Position: Director – Center of Excellence for Robotics and Automation
Location: K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram
Reporting To: Vice-Chancellor/Dean, School of Engineering and Technology
Job Overview:
K.R. Mangalam University is seeking an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center of Excellence for Robotics and Automation (CERA). The Director will be responsible for establishing and managing the Center, fostering cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and high-impact educational programs in robotics and automation. The role requires a strategic mindset to position the Center as a leader in robotics education, research, and innovation. The ideal candidate should have strong practical, hands-on experience in robotics and automation, along with leadership experience in industry and/or academia.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy
- Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Center aligned with the university’s mission and goals.
- Lead the establishment of state-of-the-art research labs and facilities for robotics and automation.
- Build and mentor a multidisciplinary team of faculty, researchers, and students.
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
- Forge strong partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and research organizations.
- Facilitate joint research projects, internships, and technology transfer initiatives.
- Organize conferences, hackathons, and innovation challenges to engage students and professionals.
- Foster startup incubation in robotics, automation, and AI through mentorship and funding support.
- Work closely with industry partners to develop real-world applications and solutions.
Practical Hands-on Expertise and Research Excellence
- Design and oversee academic programs, certifications, and workshops in robotics and automation.
- Promote interdisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration across departments.
- Secure research funding through government grants, industry sponsorships, and global collaborations.
- Drive high-impact research leading to publications, patents, and technology commercialization.
- Provide hands-on guidance to faculty and students in robotics design, automation systems, and AI-driven applications.
- Work with robotic hardware, industrial automation tools, embedded systems, and AI-driven robotics.
Operational and Administrative Management
- Oversee the Center’s budget, resources, and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.
- Develop policies and frameworks for research ethics, intellectual property, and technology commercialization.
- Represent the Center in national and international forums, positioning it as a thought leader.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Ph.D./Master’s in Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical/Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in robotics and automation, with a significant portion in industry.
- Proven track record of leading hands-on robotics projects, automation systems, and industrial applications.
- Strong practical experience in robotic system design, automation technologies, AI, and industrial robotics.
- Experience in startup incubation, technology commercialization, and industry collaboration.
- Strong research background with publications, patents, and funded projects is a plus.
Preferred Skills:
- Extensive hands-on experience with robotic platforms, automation tools, and AI applications.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, with a focus on real-world problem-solving.
- Knowledge of industrial robotics, factory automation, control systems, and IoT.
- Strong networking and collaboration skills with academia and industry.
- Knowledge of national and international funding agencies and grant writing expertise.
- Passion for fostering student innovation and entrepreneurship in robotics.
