A workplace like no other

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives.

Since our foundation more than 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university: one that breaks free from tradition. Instead, we focus on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society, encouraging all to traverse the boundaries of their own perspective and effect change. We’re connecting people across the most diverse fields of knowledge to create bold new possibilities: for their careers, intellectual endeavours, enterprises and the common good.

Macquarie University is committed to pursuing its values of collective ambition to excel in everything we do and create positive impact; bold innovation in pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions; purposeful collaboration to achieve our shared mission; and genuine care, showing empathy and concern for our community.

Introduction from Professor Samuel Muller, Faculty of Science and Engineering Executive Dean

Acknowledgement of Country


Macquarie University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the University is situated, namely the Wallumattagal peoples of the Dharug nation and the Gadigal peoples. Recognising the deep connection that Aboriginal peoples have with the land and water, and their role as educators for thousands of years, is an important step towards building a more inclusive and culturally respectful academic environment. 

By acknowledging the enduring role of Elders and Knowledge Holders, the University not only pays respect to their legacy but also emphasises the value of the First Nations peoples’ ongoing contributions to the educational journey. Placing First Nations knowledges at the centre of educational priorities reflects a positive commitment to diversity, sustainability, wellbeing and social responsibility. This holistic approach to education not only benefits students but also contributes to the preservation of Indigenous cultures and the overall wellbeing of society. 

Our Wallumattagal Campus has been designed with careful consideration given to its long history, the natural surroundings and creating a successful educational space. Promising to continue the legacy of caring for Country and prioritising the advancement of future generations through education aligns well with the University’s role in fostering positive societal change.

About us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is driven by the spirit of innovation. We nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. The pairing of engineering and science in a single faculty means many of our research discoveries see direct technological applications. We are active within many industry partnerships, commercial collaborations and joint enterprise initiatives with government, industry and business partners.

The School of Engineering was established at Macquarie University more than a decade ago to focus on research and education in the area of electronics. Since then, our focus has expanded to other fields of engineering including civil, electrical, mechatronics, mechanical, materials, biomedical and software engineering.

You will be joining a growing School of Engineering. The school is home to 60 academic staff and more than 70 research students. Student numbers are rising year-on-year and enrolments in undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs are anticipated to double in the next five to seven years. The school offers a broad range of innovative undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a new Master of Engineering (Professional) degree suite introduced in 2024. Our research endeavours and impact are growing fast, with strengths in semiconductors, biotechnology and health technology, future communications and advanced materials.

Macquarie University has maintained a significant presence in semiconductor education and research across many decades, including the Macquarie Analog Devices Laboratory (MADLab): a team of 12 professional engineers working on the design and testing of VHF devices for many local and international companies. The recently established Silicon Platforms Lab (SiP Lab) will further build research and teaching programs in silicon chip technologies that will complement the existing expertise in semiconductor design with the MADLab.

The School of Engineering works closely with Australian Astronomical Optics-Macquarie (AAO-MQ), a recognised world leader in innovative astronomical instrumentation, software and research. Engineering is a key priority of the University and, accordingly, significant investment is being made with an Engineering precinct worth more than $160M under development. Later this year our new Engineering and AAO-MQ building will open, bringing these two disciplines together on the Wallumattagal Campus in a world-class facility designed to foster collaboration, innovation and hands-on learning.

Macquarie University is establishing itself as a leader in equality and inclusion, and we have been recognised for our progress in shaping a welcoming, diverse and inclusive organisation. We are proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency for our progress towards gender equity, and we are focused on long-term systemic change.
macquarie business school

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an accomplished and visionary leader as Head of School and Dean of Engineering. You will bring academic leadership and management experience, and proven success in the development and implementation of strategic plans aligned with organisational priorities. You will be skilled at enabling the collegial development of a school and be an advocate for diversity, inclusion and belonging.

You will possess a highly regarded external profile with current and prospective partners, industry, government, students, institutions and alumni. You will be recognised as an authority in your discipline, with a track record of academic and research excellence.

You will have enabled collaborations and played an active role in connecting researchers across the discipline, faculty and academic community. You will also have proven expertise in curriculum design and innovation, and in the delivery and assessment of quality teaching programs.

Your modelling of core academic and university values, your ability to inspire teams and to build trust while fostering innovation and excellence will enable you to succeed in this role.
macquarie business school

What you will do

As Head of School and Dean of Engineering, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of experiential education, advancing impactful research, and fostering purposeful partnerships. We are committed to strengthening our academic community, and we seek an authentic and transformational leader who excels in attracting, developing and retaining top talent.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in crafting and sustaining a holistic vision for the School of Engineering, guiding its programs all while championing a collaborative and inclusive culture.

You will lead the development of strategic initiatives, set directions for discovery, enhance educational excellence, and drive industry engagement to ensure long-term growth and innovation.
LOCATION
Wallumattagal Campus
Macquarie University
Macquarie Park
Sydney, Australia

Macquarie | North Ryde | Sydney, Australia
REPORTS TO
• Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering

DIRECT REPORTS
• The position will have oversight and management of the School of Engineering.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
• Members of the Faculty Executive and leadership team
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
• Heads of Schools and Departments
• Associate Deans
• Senior Managers
• Key state and federal bodies and government departments
• Accreditation bodies
• Industry

Candidate statement

In no more than three pages, outline what you would bring to the position of Head of School and Dean of Engineering and what you would hope to accomplish, as well as reflect on your experience in the context of the selection criteria.

Selection criteria

• Visionary and strategic leadership: Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement a future-focused strategy that aligns engineering education and research priorities with broader university objectives.
• Change leadership and adaptability: Demonstrate the ability to lead an institution through periods of transformation, effectively responding to external pressures such as funding shifts, evolving pedagogical approaches and advancements in technology. Give examples of how you have fostered innovation, managed change, and ensured institutional resilience in dynamic academic and industry environments.
• Operational execution and impact: Showcase your ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans with measurable outcomes. Give examples of initiatives you have successfully executed, demonstrating how you ensure strategic objectives are realised while maintaining operational efficacy.
• Industry and research engagement: Describe how you have built strong partnerships between academia and industry, securing research funding and driving collaboration. Highlight any successful initiatives where research was translated into practical applications, contributing to academic excellence and industry impact.
• Educational excellence: Describe your approach to curriculum innovation, project-based learning, and strategies for enhancing student engagement.
• Diversity, inclusion and cultural leadership: Demonstrate your ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students. Give examples of how you have championed diversity, promoted cultural leadership, and driven initiatives that enhance belonging and representation in an academic or engineering setting.
• Institutional identity and growth: Outline how you have shaped and elevated an institution's profile by leveraging its unique strengths. Give examples of how you have developed strategies that enhance reputation, attract top talent, and drive long-term institutional growth, ensuring differentiation within the engineering education sector.

Our purpose, vision and values

At Macquarie, we are not afraid to choose the less-trodden path. We see life as an exhilarating source of possibilities to grow intellectually and professionally, unconstrained by traditions. We are ready to embrace new experiences and ideas. We believe that a leader is about being a team player and know that success in today’s world is all about collaborating with the right people on the right issues. We are naturally curious and open to the most diverse intellectual perspectives. United by a sense of purpose, a single vision and one set of values, we actively engage in the complex issues that define the future of humanity.

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United by one purpose

We are a university of service and engagement:

• We serve and engage our students and staff through transformative learning and
life experiences.

• We serve and engage our world through discovery, dissemination of knowledge and ideas, innovation and deep partnerships.

• Our University is a place for staff and students to be nurtured and to grow, develop, learn and explore.
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Sharing one vision

We aspire to be:

• a destination of choice for students and staff who share our values.

• deeply connected with our stakeholders and partners and known for this globally.

• ranked among the highest-performing research universities in Australia and, for key disciplines, to be recognised globally for our pre-eminence.

• known across Australia and beyond as custodians of a remarkable university campus that blends the vibrancy of a cosmopolitan university village with a natural Australian bushland setting.
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Embodying one set of values

We value:

• Scholarship – We believe learning, inquiry and discovery improve lives.

• Integrity – We conduct ourselves ethically, equitably and for mutual benefit.

• Empowerment – We make our community a source of strength and creativity.

Through our actions as students and staff, we live these values, and it is against them that we hold ourselves accountable.

How you can apply

Applications should be submitted through Workday, including a CV and Candidate Statement.

For details regarding the position, contact Professor Samuel Muller, Faculty of Science and Engineering Executive Dean, E: [email protected]

For general enquiries contact Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition, E: [email protected] or Kate Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant, E: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is as per the position advertisement on MQ Workday.

This position requires criminal record checks.