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BCU is recruiting

Professor of Smart Manufacturing

Birmingham City University

Department of Engineering

About Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff. 

Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities. 

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential. 

By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond. 

Role Summary

We are seeking a Professor of Smart Manufacturing to join our School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering, providing strategic academic leadership across teaching, research, enterprise and external engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a department undergoing significant transformation through its Re-imagining Engineering initiative, the development of the Smart and Sustainable Engineering Research Centre, and the expansion of industrial partnerships. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the School's ambitions for research excellence, innovation, knowledge exchange and regional economic impact.

As Professor, you will lead the development of internationally recognised research in Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing, Industrial Innovation and Enterprise. You will drive externally funded research, develop strategic partnerships with industry, expand Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), consultancy and commercial activity, and strengthen the Department's contribution to industrial innovation at regional, national and international levels.

You will play a pivotal role in preparing for REF2029 by leading high-quality research outputs, developing impact case studies, supervising doctoral researchers and mentoring colleagues to foster a vibrant research culture. You will also promote interdisciplinary collaboration across Engineering, Computing and the Built Environment.

Within education, you will contribute to the Re-imagining Engineering curriculum by embedding contemporary manufacturing practices, Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies, digital engineering, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and challenge-based learning into teaching. Working closely with industry, you will enhance student employability and help develop graduates with the advanced technical, professional and entrepreneurial skills required by the future engineering workforce.

The successful candidate will be an internationally recognised academic with an established record of research excellence, successful external funding, strong industrial engagement and inspirational academic leadership. They will have the vision and expertise to shape the future of Smart Manufacturing at Birmingham City University and make a significant contribution to the University's strategic ambitions.

Essential Requirements

  • PhD in a cognate subject.
  • International reputation as an outstanding scholar.
  • Professorial status or eligibility to be awarded Professorial status
  • Well-developed research plan with published research of international excellence, with clear evidence of quantity and quality of research outputs.
  • Significant experience of conducting research in an active academic research environment.
  • Research interests which fit within or can develop the School’s research profile.
  • Established and current track-record of leadership in research and research governance.
  • Ability to write strong research bids and able to evidence a record in attracting research funding commensurate with stage of career.
  • Commitment to continuing to develop a strong research and enterprise profile, including collaborative generation of research grants and publications.
  • Experience of research supervision commensurate with stage of career, including supervision of research students and the ability to attract new research students to the University.
  • Able to evidence ability to successfully supervise PhDs
  • Demonstrable experience of enterprise and engagement, commensurate with stage of career, preferably with evidence of consultancy income generation.
  • Experience of high-quality learning and teaching and teaching development at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • Able to evidence excellent knowledge of:
    • REF structures and policies
    • Research methodologies
    • Appropriate funding bodies and their priorities
  • Experience of embedding employability and industry engagement within teaching and curriculum design, with evidence of impact on student progression or graduate outcomes.

Further Information

If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering, we would love to hear from you. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Abdullahi Ahmed, Professor and Head of Department of Engineering at Abdullahi.Ahmed@bcu.ac.uk

Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University

Why work for us

  • Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent). 
  • Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career. 
  • Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits. 
  • Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs. 

Visa Sponsorship 

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Further Details:
Job Description

Use of AI in applications

At BCU, we welcome applications that clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. AI tools may be used to support you in preparing your application, but the information you provide must be accurate, authentic and based on your own experience. Applications that rely too heavily on AI, appear generic or do not provide specific evidence against the role criteria are less likely to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. For more information, please refer to our candidate guidance; How to Apply - Jobs at Birmingham City University

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

Disability Confident Employer

Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
Job Description
Job Description