Associate Dean for Research, School of Mathematics and Physics

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten 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 and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be 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 Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model.

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 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 www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS

The School of Mathematics and Physics is a research-driven academic unit comprising over 100 faculty members and a diverse student body with more than 2,500 undergraduate students in mathematics, 250+ master’s students, and 70+ Ph.D. students. The School is organized into five departments: Foundational Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Physics, and Financial and Actuarial Mathematics. It currently offers a broad range of degree programs, including four undergraduate programs, four master’s programs, and one Ph.D. program.

Our mission is to advance world-class research and develop innovative solutions to complex, real-world challenges. The School maintains a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and active collaboration with industry. Research activities span a wide range of areas in pure and applied mathematics, probability and statistics, and theoretical physics, with practical applications across engineering, business, and health sectors.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Associate Dean for Research (ADR) is a key member of the senior management team in the School of Mathematics and Physics, working alongside the Dean, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching, and five department heads. Together, they oversee executive functions such as policy development, strategic planning, and, in collaboration with administrative staff, the management and coordination of school operations.

This role is central to shaping the school’s research strategy, fostering industry partnerships, and enhancing the impact of the school’s research. Leading one of the largest schools in this field, the ADR has a unique opportunity to drive research innovation, align projects with industry needs, and strengthen the school’s reputation both in academia and industry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive research plan aimed at improving the quality, visibility, and practical impact of the school’s research initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Research Planning and Leadership
  • Develop a strategic plan for research within the School of Mathematics and Physics, setting clear goals and milestones that align with the school’s mission and international joint venture status.
  • Identify key research areas with high potential for impact, and establish targeted initiatives to build capacity in these fields.
  • Design and implement programs to support research quality, increase publication in high-impact journals, and encourage interdisciplinary and applied research projects.
• National and international research presence and leadership
  • Exert school leadership in national initiatives and opportunities and through participation in national professional organizations.
  • Engage with funding agencies and professional research organizations to advance the research enterprise.
• Industry Collaboration and Partnership Development
  • Lead efforts to build and strengthen partnerships with industry, creating a pipeline for collaborative research projects that respond to real-world needs and secure sustained funding.
  • Utilize the university’s unique position in China to cultivate partnerships with both domestic and international industry partners, expanding the reach and application of the school’s research.
  • Develop strategies to attract industry investment and support for research, including initiatives for technology transfer, consulting projects, and cooperative research agreements.
• Research Excellence and Faculty Development
  • Cultivate a culture of research excellence by providing guidance and mentorship to faculty, with a focus on grant acquisition, publication, and increasing research visibility.
  • Establish a support system for early-career researchers and faculty, promoting skill-building in research design, interdisciplinary work, and collaboration with industry partners.
  • Oversee resources and support structures, including workshops, research grants, and administrative assistance, to help faculty pursue ambitious research projects.
• Research Administration and Impact Assessment
  • Develop and manage processes for tracking research impact, evaluating outcomes, and reporting progress toward the goals outlined in the strategic research plan.
  • Ensure compliance with research policies of [Chinese University], [UK University], and local regulations, particularly regarding ethics, funding, and data management.
  • Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively to ensure optimal support for high-priority research areas and projects.
• Community Engagement and Outreach
  • Raise the school’s research profile through active engagement with external stakeholders, including academic institutions, government entities, and industry partners.
  • Plan and coordinate conferences, seminars, and outreach events to highlight the school’s research achievements and foster collaboration.
  • Represent the school at national and international events, leveraging the school’s international joint venture status to build connections and promote global collaboration.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong track record of high-impact research, with experience in developing research strategies and leading research initiatives.
• Proven ability to secure and manage research funding from both government and industry sources.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships with industry partners and driving industry-focused research collaborations.
• Strategic planning skills, with experience in research administration or academic leadership preferred.
• Excellent communication and intercultural skills, with the ability to engage effectively with faculty, industry partners, and stakeholders across diverse backgrounds.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Visionary and strategic thinker, with the ability to create and implement a forward-looking research plan.
• Collaborative and supportive leader, committed to fostering an innovative and inclusive research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a results-oriented mindset, with a focus on achieving tangible research impact.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Clear career development path with annual review.
• Professional development trainings are provided.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: Competitive salary in the global market.

Benefits:

• Allowance: XJTLU provides various monthly, annual, and one-off allowances such as:
  • Housing allowance
  • Travel allowance
  • Kids’ education allowance
  • Relocation allowance
  • Etc.
• Commercial insurance: International insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (Details refer to the University Policy)
• Paid holidays:
  • Statutory Holidays (11 days)
  • Annual Leave (36 days)
  • Family Matters Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Marriage Leave
  • Paternity Leave
  • Parental leave
  • Etc.
• Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

The university provides every new faculty member with a Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate research projects, and a Research Engagement Fund to support their continuous research activities.

The university will also support all faculty members to apply for national, provincial, and city level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists, both Chinese and non-Chinese citizens, to work and carry out research in China.

Some of the programs are listed below. Successful applications are based on the applicant’s educational background, academic/research field, research achievements, working experience, etc. The university will provide full support on the applications.

• Talent/Research Program
• Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Project (Overseas) – RMB 1-3 Million
• Innovation Leading Talent – up to RMB 2 Million
• Outstanding Leading Talent of International Discipline – 50% of Annual Package
• Young Leading Talent of International Discipline – 50% of Annual Package

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.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application through our university website. Applications must be submitted in a single PDF file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including date of birth, country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three Academic References

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email the dean of the School, Prof. Jintai Ding, at [email protected]. Informal enquiries may be addressed to HR at [email protected].