Professor of Railway Systems Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Job Summary

The School of Engineering is expanding its globally recognised research portfolio and strengthening its industry ties. In line with this vision, the School of Engineering invites applications for PROFESSOR OF RAILWAY SYSTEMS or associated areas. This role is ideal for an inspiring leader with a global reputation in research and innovation, particularly in railway systems, potentially in wider transport and mobility and ideally bringing experience from other sectors. The ideal candidate will bring innovative ideas to complement our existing strengths in conventional transportation, focusing on system-level advancements that cater to the industry’s evolving needs, including passengers and freight.

You will be a dedicated individual with a leading national and international reputation in the system-wide capability of railways or other complex and safety-critical systems. This includes, but is not limited to, areas like whole-system performance and effectiveness, railway technology, operation, control, and signalling systems. We are particularly interested in candidates with proven expertise applicable to at least three of the following areas: Railway Control & Operations Simulation, Data Integration and Cybersecurity, Condition Monitoring and Sensing, Power Systems and Energy Use, and System Integration and Testing & Validation of  Systems & Subsystems.

You will possess a distinguished international profile in systems, teaching, and research in the railway ideally with experience from other sectors. You will contribute strategic leadership to the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), elevating our group and the School's research profile while fostering external collaborative links.

A vital aspect of this role is successfully acquiring research and innovation funding from diverse sources, such as UKRI, government or EU sources, and industry partners. Therefore, a strong background in securing externally funded research is essential.

BCRRE

The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) is Europe's largest academic group dedicated to the rail sector. It is renowned for delivering world-class research, education, and innovation to the global rail industry. This prestigious centre is recognised for its extensive contributions and leadership in advancing rail technology and knowledge, shaping the industry's future worldwide.

UKRRIN

The UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) represents a groundbreaking collaboration between academia and the rail industry. Anchored by the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) as its lead partner, UKRRIN is revolutionising rail innovation. It incorporates three primary Centres of Excellence—Digital Systems, led by the University of Birmingham; Rolling Stock, spearheaded by the University of Huddersfield; and Infrastructure, directed by the University of Southampton—each formed through a consortium of top universities and existing industry facilities.

Informal enquiries to Karl Dearn, K.D.Dearn@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button.

Advert information