Professor in Digital Innovation in Engineering

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We're proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas.

About the role

The University is seeking a visionary leader to join as Professor of Digital Innovation in Engineering, driving transformative research, education, and strategic engagement at the intersection of engineering and digital technologies.

This pivotal role will advance the university’s leadership in digital transformation, with a focus on cutting-edge areas such as AI, Digital Twins, Cyber-Physical Systems, and IoT. You will lead high-impact research, secure major funding, and foster collaborations across academia, industry, and government.

In this role, you will:

• Lead world-class research with demonstrable impact.
• Innovate engineering education with future-ready digital curricula.
• Mentor the next generation of engineering talent.
• Influence policy and practice through thought leadership.
• Build strategic partnerships and global networks.

What you can bring

We are looking for a distinguished academic with deep expertise in digital innovation within engineering, including areas such as AI, smart systems, and digital manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of securing competitive research funding, delivering impactful interdisciplinary projects, and contributing to REF excellence. They will be an inspiring educator and mentor, capable of embedding digital technologies into engineering curricula and fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and policy. A global outlook, strategic vision, and commitment to inclusive leadership are essential.

What we can offer you 

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays. 
• Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future. 
• Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate. 
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday 31st August (23.59 GMT).

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