Associate Professor/Professor in Environmental/Sustainable Design

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Architecture

POSITION OVERVIEW

School: Design School

Location: Suzhou Campus

Advertisement Closing Date: 31 December 2024 (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 www.xjtlu.edu.cn

ABOUT DESIGN SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

The Design School is poised to become 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 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 not only reflect the rigorous standards we uphold but also underline the global recognition and career-ready capabilities of our graduates. 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 at XJTLU 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 architectural design.

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, as well as 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, as well as 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

The position focuses on delivering research-informed teaching in environmental design, guiding students through key topics such as climate-responsive architecture, life-cycle sustainability, thermal comfort, and strategies for both passive and active thermal, ventilation, and lighting systems. The role covers essential areas like building physics, architectural science, and acoustics, with an emphasis on integrating environmental design strategies with digital instruments for analysis and design.

Teaching will involve exploring real-world applications through the analysis of international case studies and supporting students in developing practical solutions in their coursework. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will contribute to fostering research and collaboration across the School and the broader University, leading initiatives that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical design innovation.

The role also requires strong leadership in environmental design research, with the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary projects that further develop the School’s academic and research profile.

Specifically,

• Engaging in teaching environmental and sustainability-related modules and/or contributing to uplifting the departmental teaching agenda regarding sustainable design;
• Contributing in cross-disciplinary (Design School-wide) teaching and research activities;
• Student academic mentoring
• Research through the classic academic realm via research projects, innovations and publications or via architectural practice or art in architecture. 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, and discipline.
• Complete the Higher Education Qualification unless already holding one teaching certification or similar.
• Participation in departmental activities and administrative life.
• Positions of administrative responsibility at departmental/school level.
• Typical split of the workload among teaching, research and service areas is 40:40:20.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Architecture ideally with a minimum of 7 years of academic experience and excellence in academic achievements
• Fluent in English

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. 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

Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Project (Overseas)

Fund

RMB 1-3 Million

Talent/Research Program

Innovation Leading Talent

Fund

up to RMB 2 Million

Talent/Research Program

Outstanding  Leading Talent of International Discipline

Fund

50% of Annual Package

Talent/Research Program

Young Leading Talent of International Discipline

Fund

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
• 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
• 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 via the 'Apply' button above.

Applications must be submitted that includes 3 parts in the order of:

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

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email 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 3901 in your enquiry.