Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in Water, Hydraulic, or Environmental Engineering of Civil Engineering

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Civil Engineering

School: Design School

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended

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

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 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 SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 

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 and 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 programmes 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 Civil Engineering offers globally competitive English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes accredited by the world’s leading professional body, the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), are tailored to educate the next generation of civil engineers within both Chinese and international contexts. Degree programmes are emphasising core subjects such as structures, hydraulics, geotechnics, materials, surveying, environment, and project management. The Department is actively advancing research in sustainable development within Civil Engineering. 

The Department offers two BEng undergraduate programmes: Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering, along with three MSc programmes: Civil Engineering, Sustainable Construction, and Construction Management. Additionally, the Department runs a Ph.D. programme, where doctoral students receive supervision from faculty members in their areas of expertise. 

Our student recruitment targets the top 5% of high school graduates locally and internationally, thanks to our strong partnership with the University of Liverpool, ensuring a vibrant and diverse student body.

The department is rapidly expanding and has a dedicated team of enthusiastic and collaborative staff. We invite applications for one Assistant/Associate Professor position in Water, Hydraulic, or Environmental Engineering within the Civil Engineering Department. 

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

RESPONSIBILITIES 

This role in the Department of Civil Engineering invites you to bring your Water, Hydraulic, or Environmental Engineering expertise to advance teaching, research, and strategic development. You will drive curriculum innovation, spearhead impactful research, and contribute to enhancing the department’s national and international profile. Your role will involve collaborative engagement across the Design School with colleagues, supervision and mentorship of students, and active participation in strategic initiatives, fostering an academic and professional growth environment.

Teaching and Learning Enhancement:

• Lead improvements and actively engage in teaching activities across civil engineering and related programmes in the Design School.
• Deliver high-quality, effective teaching as demonstrated by feedback from peers, students, and external examiners.
• Contribute to the development and innovation of curriculum, assessments, and learning practices, aligning with the University’s educational strategies.

Research Leadership:

• Lead and enhance research performance and outputs within water, hydraulic, or environmental engineering.
• Conduct internationally recognised research, with evidence through high-impact publications, strategic collaborations, and successful grant acquisition.
• Supervise doctoral students to completion, contributing to a thriving and supportive research environment.

Strategic Contributions:

• Participate in strategy development and implementation at the Departmental, School, and University levels.
• Provide effective leadership and administrative support within the Department, School, and University, advancing institutional goals.

International and Professional Engagement:

• Enhance the University’s reputation in civil engineering both regionally and internationally.
• Demonstrate international recognition within the field through roles in professional organizations, editorial boards, awards, and conference invitations.

Academic and Departmental Leadership:

• Promote the School’s and University’s strategies and policies on teaching and learning through departmental and institutional service.
• Provide leadership within the Department and School, fostering a collaborative environment and supporting colleagues in achieving teaching and research objectives.

Qualifications and Accreditation:

• Show evidence of substantial teaching experience or qualifications in higher education, with senior fellowship recognition preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES

You should be a strong team player and a self-motivated individual with exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, demonstrating high standards of professionalism and integrity. An excellent track record of research and an international research profile is essential, as well as a commitment to promoting and delivering high-quality teaching and research. You will have the skills and experience to develop research collaborations with external organizations, enhancing XJTLU’s standing in research and teaching within civil engineering. We welcome applicants from all areas of civil engineering, focusing on Water, Hydraulic, and Environmental Engineering.

You are required to have:

• A PhD in civil engineering or a related field, accompanied by substantial experience;
• Relevant research experience that aligns with the specific academic position;
• A track record of peer-reviewed research publications and successful funding applications;
• Teaching experience at both the undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels;
• Proficiency in English.

It is desired you have:

• A good track record of both high quality and impact research;
• Experience in curriculum development and successful academic management;
• Excellent learning and teaching experience in higher education, at both undergraduate and postgraduate programme levels;
• Professional qualification and membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) UK or other equivalent Professional Engineer qualifications. 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS 

Chinese labour laws regulate employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and must comply with the provincial government's regulations. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment by 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 is provided to support their continuous research activities. 

The University will also support all faculty members in applying for national, province and city-level programs. These programs aim to support excellent Chinese and non-Chinese-citizen scientists to work and carry out 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 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 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 visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on XJTLU career website. Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Head of Department, Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara at Ominda.Nanayakkara@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.