Associate Director, Physical AI Systems Laboratory

About the role

The Associate Director supports the Director of the Physical AI Systems Laboratory in steering the lab’s strategic vision and day‑to‑day operations. Reporting to the Director, this senior leader ensures the laboratory has the people, infrastructure, financial resources and partnerships needed to deliver world‑leading AI, robotics and physical‑science research.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the Director to translate the laboratory’s strategic plan into operational programmes and measurable outcomes.
• Lead professional services, finance, HR, facilities and research administration to achieve high operational efficiency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation and financial reporting for research funding, philanthropic income and commercial revenue.
• Manage laboratory infrastructure, equipment lifecycle and capital planning for robotics, computing and experimental facilities.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government and research organisations.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, health‑and‑safety regulations and risk‑management frameworks.
• Foster an inclusive, high‑performance culture through workforce planning, recruitment and staff development.

Required profile

• Post‑graduate qualification in management, engineering, science, business or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience in a university, research institute or comparable complex environment.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, organisational development and research administration.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing grant‑funded programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, with ability to influence across academia, industry and government.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary operational teams and delivering large interdisciplinary research programmes.