Dean, Academy of Life and Natural Sciences

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Academy of Life and Natural Sciences

Academic Qualification: Professor

Report to: Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)

Appointment period: 3-year appointment, renewable 

ABOUT XI’AN JIAOTONG-LIVERPOOL UNIVERSITY (XJTLU)

In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was founded by a partnership between the University of Liverpool, UK, and Xi’an Jiaotong University, 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 studying in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK. There are currently about 2,500 staff, including more than 1,300 academic staff from over 60 countries. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 120 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

With a focus on innovative education 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 is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from the West and the East.

Next year marks the 20^th anniversary of XJTLU. As part of its strategic priorities for the coming decade, the university is entering a new and exciting phase of development. XJTLU continues to innovate in education models, and is now transitioning from a collection of distinct approaches toward a unified, integrated Academy model – a syntegrative ecosystem designed to break down silos, enhance agility, and solidify XJTLU’s position at the forefront of global education and research.

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

ABOUT ACADEMY OF LIFE AND NATURAL SCIENCES (ALNS) 

XJTLU is embarking on a transformative journey by establishing a new integrated Academy of Life and Natural Sciences (ALNS), which is a cornerstone of the university's strategy to lead in the rapidly evolving fields of life, biopharmaceuticals, materials, and health sciences. This initiative is a fundamental re-imagining of XJTLU’s academic architecture to foster unprecedented collaboration between foundational science, pharmaceutical innovation, and engineering principles. 

The ALNS will create a powerful ecosystem that leverages the existing strengths of the School of Science in fundamental biological, chemical, materials, and environmental sciences, along with the Academy of Pharmacy’s expertise in drug discovery, pharmaceutics, and translational medicine. This integration is essential for tackling complex global challenges, from personalized medicine to sustainable health solutions, and aligns with national and global research priorities. 

Vision

To be a world-leading hub of interdisciplinary innovation where the convergence of life, health, biochemicals, materials, and pharmaceutical sciences delivers transformative education, groundbreaking research, and sustainable solutions for global health and well-being. 

Strategic Objectives

1. Integrate Disciplinary Pillars: Create a seamless academic environment that breaks down silos between pharmacy, biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, materials, environmental, and data science.
2. Future-Proof Graduates: Deliver flexible, interdisciplinary programmes that produce graduates capable of leading in emerging fields like bioinformatics, intelligent health, clinical science and sustainable biopharmaceuticals.
3. Amplify Research Impact: Establish Research Centres that concentrate critical mass, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and increase competitiveness for major external funding.
4. Forge Strategic Partnerships: Become the partner of choice for industry and government in co-creating solutions and driving innovation.
5. Optimize Resources and Efficiency: Create a streamlined, flat structure that reduces administrative overhead, shares costly resources effectively, and generates significant operational savings. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

We seek to appoint a visionary and entrepreneurial Founding Dean to lead this new academy from the ground up. The Founding Dean will be a member of the senior management team of the University, reporting directly to the University Vice President for Academic Affairs. The appointee will have the rare opportunity to build a collaborative and forward-thinking academic unit, design innovative curricula, recruit researchers, foster ground-breaking research, and forge deep connections with industry and the community. This role is perfect for a dynamic leader who is passionate about defining the future of life and natural sciences education and research.

• Vision & Strategy:Articulate and implement a compelling, innovative vision for the Academy. Develop strategies that integrate education, research and outreach, aligning with the university's broader mission.
• Academic Leadership:Design and champion interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programmes that break down traditional silos, are responsive to future workforce needs, and attract top-tier students.
• Research Advancement:Catalyse a vibrant research environment that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, secures major external funding, and addresses pressing global challenges in health, environment, and technology.
• Faculty Development & Recruitment:Lead the recruitment of a diverse and excellent faculty and top researchers. Foster a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and high-impact scholarly and research activity.
• Resource & Financial Management:Secure and manage financial resources, including fundings from private and public sources. Oversee the development of state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
• External Engagement:Serve as the chief ambassador for the Academy. Build strategic partnerships with research institutes and industry leaders to enhance opportunities for collaboration, funding, and student placement.
• Administrative Leadership:Build and lead an effective administrative team. Ensure operational excellence, accreditation standards, and a supportive, inclusive environment for all students and staff. 

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD degree in a related field.
• A distinguished track record of scholarly achievement commensurate with a full professor appointment.
• Significant and progressive academic leadership experience (e.g., Dean, Associate Dean, Head of Depart, etc.) with demonstrated success.
• A proven ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and build academic communities.
• A strong track record in securing external research funding and a clear vision for growing a research institute/enterprise.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
• A strong commitment to the success of the academy in all aspects.
• Entrepreneurial experience in successfully nurturing and spinning out a business will be a plus. 

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate will be:

• A visionary architect who can imagine and build a new institution.
• A collaborative bridge-builder who thrives in interdisciplinary settings.
• An entrepreneurial catalyst with drive and business acumen.
• An inspiring ambassador who can tell the Academy’s story.
• A talent magnet who can attract and develop outstanding people. 

XJTLU offers globally competitive compensation and benefits, with initial research funding to successful appointee. 

Please submit applications with CV and a Personal Statement (up to 1,500 words) on XJTLU Career Website by clicking the 'Apply' button. Interviews will be held shortly after this. The position will be open until filled. Enquiries about the role can be made to talent.hr@xjtlu.edu.cn.