Associate Professor/ Professor in Industrial Design

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Industrial Design

School: Design School

Position: Associate Professor and Above, see the Profile section for priotorized areas 

Salary: Salary and benefits packages are competitive and commensurate with rank and experience.

Advertisement Closing Date: 18/Oct/2024 (early submission is encouraged) 

ABOUT XJTLU 

In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international English-speaking education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses. 

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of, and an educational model for, the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and the exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model. 

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for the UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending educational theory, best practices, and cultures around the globe.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT DESIGN SCHOO AND DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 

The Design School consists of the Departments of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design and Urban Planning and Design. We aspire to become a leading English-speaking interdisciplinary built-environment education unit in China and beyond. Our students are exposed to a research-led, interdisciplinary learning environment that amalgamates design knowledge as well as technical and management education. Our programs in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineering, and industrial design have gained international validations and accreditations by leading professional institutions, showcasing the learning quality and global recognition of our graduates. 

The Department of Industrial Design at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, established in 2013, trains future designers for the transformative eras of China and the world. Aligning with China's carbon neutrality goals, the Department positions itself at the forefront of tackling global challenges and leading the transition to a sustainable circular economy. 

The Department is now entering an exciting new phase of development focused on "Emerging Design," strategically capturing cutting-edge advances and pioneering new approaches to revolutionize user experiences with technologies like AI, digital reality, new materials, and robotics. By building on our strengths while creatively reimagining the future, we aim to empower students' expertise and knowledge to drive positive global impact. Through expanded global partnerships, sharing of human-centered design best practices, and rigorous speculative and applied research, our vibrant ecosystem nurtures students to become creative problem-solvers equipped to excel in the market and help shape sustainable future lifestyles. 

All our Department’s programs are accredited by the internationally recognized Chartered Society of Designers, which is based in the UK. Join us as we prepare the next generation of design leaders ready to tackle humanity's greatest challenges. 

For detailed information about the department, please visit https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/design-school/industrial-design 

PROFILE

To further strengthen research and teaching aligned with the Emerging Design theme, the Department of Industrial Design seeks to add talent and expertise relevant the following key areas:

AI-Driven Design: We are particularly interested in candidates who apply generative design methods and integrate digital fabrication technologies with artificial intelligence through open innovation. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, AI-assisted design processes, AI-enhanced products and experiences, and critical design using AI.

Creative Robotics: Candidates who utilize robotics technologies to craft innovative user experiences are highly desirable. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, assistive technologies, exoskeletal design, physical prototyping and fabrication, and robotics for healthcare and wellbeing.

Design for Meta Interactions: Ideal candidates will focus on enhancing how users interact within augmented, virtual, and mixed realities. We seek innovators who can design intuitive and engaging interaction models for education, entertainment, industrial design, and beyond, enhancing the overall user experience in meta spaces.

Design Materialization: Candidates with expertise in innovative material development and the physical realization of design concepts are encouraged to apply. Focus areas include sustainable materials, smart materials that respond to environmental stimuli, and cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

While we welcome applications from relevant disciplines outside industrial design, we look for creative elements exhibited in your qualifications and experiences, suggesting potential to develop research initiatives that will advance design knowledge and applications. Ideal candidates should be experienced with or prepared for studio-based teaching activities, which involve intensive tutorials and hands-on creative project development. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach design studio and taught modules, including student academic mentoring.
• Research through classic academic realm via research projects, innovations, and publication or via industrial practice. Publications at a level appropriate for the discipline and designation. Applications to external research funds.
• Service to support the administrative side of the department, school and the university or extracurricular activities for students, staff, discipline.
• Complete PG Certification unless already holding one teaching certification or similar
• Participation in departmental activities and work culture.
• Positions of administrative responsibility at departmental/cluster/school level.
• Typical split of teaching: research: service is 40:40:20. 

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES  

The successful applicant to the position of Associate Professor and above should possess: 

• PhD in Industrial/Product Design/HCI/Engineering ideally with a minimum of 7 years of academic experience and excellence in academic achievements
• Or Master's degree in industrial/product design or a relevant discipline ideally with a minimum of 10 years of experience demonstrating extensive senior executive experience equivalent to a Design Director role ideally along with at least 2 years of education experience, or an established research profile evidenced by publication, PhD supervision, and successful grant funding
• Fluent in English 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

1. Clear career development path with annual review.
2. Professional development trainings are provided. 

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

The University provides every new faculty members with Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate research projects, and Research Engagement Fund provided to support their continuous research activities. 

The University will also support all faculty members to apply for national, province and city level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists, both Chinese and non-Chinese-citizen, to work and carry out research in China. 

Some of the programs are listed in the table below. The successful application is based on the applicant’s educational background, academic/research field, research achievements, working experience, etc. The university will provide full support on the applications. 

Talent/Research Program

Fund

• Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Project (Overseas)/ RMB 1-3 Million
• Innovation Leading Talent/ up to RMB 2 Million
• Outstanding  Leading Talent of International Discipline/ 50% of Annual Package
• Young Leading Talent of International Discipline/ 50% of Annual Package

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Kids’ education allowance
• Relocation allowance 

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy) 

3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days)
• Family Matters Lave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Lave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental leave 

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on XJTLU career website, by clicking the 'Apply' button 

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter highlighting your interest in the specific post and explaining how your background and expertise are relevant
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level, contact details for three References
• Teaching and or project portfolio (it is also acceptable as an additional attachment)

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Head of Department, Dr. Cheng-Hung Lo, at ChengHung.Lo@xjtlu.edu.cn

Informal enquiries may be addressed to HRBP for Design School, Ms. Xinyun Yang, at Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn

Please quote the position and job ID 3891 in your enquiry.