Faculty Position in Urban Planning and Design

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

School: Design School

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

ABOUT XJTLU 

In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top 10 university in China. Offering a unique international 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 10 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 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 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 UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU continues to explore future opportunities by blending both western and eastern educational theory and best practices.  

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn

ABOUT URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT (UPD)

The Department of Urban Planning and Design at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is unique and dynamic. Initially built on the foundation of the University of Liverpool’s Civic Design department (established in 1908), the Department of Urban Planning and Design at XJTLU has grown into a truly international department that marries the best of urban planning and design theory and practices from around the world to the specificities of practice in rapidly urbanising China. Our international and interdisciplinary mix of academic staff, and their wide range of professional and academic experience, makes for a lively intellectual atmosphere that nourishes staff and students alike. 

The Department of Urban Planning and Design sets out to offer a globally competitive, professional planning and urban design programme unique in its focus on both local Chinese and international planning and urban design policy and practice. Research areas include urbanisation and urban regeneration in China, heritage and landscape conservation, local identity, migration and regional restructuring, smart cities, and participatory systems of planning. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Department seeks to appoint faculty positions who will bring together interdisciplinary expertise in urban planning and design to advance future programmes and collaborations within Design School and maintain an active pedagogic profile in the field of urban planning and design.

The successful candidate will be expected to deliver lectures and tutorials across all years of the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes; to supervise undergraduate, master’s and potentially doctoral dissertations. Senior positions are expected to contribute to the research activities of the Department greatly. Those include the publication of research articles, the development of external research collaboration, and applications for research funding.

As the current round of recruitment opens for multiple positions, all urban planning and design fields will be given full consideration. The successful candidates will be dedicated to enhancing interdisciplinary education and contributing to diverse urban planning and design subject areas.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES

• PhD in a field related to Urban Planning and Design.
• Teaching experience in higher education.
• A proven record of academic publications in good journals, or alternatively, for early-career academics, a strong pipeline of promising research.
• A strong record in attracting funding for research or demonstrating the potential to attract such funding.
• Enthusiasm for delivering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• The attitude and ability to engage in continuous professional development.

The successful applicant to more senior professorial ranks is also expected to show:

• A significant record of high-quality academic publications.
• A number of external research grants awards.
• Experience in PhD supervision. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE 

• Curriculum design and programme development experience.
• International and Chinese urban planning and design practice.
• Experience teaching international classrooms.
• Contributing to the development of an academic unit through significant service roles.
• Recognised professional qualification and accreditation (such as MRTPI).
• Engagement with the professional community. 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised that 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
• Kids’ education allowance
• Relocation allowance 

2. Commercial insurance: International insurance plans customised 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 Lave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave 

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

Research Funding Support 

The university provides every new faculty members with Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate research projects, and Research Engagement Fund provided to support their continuous research activities.

The university will also support all faculty members to apply for national, province and city level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists, both Chinese and non-Chinese-citizen, 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

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 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on our university website 

Applications should be received by the closing date, however, earlier submissions are encouraged as the submitted applications will be reviewed regularly.

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• 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 (please email to Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn).

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn.