Professor in Education

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Academy of Future Education

School: Academy of Future Education

ABOUT XJTLU

 In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool, UK, and Xi’an Jiaotong University, China – a C9 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 China and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to 35,000 students soon. There are currently about 2,500 staff, among which about 1,300 academic staff from more than 60 countries. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 120 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses. 

XJTLU will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, entering a new and exciting phase of its development for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU has opened a new Entrepreneurial College (XEC) in a new campus located in Taicang city, which is a part of wider Suzhou. The XEC site is 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 University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University, innovation of teaching and research through XJTLU Education + AI framework, and the continued development of new academies to build an institutional ecosystem. 

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 is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from West and East. 

For detailed information about the university, please visit our website.  

ABOUT ACADEMY OF FUTURE EDUCATION (AOFE) 

The Academy of Future Education of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is an educational innovation ecosystem that focuses on research, exploration, support, and dissemination of philosophy and best practices for future education. The core mission of the Academy is to impact education innovation and reform in China and beyond through a variety of projects and programmes, based on fundamental approaches in educational innovation and systemic development designed to contribute to the future of education. The Academy supports individuals and institutions at all levels, including all the K-15 schools as well as vocational education and higher education institutions. 

Four units make up the Academy, namely the Department of Educational Studies (EDS), Institute of Leadership & Education Advanced Development (ILEAD), and Educational Development Unit (EDU), Learning Institute for Future Excellence (LIFE). Key projects of the Academy include the following programmes: 

• Master’s and doctoral degree programmes in education

• Research projects on future education
• Education innovation community
• Professional development programmes for educational practitioners
• Student learning excellence support programmes
• Online-onsite hybrid learning environment and resources

AoFE's Six Strategic Research Foci:

• Life-long education and professional development
• Child development and family education
• Student-centered education and educational experiences
• Managing and leading change towards future education
• Technology-driven education innovation
• Cooperative and work-intergrated education 

The Department of Educational Studies (EDS), where this position is located, is guided by a vision to become a globalized education hub cultivating future educators through student-centred, research-led, and innovative experiences in the syntegrative educational environment. The Department now has 25+ faculty examining a broad array of educational issues, such as life-long education and professional development; student-centred education and educational experience; technology-enhanced education; education management and leadership; child development and family education; and other relevant areas. EDS also delivers an extensive range of postgraduate modules forming three Master’s programs: MA Global Education, MA Child Development and Family Education, and MSc Digital Education. In addition, the Department recently launched a new Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programme. Through teaching, research, and public engagement, the academic staff are an integral part of an educational innovation ecosystem that focuses on research, exploration, support, and dissemination of philosophy and best practices for future education. 

Research is also a key area of focus for the Academy and the Department; to support staff and build capacity, the Academy has recently created multiple Research Centres and research Special Interest Groups (SIGs) tied to the Academy’s strategic research foci, which make collaborative research easier and more impactful, as well as serving as sources for research funding for faculty. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Applications are invited for the Professor position in a variety of disciplinary topics relevant to the Department of Educational Studies’ research and programme portfolio described above and on the AoFE website.     

Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate the academic leadership, strategic vision, and professional standing required to contribute to, and potentially assume, the role of Doctor of Education (EdD) Programme Director. 

The successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in teaching, research, and academic leadership across the Department and the Academy of Future Education, contributing to the development of a distinctive, future-oriented education ecosystem. 

A core expectation of the role is the ability to teach across the Department’s full postgraduate portfolio, including:

• MA Global Education
• MA Child Development and Family Education
• MSc Digital Education
• Doctor of Education (EdD) 

This includes designing and delivering interdisciplinary, research-informed, and practice-oriented modules, and contributing to a coherent learning experience across programmes within a syntegrative education framework. 

Academic Leadership and EdD Programme Development

The appointee will be expected to demonstrate readiness and potential to take on significant leadership responsibilities within the EdD programme, including (over time or immediately, depending on experience): 

• Contributing to the strategic direction, positioning, and development of the EdD as a flagship professional doctorate;
• Supporting or leading curriculum design, coherence, and innovation across taught modules, residencies, and doctoral research components;
• Ensuring academic quality, standards, and continuous improvement, in alignment with institutional and international frameworks;
• Contributing to the development of a distinctive doctoral learning culture, integrating theory, research, policy, and practice;
• Supporting or leading doctoral supervision capacity building within the Department. 

Research, Engagement, and Ecosystem Building

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and sustain a high-impact research agenda aligned with the Academy’s strategic priorities, particularly in future education, educational innovation, and/or AI and technology in education;
• Build and mobilise international academic and professional networks, contributing to the global visibility and reputation of the Department and EdD programme;
• Develop strategic partnerships with universities, school systems, industry, and policy organisations;
• Contribute to practice-based research, executive education, and professional learning initiatives, particularly those linked to leadership and system-level change;
• Attract external funding and contribute to collaborative research centres and initiatives. 

Teaching, Supervision, and Student Experience

The appointee will:

• Deliver high-quality, research-led teaching across multiple programmes, with the flexibility to contribute across disciplinary and professional areas;
• Supervise Master’s and Doctoral students, including EdD candidates, with a focus on practice-based and impact-oriented research;
• Contribute to the design and delivery of doctoral residencies, workshops, and flagship academic events;
• Support the development of a vibrant academic community and student experience, particularly within the EdD cohort. 

Service, Leadership, and Institutional Contribution

The appointee will:

• Take on senior academic leadership and administrative responsibilities within the Department, Academy, and University;
• Contribute to programme management, quality assurance, and governance processes;
• Play an active role in mentoring junior faculty and supporting team development;
• Represent the Department and EdD programme in institutional, national, and international contexts;
• Contribute to the broader mission of the Academy of Future Education as an innovation hub for future education;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Department. 

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCES

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Applicants with a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD) from a wide range of areas related to future education perspectives (or who are in the final stages of completing a terminal degree), especially in those areas in the above “Roles and Responsibilities” section, are welcome.
• Fluent in English and the ability to effectively deliver postgraduate-level modules in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) context, particularly on Master's and doctoral degree programmes.
• Teaching experience at the postgraduate level, particularly on Master's degree programmes.
• Able to work in a diverse and dynamic environment where cross-team or inter-/intra- department collaboration is encouraged. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE: 

• A track record of teaching and research in the priority areas listed above, and/or other relevant fields with a future education perspective. 
• Experiences in innovative teaching and curriculum development. 
• Administrative and leadership experiences in K-15 schools, international schools, vocational education, higher education, international development organizations, or educational industry/enterprises contexts.
• Existing connections with scholars and practitioners in the field, including international networks, and/or the interest in building such networks.
• Successful record of research funding in the field. 
• Experience in supervision of doctoral and Master’s students in education or closely related fields is desired. 
• A track record in designing and delivering education programmes, executive coaching, academic supervision, and management consulting for educational institutions and practitioners. 

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 candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the 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
• Etc.

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customised for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy) 

3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (13 days)
• Annual Leave (34 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave
• Etc.

4. Working visa and residence permit in China:

5. XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on our university website. Click Apply button to access. 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

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email the Acting Head, Department of Educational Studies, Dr. Na Li at Na.Li@xjtlu.edu.cn. Informal enquiries may be addressed to HR at jia.xu@xjtlu.edu.cn.