Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – HeXie Management Research Centre

ABOUT Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)

Founded in 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a pioneering international joint venture university established through the partnership of Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s top ten universities, and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Combining the academic strengths and research expertise of both parent institutions, XJLTU deliver a distinctive international education experience that blends Eastern and Western educational transitions. 

XJTLU currently serves a dynamic community of over 25,000 students across its campuses in Suzhou, China, and Liverpool, UK, with plans to expand to approximately 30,000 students by 2026. The University employs around 2,000 staff members, including approximately 1,200 academic staff, representing a balanced mix of Chinese and international professionals. With a portfolio of more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a diverse range of disciplines, XJTLU is committed to academic excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.  

Over the years, XJTLU has evolved through three key phases of development, each representing a significant milestone in its journey to redefine higher education. The XJTLU 1.0 phase focused on establishing a high-quality international education platform, blending Eastern and Western educational practices to create a globally recognized learning environment. In the XJTLU 2.0 phase, the University expanded its scope by enhancing research capabilities, encouraging interdisciplinary innovation, and addressing pressing global challenges through academic inquiry. Now in the XJTLU 3.0 phase, the University is redefining the future of higher education through its innovative Syntegrative Education (SE) model. This model integrates academic learning with industry engagement, entrepreneurial practice, and personalized education pathways, emphasizing the cultivation of future-ready talent equipped to navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By combining academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and practical application, XJTLU continues to position itself as a leader in global higher education innovation, bridging cultures and driving progress in an interconnected world.

ABOUT College of Industry-Entrepreneurs (CIE)

The College of Industry-Entrepreneurs (CIE) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is an interdisciplinary platform and a flagship model of XJTLU’s 3.0 educational philosophy, which redefines the future of higher education. As a core implementation of Syntegrative Education (SE) framework, CIE bridges academia, industry, and society to cultivate future-ready talent and drive innovation. Funded by community and industry contributions, it operates with a hybrid governance model combining academic rigor and business efficiency.

Aligns with XJTLU 3.0’s emphasis on integrating education, industry, and societal needs, CIE focuses on three core pillars: the development of the X-Eco Mall, the empowerment of Industry-Entrepreneurs, and the promotion of strategic transformation and technological advancement. Through deep collaboration with industry partners, CIE co-designs solutions and talent development programs that address real-world challenges. The college emphasizes cross-disciplinary innovation, practice-oriented learning, and personalized education pathways. 

CIE offers a diverse range of academic programs tailored to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape. These include three master’s pathways: Enterprise Governance, Innovation and Succession; Strategic Human Resources Management; and Smart Ageing and Health Management. For those pursuing advanced research, CIE provides a PhD in Business, with concentrations in areas such as Industrial Innovation Ecosystems, Human-AI Collaboration and Ecosystem Management, Healthcare Ecosystems, and Strategic Human Resource Management and Talent Systems. The college also offers a PhD in Education, focusing on topics such as Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education, HeXie Education, and Educational Innovation Ecosystems. Currently, CIE is home to over 10 PhD students and a team of about 30 faculty members, all of whom are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, teaching, and industry collaboration. As a key embodiment of XJTLU’s 3.0 vision, CIE is committed to serving as a catalyst for progress, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in XJTLU X-Eco Mall.

ABOUT HeXie Management Research Centre (HeXie Academy)

The HeXie Academy is a research and innovation platform focused on the application of HeXie Management Theory, recognized as one of China’s Top Ten Original Theories in Philosophy and Social Sciences in 2025. With a vision of drive high-quality social and industrial development, the HeXie Academy supports original research, interdisciplinary training, and education innovation. Its key research areas include digital and intelligent ecosystems, future social governance, and sustainable development, addressing pressing topics such as aging society and ESG strategy. As a strategic enhancement to undergraduate education, the HeXie Academy also contributes to university-wide teaching by participating in the delivery of the Entrepreneurial Education Module (EEM) for Year2 students, enriching students’ learning with interdisciplinary and real-world perspectives. By leveraging the principles of HeXie Management, the HeXie Academy facilitates collaboration across disciplines and sectors, offering innovative solutions and thought leadership that contribute to the strategic transformation of industries and the sustainable progress of society.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CIE and HeXie Academy invite applications for the position of Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching (ADLT). The Associate Dean serves as a member of CIE and HeXie Syntegrative Management Team (CH-SMT). Reporting directly to the Executive Dean and Director, the Associate Dean provides strategic leadership across the College and Academy in programme development, educational quality, the student learning experience, and the enhancement of learning and teaching. The Associate Dean also represents CIE and HeXie Academy on the University Learning and Teaching Committee. The successful candidate will play a leading role in advancing educational excellence and innovation, ensuring that academic programmes remain responsive to evolving educational, societal, and industry needs.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the College and Academy’s learning and teaching strategy, ensuring alignment with the educational priorities of CIE and HeXie Academy.
• Foster a culture of educational excellence and innovation by promoting high-quality teaching, curriculum enhancement, pedagogical development, and the effective use of emerging educational technologies, including AI-enabled learning approaches.
• Oversee programme development, review, and quality assurance processes across undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, capability cluster, HeXie innovation Eco-camp, and executive education programmes, ensuring compliance with institutional, national, and international standards.
• Lead the Academy Learning and Teaching Committee (ALTC) and work closely with Programme Directors and academic staff to ensure the effective design, delivery, and continuous improvement of academic programmes, non-degree modules, and training initiatives.
• Enhance student learning experience, engagement, and academic success by supporting student-centred learning, feedback mechanisms, experiential learning opportunities, and graduate outcomes.
• Ensure that programme design and curriculum development reflect evolving industry needs through collaboration with industry and academic partners.
• Support accreditation, quality review, and educational enhancement initiatives at programme, College/Academy, and University levels.
• Support the Executive Dean and Director in evaluating teaching performance and academic development through the Professional Development Review (PDR) process.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. degree in a relevant subject from a world-renowned university.
• A senior academic appointment at the level of Associate Professor or above, with a strong record of teaching excellence, academic leadership, and scholarly achievement.
• Significant experience in learning and teaching leadership within higher education, including programme development, curriculum design, quality assurance, or educational innovation.
• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary higher education practices, student-centred learning, curriculum enhancement, and educational quality management.
• Experience in leading academic teams and implementing strategic educational initiatives within a complex organisational environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in an international and intercultural environment. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary curriculum design and the development of innovative postgraduate or executive education programmes, including practice-oriented, industry-engaged, or experiential learning initiatives delivered in collaboration with industry partners.
• Familiarity with accreditation, programme review, and quality assurance frameworks at institutional, national, or international levels.
• Experience developing programmes or educational initiatives in collaboration with international academic or industry partners.
• Knowledge of entrepreneurial education, industry-engaged learning, or other innovative and interdisciplinary educational models.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 2 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position.
• A current CV, including the following details: country of citizenship, highest degree level, and contact information for three references.

For specific enquiries related to this position, please contact Professor Xiaobo Xu, Executive Dean of CIE and Director of HeXie Academy, at Xiaobo.Xu@xjtlu.edu.cn , or the HRBP at Zhi.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn . Kindly quote the position title and job ID in your enquiry.