Associate Professor, Senior Associate Professor, or Professor in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Information Modelling, or Urban Landscape

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Design School and Department of Urban Planning and Design

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

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

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 Urban Planning and Design

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 Urban Planning and Design

Under the umbrella of the Design School, the Department of Urban Planning and Design (UPD) is a dynamic and internationally oriented department that blends urban planning and design theory with the realities of practice in one of the world’s most rapidly urbanizing environments—China. Rooted in the legacy of the University of Liverpool’s Civic Design department (established in 1908), UPD embodies the principle of “Act globally, act locally,” offering students a unique perspective on addressing the complexities of urban and rural development.

UPD’s research and teaching focus on understanding and shaping the processes of spatial change in the built and natural environments, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable and inclusive urban futures. Core research areas include urban regeneration, rural revitalization, infrastructure and networks, governance and policy, inclusive place-making, housing and economic development, and environment and public health. By engaging with these critical areas, UPD provides students with the tools to analyze, critique, and lead interventions that shape better places for people in China and globally.

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

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Department of Urban Planning and Design (UPD) seeks an accomplished scholar and educator at Associate Professor, Senior Associate Professor, or Professor in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Information Modelling, and/or Urban Landscape. The successful candidate will bring interdisciplinary expertise to advance existing and future programs and foster collaborations across the Design School, particularly with the Department of Architecture. This role is critical in realizing the Design School’s mission of promoting sustainable and innovative spatial design solutions and contributing to a vibrant, research-driven academic environment. 

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching: Deliver high-quality lectures, tutorials, and studios across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Key teaching areas include modules such as ‘Topics in Landscape Design and Technology,’ ‘Landscape Design Studio,’ and interdisciplinary exchange or outbound student programs. The successful candidate will supervise undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral dissertations.
• Research: Develop and maintain an internationally recognized research profile by publishing in high-impact journals, securing external research funding, and driving interdisciplinary collaborations within and beyond XJTLU.
• Collaboration: Build interdisciplinary bridges, particularly with the Department of Architecture, to integrate landscape architecture with urban planning and design. Leverage expertise in AI+ technologies or other advanced tools to enhance design education and research across departments.
• Program Development: Contribute to curriculum design and program development within the Design School, fostering interdisciplinary education that addresses challenges in sustainability, digitalization, and the future of urban landscapes.
• Service and Leadership: Take an active role in departmental service, mentor early-career academics, and represent the department in professional and academic forums, enhancing its reputation locally and internationally.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• A PhD in Landscape Architecture or a closely related field.
• Proven teaching experience in higher education, particularly in landscape design studios, theory, or related subjects.
• A record of research excellence, demonstrated through publications in high-impact journals and a promising research pipeline.
• Proven ability or potential to secure external research funding and develop collaborative research projects.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative undergraduate and postgraduate education.
• Excellent design and collaboration skills, alongside fluent English communication abilities (both written and spoken).
• An ability to engage in and contribute to continuous professional development.

Additional Expectations for Senior Professorial Ranks

• A strong record of high-quality publications and impactful research achievements.
• A proven history of securing external grants and receiving research awards.
• Demonstrated success in supervising PhD students to completion.
• Experience in academic leadership, such as contributing to developing academic programs, mentoring teams, or driving departmental initiatives.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in curriculum design and program development, particularly in interdisciplinary or international contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to teach in multicultural and international classrooms.
• Significant contributions to academic unit development through service or leadership roles.
• Recognized professional qualifications or accreditation or committing to achieve a teaching certification (e.g., FHEA, MRTPI, CLARB).
• Professional experience in international and/or Chinese landscape design practice.
• Strong engagement with professional communities through membership, consultancy, or active practice.
• Expertise in AI tools, digital technologies, or innovations applied to landscape architecture, landscape information modelling, and urban planning.

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

XJTLU supports its faculty with a comprehensive range of research funding and development initiatives. All new faculty members can apply for the ‘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

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 current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact details for three references
• Teaching and/or project portfolio is also acceptable as an additional attachment

For specific enquiries about the position, please email the Dean of Design School, Professor Bing Chen, at Bing.Chen@xjtlu.edu.cn.

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

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