Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The purpose of this academic post is to provide academic leadership in learning and teaching within Mechanical Engineering at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and to contribute meaningfully to research, innovation, and postgraduate supervision. The incumbent is expected to develop and strengthen research capacity within the department, engage in scholarly and professional service, and contribute to the core academic and strategic functions of Nelson Mandela University.

KEY PERFORMANC EAREAS

1. Academic Leadership and Teaching Excellence

• Deliver high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate innovation teaching pedagogically approaches(blended learning, problem-based learning, research-led teaching) informed by current research and industry practice.
• Lead module coordination and ensure quality assurance, moderation, and continuous improvement of assessment practices.
• Perform administration including preparation for and participation in quality review and accreditation processes
• Develop into providing leadership in curriculum development, renewal, and alignment with national accreditation standards (e.g., ECSA/CHE where applicable).
• Perform any reasonable task requested as required to fullfill the operational needs of the Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Potential to offer SLP's
• Maintain a sustained record of high-quality, peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals.
• Demonstrate research leadership through applying for NRF rating (where applicable) and national/international recognition.
• Develop and lead funded research projects and secure external grants.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary and strategic research focus areas aligned with institutional priorities.
• Supervise and mentor emerging researchers toward publication productivity.

2. Research Leadership and Scholarly Output

3. Postgraduate Supervision and Capacity Development

• Supervise Masters and Doctoral candidates to successful completion within prescribed timeframes.
• Develop structured research training frameworks to strengthen postgraduate throughput and quality.
• Examine postgraduate theses internally and externally at national and international institutions.
• Build supervisory capacity within the department through co-supervision and mentorship.
• Facilitate postgraduate research workshops/seminars and scholarly communities of practice.

4. Engagement, Industry Collaboration and Societal Impact

• Establish and sustain partnerships with industry, professional bodies, and community stakeholders to lead or participate in engaged scholarship projects.
• Contribute to professional societies and regulatory bodies relevant to the discipline.
• Promote commercialization, innovation, and applied research outputs where applicable.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• In-depth knowledge of the theory and application in the research focused area of advanced welding and manufacturing technologies, specifically in Solid State Welding and characterization thereof e.g. Small Punch Creep Testing
• Candidates must have published academically in the above field and have supervised postgraduate candidates.
• Ability to facilitate learning and teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate level in the field of Mechanical Engineering
• Ability to communicate effectively and a track record of conference presentations
• Contribute to the creation of knowledge through research, innovation and engagement.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.

REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for appointment to the post of Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering candidates must have:

1. Relevant Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 7 years work experience;
2. Registered with ECSA, as PrEng or Pr Tech Eng;
3. Teaching experience in under and post graduate Mechanical Engineering modules
4. Significant research having been conducted in the research focus area of solid state welding
5. Must have a proven track record of successfully supervised postgraduate students;
6. Must have a track record and published in DHET accredited conferences and/or journals