XJTLU

Associate/Senior Associate/Full Professor in Professional Practice in Architecture

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Architecture

POSITION OVERVIEW

School: Design School

Location: Suzhou Campus

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

Closing Date: 28 Feb 2025 (until the position filled) 

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 https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en 

ABOUT DESIGN SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

The Design School is the premier English-speaking hub for interdisciplinary design and built-environment education in China and on the global stage. Comprising four distinguished departments—Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, and Urban Planning & Design—the School offers a dynamic, research-driven learning environment that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge design theory with advanced technical and managerial expertise.

Our academic programs in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineering, and industrial design are internationally accredited by leading professional bodies, reinforcing the exceptional quality of education we provide. These validations reflect the rigorous standards we uphold and underline our graduates' global recognition and career-ready capabilities. By fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, we prepare future leaders to meet the complex challenges of the built environment with creativity and vision.

The Department of Architecture fosters an environment of open dialogue where diverse perspectives are welcomed and creative risk-taking and speculative exploration thrive. We cultivate an atmosphere that encourages innovation and the freedom to push the boundaries of architecture and spatial design and creativity.

Our globally competitive English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs, accredited by RIBA, are tailored to educate the next generation of architectural designers within both Chinese and international contexts. The Department’s research encompasses a wide range of cutting-edge areas, including cultural innovation, environmental sustainability, digital design and fabrication, architectural history and heritage, and practice-based design research.

We pride ourselves on nurturing independent, innovative, and socially responsible designers who approach space-making with creativity, critical thinking, and a forward-looking vision. Our student recruitment targets the top 5% of high school graduates, both locally and internationally, thanks to our strong partnership with the University of Liverpool, ensuring a vibrant and diverse student body.

Students in our department are immersed in Suzhou's rich architectural and construction landscape and the broader Asian region, benefiting from our engagement with live projects, industry competitions, conferences, and academic collaborations. These experiences provide invaluable exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities, enhancing their professional development and preparing them to lead in the global architecture community.

For detailed information about the department, please

visit https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/design-school/architecture 

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Design School’s Associate / Senior Associate / Full Professor in Professional Practice in Architecture, you will lead architectural and spatial design from a professional practice lens. You will use your praxis expertise to guide the Design School to the next phase of higher education in the creative fields and professional praxis in the national and international realms.

The role encompasses a blend of teaching, university service, and research or scholarly activities. You will work closely with colleagues to advance design andragogy and foster stronger ties with professional design practice. Key responsibilities include creating and delivering courses that engage with contemporary and future topics in design processes and practices, career development, regulatory environments, and social responsibility. A strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in professional practice is essential. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate architecture courses, focusing on professional practice, sustainability and design excellence. You should have relevant experience guiding and mentoring students as they transition into the field. 

  • Teach one design studio and one taught module a semester, including student academic mentoring;
  • Design research through the academic realm via research projects, innovations and publications, architectural professional practice, or art in architecture. Publications and praxis projects at a level appropriate for the discipline and designation;
  • Applications to external research funds;
  • Service to support the administrative side of the Department, Design School and the University or extracurricular activities for students, staff, and discipline as appropriate;
  • Complete the Higher Education Qualification unless you already hold one teaching certification or similar;
  • Participation in Departmental and Design School activities and administrative life;
  • Positions of administrative responsibility at departmental/school level;
  • Duties assigned by the Head of the Department
  • The typical distribution of teaching, research, and service in the conventional academic track is 40:40:20

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful applicants to the position of Associate Professor should possess: 

  • PhD in Architecture ideally with five years of teaching experience
  • Or a Master’s degree in Architecture ideally with a minimum 7 years of practice, including extensive senior executive experience equivalent to design Director and ideally 2 years of education experience 
  • Or a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture ideally with a minimum 10 years of practice, including extensive senior executive experience equivalent to design Director and ideally 2 years of education experience 
  • Professional Praxis expertise and track record of national and international impact.
  • Fluent in English

Successful applicants to more senior ranks should also possess:

  • PhD in Architecture ideally with a minimum of 7 years of academic experience and excellence in academic achievements
  • Or a Master’s degree in Architecture ideally with a minimum 10 years of practice, including extensive senior executive experience equivalent to design Director and ideally 2 years of education experience 
  • Professional Praxis expertise and track record of national and international impact
  • 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 provincial government's regulations. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may not be eligible for a work visa in P.R. China. 

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT 

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

The University supports all faculty members applying for the national, province and city-level programs. These programs aim to support excellent Chinese and non-Chinese citizen researchers who are working and conducting research in China. 

Some of the programs are listed in the table below. Successful applications are based on the applicant’s educational background, academic/research field, research achievements, working experience, etc. The University will provide full support for 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 AND BENEFITS 

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market 

BENEFITS 

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

  • Housing allowance
  • Travel allowance
  • Relocation allowance
  • Child education allowance
  • Etc. 

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 Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Marriage Leave
  • Paternity Leave
  • Parental Leave
  • Research Leaves
  • Etc. 

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visas and residence permits 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 that include:

  • A cover letter
  • A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level, contact details for three References
  • Teaching, research and/or professional design/project portfolio (it is also acceptable as an additional attachment to be sent via email to Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn )

For specific enquiries about the position, please email the Head of Department, Dr. Davide Lombardi, at Davide.Lombardi@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 in your enquiry.