Application Open:
Full-Time
The Associate Director reports to the Director of the University’s Physical AI Systems Laboratory, serves as a trusted advisor to the Director and is a key member of the Laboratory’s executive leadership team.
As the senior operational leader of the Physical AI Systems Laboratory, the Associate Director is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of the Laboratory’s operations. Working in close partnership with the Director, the Steering Committee, and other Senior Faculty, the Associate Director ensures that the Laboratory has the people, infrastructure, financial resources, governance, and partnerships required to deliver world-leading research, innovation, education, and industry engagement.
The Associate Director will be expected to demonstrate success through:
• Delivery of the Laboratory’s strategic objectives.
• High operational efficiency and service quality.
• Strong financial performance and sustainable growth.
• Successful delivery of major research programs.
• High staff engagement and retention.
• Growth in strategic partnerships and external funding.
• Effective governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Development of world-class research infrastructure.
The Associate Director translates strategic priorities into operational plans, enabling Faculty, students, engineers, researchers, and professional staff to work effectively within a safe, compliant, and collaborative environment. The role provides leadership in the Physical AI Laboratory and related areas across finance, human resources, facilities, laboratory operations, research administration, commercial partnerships, and organisational development.
This role will enable research excellence rather than running a commercial enterprise, while still incorporating the executive leadership expected of a head of lab.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Full-Time
The Associate Director reports to the Director of the University’s Physical AI Systems Laboratory, serves as a trusted advisor to the Director and is a key member of the Laboratory’s executive leadership team.
As the senior operational leader of the Physical AI Systems Laboratory, the Associate Director is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of the Laboratory’s operations. Working in close partnership with the Director, the Steering Committee, and other Senior Faculty, the Associate Director ensures that the Laboratory has the people, infrastructure, financial resources, governance, and partnerships required to deliver world-leading research, innovation, education, and industry engagement.
The Associate Director will be expected to demonstrate success through:
• Delivery of the Laboratory’s strategic objectives.
• High operational efficiency and service quality.
• Strong financial performance and sustainable growth.
• Successful delivery of major research programs.
• High staff engagement and retention.
• Growth in strategic partnerships and external funding.
• Effective governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Development of world-class research infrastructure.
The Associate Director translates strategic priorities into operational plans, enabling Faculty, students, engineers, researchers, and professional staff to work effectively within a safe, compliant, and collaborative environment. The role provides leadership in the Physical AI Laboratory and related areas across finance, human resources, facilities, laboratory operations, research administration, commercial partnerships, and organisational development.
This role will enable research excellence rather than running a commercial enterprise, while still incorporating the executive leadership expected of a head of lab.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the Director to develop and implement the Laboratory’s strategic plan.