Professor and Director, Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI)

• Lead ABI in pioneering the development of mathematical models of human physiology and new instrumentation techniques for a wide variety of healthcare applications.
• Contribute to the leadership of the top-ranked, research-intensive university in Aotearoa New Zealand

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) is a world-leading institute dedicated to advancing medical diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease through the application of mathematical and engineering sciences and technical innovation to medicine and human physiology.

Distinguished Professor Peter Hunter has successfully led the ABI for 21 years, growing revenue to $30m and employing 300 staff. As he steps aside to concentrate on other projects, we seek a new Director who will embrace the Institute’s inclusive culture, values and commitment to research excellence and global impact.

ABI researchers thrive in our collaborative and supportive environment that enables collective success. Our breadth of fundamental and translational research focuses on biomimetics, clinical and augmented human technologies, experimental physiology, and medical devices.

We sustain such research through research grant applications from government, international, philanthropic, and industry sources. Postgraduate training programmes are based on multi-disciplinary approaches, supervised by investigators who have international reputations in a wide range of fields.

We have a significant record of successful spin-out companies that benefit from the infrastructure, support and expertise of the ABI and University communities, providing career paths for our graduates and early career researchers. We are key members of MedTech-iQ Aotearoa, a national initiative to support the scale-up of these and other high-tech start-ups. The University is committed to supporting a MedTech-iQ Precinct on our Grafton campus. The Director of ABI will provide leadership to ensure its success as a locally hosted precinct collaborating with and contributing to the national initiative.

Candidates will demonstrate the vision, passion and capacity to lead the future development and implementation of the ABI’s mission, goals and objectives, advancing the Institute’s domestic and international standing and influence. You will have demonstrated eminence in your own research career and significant academic credibility to enable appointment at Professorial level at the University of Auckland.

Applicants should also have experience of academic/research line management and budget responsibility appropriate to the leadership of the ABI. Your interpersonal and leadership style will inspire confidence and credibility with a range of stakeholders including university senior leaders, domestic and international funders and collaborators. Experience in leading philanthropic fundraising would be an advantage; as would experience in developing and commercialising IP and establishing spin-out companies.

The appointment will be a substantive position at Full Professor level with an immediate and concurrent 5-year term as Director, ABI. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, the Director is a member of the Academic Leadership Team of the University.

The ABI is one of two large-scale research institutes at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland which is ranked #87 in QS rankings and #6 UNSDG impact ranking. We are New Zealand’s largest university with over 40,000 students, occupying a unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.

The University is committed to a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential in an inclusive and collaborative community of scholars. We aspire to contribute to a fair, ethical and sustainable society, reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our foundational relationship with tangata whenua. We welcome applications that will enhance the diversity of our staff and strengthen our links with diverse communities.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a vibrant cosmopolitan place with an abundance of natural features including a stunning harbour and accessible coastline, native bush and moderate temperatures, which help us to retain our reputation as one of the best cities in the world in which to live.

Applications must be submitted via the University website www.jobs.auckland.ac.nz by 5 June 2023 quoting reference: REF19902C.

Further information is available in the candidate booklet.

For a confidential conversation, please contact the University Search Team:

Clare Litten Tel: +64 274 989 135 Email: c.litten@auckland.ac.nz

Dr Kathrin Soehnel DDI: +64 9 923 9006 Email: k.soehnel@auckland.ac.nz

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