Head, Department of Architecture

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Design School

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

Leadership Appointment Period: 3-year appointment, renewable

ABOUT XJTLU

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was established in 2006 as a pioneering partnership between the University of Liverpool in the UK and Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s leading institutions. This unique collaboration offers an international English-speaking educational experience, combining the strengths of its parent universities to deliver world-class teaching, research, and industry engagement.

XJTLU has grown significantly, with over 25,000 enrolled students across its Suzhou and Liverpool campuses, aiming to reach 28,000 by 2025. The university boasts approximately 2,000 staff members, split evenly between academic and professional services staff, and nearly half are international passport holders. Based on the University of Liverpool’s curricula, XJTLU provides a rich and diverse academic offering that equips students with the skills to succeed in a globalized world with over 100 undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes.

The university is entering an exciting new phase of development, guided by its ‘Syntegrative Education (SE)’ model, designed to address the challenges and opportunities of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. The SE approach is pioneered at XJTLU’s Entrepreneur College in Taicang, which serves as a blueprint for innovative education and research integration. XJTLU is also fostering partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, exploring new academic models, and expanding its presence across multiple locations in China and the UK.

As a bridge between East and West, XJTLU offers a platform for innovation in education, blending cutting-edge theory with practical application. For more details, visit https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en. 

ABOUT THE DESIGN SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

The Design School

The Design School at XJTLU is the interdisciplinary centre point for creative innovation and sustainable spatial design, uniting its four departments—Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, and Urban Planning & Design—under a shared mission to address the complex challenges of the built environment. As a global leader in design education, the School integrates cutting-edge research, creative thinking, and advanced technical expertise to foster interdisciplinary, innovative solutions that shape the future of our physical and digital environments. Rooted in sustainability, the School emphasizes environmentally conscious design and global-local engagement, leveraging Suzhou’s cultural and urban transformation as a living laboratory. Through its globally accredited programs, industry collaborations, and inclusive culture, the School equips future leaders to drive meaningful change, addressing the needs of society while preparing for the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Department of Architecture

Under the umbrella of the Design School, the Department of Architecture at XJTLU is a globally competitive and RIBA-accredited unit committed to shaping the future of architecture. Its vision emphasizes creativity, technical competence, and a passion for design innovation, underpinned by a holistic approach that integrates aesthetic sensitivity, human responsibility, technological competence, and sustainability.

The Department’s research and teaching address critical issues such as cultural innovation, digital design, environmental sustainability, and architectural theory and heritage. Through live projects, industry competitions, and academic collaborations, students gain real-world experience and develop the knowledge to lead the global architectural community. Leveraging Suzhou’s rich architectural history and rapidly transforming regional context, the Department of Architecture bridges Chinese and international perspectives to cultivate socially responsible, forward-thinking architects and designers.

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

ROLE OVERVIEW

Head of Department of Architecture

The Head of the Department of Architecture at XJTLU’s Design School has a central leadership role, reporting to the Dean of the Design School. The Head oversees a team of approximately 40 academic staff and leads the delivery of globally recognized, RIBA-accredited programs.

To match this role, you are a visionary leader who inspires and unites the department, drives innovation, and addresses challenges in the architectural profession, particularly in light of shifts in the Chinese construction sector, the advent of AI, and global economic trends. You will lead strategic initiatives to attract domestic and international students, foster excellence in teaching and research, and strengthen connections with professional, academic, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Inspire and energize staff and students by fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive departmental culture.
• Articulate and implement a compelling vision addressing emerging trends in architecture, design, and the construction industry.
• Serve as a role model and advocate, inspiring trust, engagement, and confidence among students, parents, and professional communities.
• Represent the Department at high-profile professional and academic events, raising its visibility and reputation.

Strategic Development

• Lead change management initiatives to adapt to evolving economic challenges and strengthen the Department’s global reputation.
• Attract domestic and international students through innovative programs and global partnerships.
• Integrate cutting-edge technologies, including AI, into the curriculum and research agenda.

Operational and Academic Management

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality teaching and research programs aligned with RIBA standards and global expectations.
• To support sustainable growth, manage departmental resources, including budgets, facilities, and staffing.
• Drive impactful research in sustainability, cultural innovation, and digital design.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build partnerships with local and global organizations to enhance the department’s relevance and impact.
• Promote critical dialogue between Chinese and Western knowledge traditions to advance innovative andragogy and heutagogy.
• Strengthen ties with students, alumni, and professional networks to support the department’s vision.

Cultural Stewardship

• Foster inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration to unite the department around shared goals.
• Serve as a role model for creativity, responsibility, and technical excellence.
• Inspire students, staff, and stakeholders to shape desirable futures through architecture.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Attributes

• Inspirational leadership with the ability to foster unity and purpose in a diverse environment.
• Proven experience in addressing complex challenges, including economic constraints and technological advancements.
• A strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in architecture and education.
• Exceptional communication, empathy, and collaboration skills to unite staff, students, and external stakeholders with a shared vision.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in architecture or a related field.
• Ideally at least five years of experience in academic leadership, with a proven track record in strategic planning and team management.
• A distinguished academic and professional record in architecture.
• Expertise in architectural education, design research, and/or professional practice, with the ability to contribute to teaching and research agendas.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience leveraging AI and emerging technologies in architectural education and research.
• A successful track record in attracting international students and forging industry partnerships.
• Familiarity with British and Chinese higher education systems.
• Success in implementing innovation. 

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

XJTLU supports its faculty with a comprehensive range of research funding and development initiatives. All new faculty members are given a ‘Research Development Fund’ to initiate their research projects and a ‘Research Engagement Fund’ to sustain ongoing research activities.

Additionally, the University offers extensive guidance to faculty members applying for national, provincial, and city-level funding programs. These funding opportunities are open to Chinese and international researchers and aim to support impactful and innovative projects.

Eligibility for these programs is based on the applicant’s academic background, research field, achievements, and professional experience. The University offers full support throughout the application process to ensure successful outcomes.

Talent/Research Program/Fund

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

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 to obtain work permits and visas. Candidates over 65 may not be eligible for a work visa in P.R. China.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

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

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Head of Department is eligible to receive a duty allowance.

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 

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 

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

HOW TO APPLY

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

Applications shall include:

• A cover letter
• A vision statement
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact details for three references

For specific enquiries about the position, please email the Dean of Design School, Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel, at MarcAurel.Schnabel@xjtlu.edu.cn.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the HR representative for Design School, Ms Zhi Yang, at Zhi.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn.

Please quote the position and job-ID 4002 in your enquiry.