Head of School, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
UqFull-time, 5-year fixed-term position at Academic Level E, with underlying continuing (permanent) Professorial position
Based at our beautiful St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
Lead one of the world's most respected engineering schools and help shape the future of engineering education, research and industry impact.
The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering is entering an exciting new chapter. With a strong global reputation, significant student growth, world-leading research capability, and deep industry connections, the School is uniquely positioned to influence the future of mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, materials, mechatronic and mining engineering.
As Head of School, you will inherit a thriving, collaborative and inclusive community and be empowered to drive its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to build on an extraordinary legacy while shaping the ideas, partnerships and people that will solve tomorrow's most complex challenges.
The School’s commitment to research excellence and real-world impact is reflected in the outstanding global standing of UQ's Mineral and Mining Engineering discipline, ranked 5th in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
In this role, you will:
Shape the strategic direction of one of Australia's leading engineering schools.
Lead a community of internationally recognised researchers, educators, professional staff and industry collaborators.
Drive research excellence across areas transforming the future, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, robotics, automation, biomedical engineering and mining innovation.
Build bold interdisciplinary partnerships that translate discovery into meaningful impact.
Strengthen engagement with industry, government and global partners to create new opportunities for growth, influence and collaboration.
Elevate the School's global reputation while protecting the collegial, supportive culture that makes it distinctive.
Guide strategic investment decisions across people, infrastructure, education and research.
Leave a lasting legacy through leadership that creates impact well beyond the University.
For more information about this opportunity, please view the Appointment Booklet.
About You
We are seeking a respected academic leader with an international reputation for excellence and a passion for shaping the future of research, education and industry impact. Combining intellectual leadership with strategic vision, you will bring the credibility to influence at the highest levels and the ability to unite people around a shared ambition.
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:
An internationally recognised reputation for academic excellence, with the credibility, leadership capability and strategic vision to enhance the standing and influence of the School and Faculty.
A proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, creating a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence, and inspiring others to achieve ambitious goals in research, teaching and engagement.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to forge productive partnerships across industry, government, professional bodies and the broader community.
Strong strategic, operational and commercial acumen, including experience leading complex organisations and managing financial, human and physical resources to deliver sustainable growth and impact.
A commitment to inclusive leadership and organisational stewardship, demonstrated through fostering equity, diversity and inclusion, supporting staff development and wellbeing, and navigating governance, policy and regulatory responsibilities with integrity.
Most importantly, you are excited by the opportunity to lead a community with extraordinary potential and help define its next chapter.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
Interested?
If you'd like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Caylee-Jade Eve, Principal Consultant, Executive Recruitment via executiverecruitment@uq.edu.au.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section in the attached position booklet.
Other Information
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which will include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.
We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Monday the 26th October at 11.00pm AEST (R-65984).