. S/he will contribute to curriculum renewal, professional accreditation and Graduate Attribute assessment, mentor emerging academics, and advance research and external funding in their area of expertise. Furthermore, s/he will coordinate final-year design and research projects.

S/he must have expertise in Design, Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Systems, including advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics and intelligent production systems.

The incumbent will report to the Head of Discipline: Mechanical Engineering, and undertake teaching, research, supervision, academic leadership and administrative responsibilities appropriate to the discipline and appointment level

Minimum requirements

All applicants must hold a BSc (Eng) degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related and appropriate engineering field. In addition, the following will apply:

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• Evidence of appropriate teaching experience and curriculum development experience in a relevant filed at tertiary level.
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.
• A sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants.
• Evidence of national and/or international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or eligible for such registration.

Enquiries and details regarding this post, as well as requests for a job profile, may be directed to the Dean & Head of School, Professor Glen Bright, e-mail: [email protected]

The University of KwaZulu-Natal reserves the right not to fill the vacancy.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9 November 2026

Apply at the following link: https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

• Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.

• Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.

• The University is committed to Employment Equity.

• The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.

• Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful

• Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.