Position Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

School: School of Mathematics and Physics

Department: Department of Physics

Position: Head of Department of Physics [Open Rank]

Location: Suzhou, China

Job ID: 4247

Position Open Date: 22nd September 2025

Advertisement Closing Date: Open until position is filled

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended

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 an 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 the 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 the UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practices, and culture from the west and east.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

The Department of Physics is part of the School of Mathematics and Physics at XJTLU. Research within the Department of Physics seeks to explore and explain fundamental aspects of the world we live in, from the smallest subatomic particles to the Universe as a whole. Research interests in the Department of Physics currently include condensed matter physics, high-energy physics, and astrophysics. The department aims to expand its research in practical applications that drive technological progress and tackle global challenges, such as medical physics, quantum technologies, advanced imaging, and innovations in materials science, while strengthening its existing research areas.

The department is involved in the delivery of undergraduate physics and mathematics modules at all levels, as well as the PhD programme.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Mathematics and Physics, the Head of the Department (HoD) of Physics is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the department, as well as managing the department's staff and resources. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in physics, as well as experience managing teams and developing effective strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• The HoD provides leadership, academic direction, and organizational management for the department, ensuring effective oversight of its operations and development.
• The HoD leads the departmental strategic planning process. The departmental strategy is the fundamental guide for the operation and development of the department. The university has a system of rolling three-year plans to identify annual operational objectives and resource planning.
• It is the responsibility of the HoD to work with the Dean and Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching to ensure that teaching programmes maximise students’ career opportunities in their field of study.
• The HoD is responsible for ensuring that module content remains up to date and incorporates advancements in teaching technologies and contemporary academic discussions.
• The HoD works closely with the Dean and the Associate Dean for Research and Impact to oversee the research direction and performance of the department and its members.
• The HoD oversees the development of the department’s internal and external engagement activities. These outreach efforts aim to integrate the department within the School and University while building connections with the broader community.
• The HoD collaborates with other Heads of Department within the School, working closely with the Dean and Associate Deans to foster a collaborative spirit, a cooperative environment, and a shared vision for the entire academic unit.

Administration

• The HoD is responsible for the organization and administration of the department, ensuring its smooth operation and alignment with institutional goals. The HoD chairs departmental meetings focused on learning and teaching, research, and other operational matters. The HoD ensures that detailed agendas and minutes are prepared and distributed in a timely manner.
• The HoD is responsible to the University for the implementation of all academic and operational policies, rules, and regulations. Key responsibilities include:
  • Conducting examinations and overseeing marking and moderation regimes. Implementing the staff attendance and absence policy.
  • Ensuring observance of the staff code of conduct.
  • Upholding quality assurance processes and procedures.
  • Ensuring compliance with PRC legislation and XJTLU regulations on Health and Safety.
• The HoD leads strategic and annual planning for the department, aligning departmental objectives with the university’s broader mission. The HoD provides regular progress updates to the school management team, ensuring they are fully informed of successes, issues, and concerns across all subject areas.
• The HoD is directly responsible for managing departmental staff, including:
  • Individual staff work allocation and assignments of administrative duties.
  • Staff appointments, including identifying needs, defining specifications, organizing recruitment, overseeing interview panels, and recommending appointments.
  • Conducting formal Professional Development Reviews and overseeing staff development processes.
  • Addressing staff disciplinary issues and maintaining a record of authorized and unauthorized absences.
  • Approving leave of absence requests and ensuring adherence to attendance policies.
• The HoD oversees budget development and expenditure within the department. They are responsible for approving financial expenditures from the departmental budget and ensuring proper financial management.
• The HoD ensures that quality and standards are upheld in all aspects of the department’s operations, including teaching, research, and administrative processes.
• The HoD addresses student disciplinary issues and complaints, ensuring fair and transparent processes.
• The HoD ensures the dissemination of information regarding the development of the University, including changes to policy, university regulations, and issues discussed at university-level meetings.

Research

• The HoD is expected to be research active, attract external research funding, and produce high-quality research output.

Teaching and student supervision

• The HoD is expected to deliver high-quality teaching and student supervision.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• A passion for teaching, research and a commitment to academic excellence;
• An ability to think strategically and develop and implement plans to achieve goals;
• A willingness to work collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders within the School and the University.
• Self-motivated and able to motivate others;
• Proactive and flexible

We seek someone with the ambition, creativity and organizational skills to succeed in an exciting environment of continued growth and significant change. Applicants should have

• A PhD in physics or a related field;
• At least three years of experience in research and teaching, with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership;
• Experience managing and leading a team of academic staff;
• Experience working with industry partners and stakeholders and a commitment to promoting industry engagement and innovation.

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

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

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

• The university provides every new faculty member with a Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate and/or continue research projects.
• The university will also support all faculty members to apply for national-level, provincial-level and city level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists, both Chinese and non-Chinese-citizen, to work and carry out research in China.
• Several 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                                                     Fund

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

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

• Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as Housing allowance/Travel 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Click the link for application through University Website.

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes, in the order listed below:

• Cover letter
• Current CV, including date of birth and country of citizenship
• Full publication list
• Statement on academic leadership and management (1-3 pages)
• Research statement (2-5 pages)
• Teaching statement (1-2 pages)
• Details of three references (2 references for Research and 1 reference for Teaching) that may be contacted by the recruitment team.

For questions or inquiries about the position, please contact Head of Department of Physics, professor M.B.N. (Thijs) Kouwenhoven at t.kouwenhoven@xjtlu.edu.cn. For general enquiries, please email HR at Mingwei.Sun@xjtlu.edu.cn. Please quote the position and job ID in your enquiry.