Assistant Professor in AI-driven Structural and Machine Dynamics

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor in AI-driven Structural and Machine Dynamics 

Your Responsibilities 

Your key responsibilities include:

• Lead and contribute to the Department's research strategy, building internationally recognised research in AI-driven Structural and Machine Dynamics and developing external collaborations.
• Lead and contribute to studies, funding bids, technology development and knowledge-based design, advancing the Department's research portfolio, intellectual property and reputation.
• Supervise and develop junior researchers and research assistants, disseminate research through publications and workshops, and help sustain a rigorous, equitable and inclusive research culture.
• Develop curricula and deliver teaching across mechanics, dynamics, machine learning, robotics and mechatronic systems, supporting learners from undergraduate through postdoctoral level.
• Contribute to academic leadership, governance and citizenship, build internal and external networks, and support the establishment of Key Laboratories and International Joint Laboratories.

About You

• You should hold a PhD in a relevant subject area.
• You should have in-depth specialist knowledge and a strong national and international reputation in a field relevant to AI-driven or data-driven structural and machinery systems.
• Ideally you should have at least two years of relevant teaching and research experience in higher education, together with experience leading the design of research techniques and methods.
• You should have excellent oral and written communication skills in English and the analytical capability to support conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity.
• You should have experience planning and leading research and teaching programmes and developing sources of funding. 

About Us

Join a unique British University in China. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. Located in Ningbo, this award winning campus offering a UK style education has grown to establish a student body of over 10,000 in more than 22 years.

Mechanical, materials and manufacturing engineering at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an exciting, dynamic and fast growing department. The department offers BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering (2+2, 4+0), BEng (Hons) Product Design and Manufacture (2+2, 4+0) and BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (2+2, 4+0) programmes which cover mechanics, dynamics, kinetics, thermodynamics, energy, fluids, materials, manufacture, ergonomics and design.

The Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering has strong links with the corresponding departments in the UK and Malaysia campuses of the University of Nottingham. Its exceptionally close involvement with Chinese and international institutions and industries ensures a high quality teaching and research in the relevant professional fields.

Your Remuneration, Benefits and Support

This is a full-time post based at UNNC. The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract initially of five years with a probation period of six months and an anticipated start date in January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. We offer competitive employment packages and support staff wellbeing and development.

Recruitment to this role is subject to applicable national legislation, including Chinese statutory retirement requirements. Where a candidate has reached or is approaching the applicable statutory retirement age, any retirement deferment or continued engagement beyond the statutory retirement age will be considered separately, in accordance with applicable national regulations and the University's policies and approval requirements. Such arrangements are not automatic and will be subject to regulatory feasibility, institutional need and the circumstances of the individual case.

How to Apply 

Applicants should submit an application via our online application system by 23:59 Beijing time on 22 November 2026

Only on-line applications will be accepted. Referees will be contacted prior to interview. 

Enquiries 

Informal enquiries about this role may be addressed to Jian Yang at Jian.Yang@nottingham.edu.cn. If you are unable to apply online, please contact job@nottingham.edu.cn. 

Equality and Diversity

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our intention to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age*, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.