Head of Department, Data Science and AI (School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences)

• Drive the growth and success of our Department of Data Science and AI
• Seeking enthusiastic, innovative and dynamic leadership
• Permanent academic appointment, plus 3-year HoD term: based at AUT's City Campus

As one of the world's top 100 young universities and New Zealand's newest, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed. We are a socially-driven university with equity and excellence central to our purpose and actions, and we offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business, and industry. AUT has more than 27,000 students and over 4,000 staff based primarily at our three teaching campuses.

Our Department of Data Science and AI is a big and growing department. Our committed team of around 110 staff provide high quality education to over 2700 FTE students and around 180 PhD students. The School's teaching programmes can be found at: https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/engineering-computer-and-mathematical-sciences

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This critical leadership role enables the Department to achieve excellence and equity in education and research, whilst supporting implementation of the University's strategic and operational goals. You will lead teaching, research and administration, including facilities developments, research and project activities with industry partners. You will conduct high quality research, teaching and develop academic programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. You will contribute to research and postgraduate supervision in one or more of the following areas through your specialist field and take a leading role in service teaching.

Areas of research interest would ideally be in Big Data Analytics and Management, Machine Learning and Optimization, Deep Learning, Biometrics Processing, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision and Graphics, and Bioinformatics are also welcome.

Key focus areas include:

• Embrace AUT's Te Aronui framework. Support staff as the School and AUT works towards becoming a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led organisation.
• Provide leadership and direction for the Department of Data Science and AI.
• Lead the further development of a department culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, service and other academic contributions whilst ensuring staff feel safe and productive in their work.
• Continue to develop and implement academic programs that meet industry standards and student needs.
• Continue to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and career opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate academic and administrative staff to achieve department objectives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Along with your CV, please ensure to submit a) a cover letter which explains why this role and AUT are of interest, and b) a statement addressing how your experience aligns with the key selection criteria we're seeking below:

1. A record of academic achievement suitable for appointment as a senior Data Science and AI academic including a PhD in Computer Science.
2. A champion for equity. Capability to lead and support the department on its Te Tiriti journey.
3. Experience leading teams. Please outline the size/scale of staff led, along with successes developing and sustaining growth and ensuring a positive work culture for staff.
4. Demonstrated ability to develop significant connections and partnerships with community and key stakeholders. 
5. Applicants are welcome to add further comments they may feel of relevance.

Further Information:

• Start Date: Early-2025 (to be agreed with the successful candidate).
• Term: The successful candidate will secure a 3-year secondment to the role of Head of Department (with potential for further extension) and a permanent appointment as a senior academic. 
• Salary: Aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales (ranges all in NZD - Senior Lecturer $109,051 - $128,559; Associate Professor $142, 835 - $165,369; Professor: $156,354 - $201,425). In addition, an annual allowance is paid for Head of Department responsibilities.
• Enquiries: For academic enquiries, please contact Professor Tek Tjing Lie (Head of School), email: [email protected]. For recruitment enquiries, contact Alycia Hurley: [email protected].

Salary Range: $148,000 - $209,000 (appointment level and salary commensurate with skills and experience) 

Reference: 90322

Closing Date: 18th November, 11:55 pm

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week