Director of Education Research and Development

SCHOOL: School of Internet of Things, XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)

ROLE: Director of Education, Research and Development Institute (ERDI)

REPORTS TO: Dean, School of Internet of Things

RECRUITMENT: Open to internal and external candidates

LOCATION: Taicang, Suzhou, China

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was founded through a partnership between the University of Liverpool, UK, and Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue successful careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 students studying in Suzhou and Liverpool, approximately 2,500 staff, including more than 1,300 academic staff from over 60 countries, and offers over 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

With a focus on innovative education 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 international partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending educational theory, best practice and culture from the West and the East.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of XJTLU. As part of its strategic priorities for the coming decade, the University is entering a new and exciting phase of development. XJTLU continues to innovate in education models and is transitioning from a collection of distinct approaches towards a unified, integrated Academy model—a syntegrative ecosystem designed to break down silos, enhance agility and strengthen XJTLU’s position at the forefront of global education and research.

For further information about the University, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF INTERNET OF THINGS

The School of Internet of Things fosters collaboration among education, research, and industry on Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). Its vision is to become a leading school in AIoT and the Internet of Intelligence, connecting the digital and physical worlds through human-centered, trustworthy, and sustainable intelligent systems.

The School brings together expertise in AI, computing, electronics, sensing, communications, control, and cybersecurity. Undergraduate students and doctoral researchers work with academic staff, technical teams, and industry practitioners; the School is also developing its taught postgraduate provision.

The BEng Internet of Things Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism advances AIoT+X by combining foundations in computing, security, hardware, and networking with the Autonomous and Industrial Systems and Human-Centric and Healthcare Systems pathways. The planned MSc Advanced Internet of Things extends this approach to advanced AIoT architecture and integration.

Laboratories span integrated sensing and communications, AI-empowered RF sensing, networking, cloud-enabled IoT wireless communications, smart manufacturing and autonomous systems, smart living, and trustworthy AI and cyber resilience. The developing AIoT Comprehensive Solution Center connects these capabilities with industry partners through system integration, prototyping, and validation.

Industry engagement connects student projects and internships with applied research, enterprise-sponsored doctoral research, TIX-PhD initiatives, and collaborative platforms. Project themes include predictive maintenance, digital twins, intelligent connected environments, and secure AIoT systems.

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE AND AIoT SCOPE

Relevant disciplines include AI, networking, embedded systems, embodiment, cybersecurity, computer engineering and related fields. AIoT integrates sensing, connectivity, computing, AI, and control, enabling systems to perceive, make decisions, and act in real environments. Candidates should demonstrate depth in one or more relevant fields and the ability to lead interdisciplinary collaboration across the School.

ROLE PURPOSE

Working with the Dean and the School Management Team, the Director provides academic leadership across education, research, enterprise, and innovation. The role connects program development, staff capability, laboratory resources, and industry partnerships with agreed priorities and measurable outcomes. Responsibilities are exercised within University governance, delegated authority, and the applicable workload allocation arrangements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape academic strategy. Work with the Dean and School Management Team to advance the School's strategic priorities across education, research, enterprise and innovation, including chairing the School Strategic Planning Committee (SPC).
• Champion educational excellence. Support the development of high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs, enrich the student experience, and promote Syntegrative Education through interdisciplinary and industry-connected learning.
• Foster research excellence. Build a collaborative research culture, encourage interdisciplinary research and funding opportunities, and support the development of academic staff and doctoral researchers.
• Strengthen industry engagement. Develop meaningful partnerships that connect academic expertise with real-world challenges, creating opportunities for collaborative research, student projects, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
• Enable shared capabilities. Work with academic and technical teams to align laboratories, the AIoT Comprehensive Solution Center, and School resources with strategic education, research and industry priorities.
• Promote collaborative leadership. Foster an inclusive and supportive academic environment, strengthen collaboration across teams and campuses, and represent the school or deputize for the Dean when authorized.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential requirements

Normally hold an appointment at Associate Professor level or above, or demonstrate achievements meeting the University's criteria for appointment at that level. Assistant Professors with an outstanding research record and substantial, demonstrable industry collaboration may also be considered. The final academic rank is determined through the University's appointment assessment.

Hold a doctorate in an AIoT-related discipline, or an equivalent combination of professional practice and academic achievement recognized under the University's appointment criteria.

Demonstrate research depth and recognized contributions in one or more relevant fields, supported by evidence such as quality publications, competitively funded research, significant technical contributions, or evaluated systems and applications.

Provide evidence of effective industry collaboration, such as jointly developed R&D projects, sponsored research, validated prototypes, knowledge exchange, or sustained partnerships with clear academic and practical outcomes.

Demonstrate successful teaching and student engagement, with experience in curriculum or program development, project-based learning, assessment, or research supervision. Show an understanding of Syntegrative Education and how it can connect learning, research, and industry practice.

Demonstrate academic leadership through leading programs, research teams, interdisciplinary projects, or comparable initiatives. Show the ability to develop colleagues, resolve problems constructively, and deliver agreed objectives.

Show sound judgment in strategic planning, project delivery, resource allocation, and monitoring expenditure. Understand academic quality assurance, research integrity, and the governance requirements of a university environment.

Communicate effectively in English and work constructively with students, colleagues, technical staff, and external partners across disciplines and cultures.

Desirable experience

Leadership or management experience in an international or Sino-foreign university, and familiarity with the Chinese industry and research environment.

Relevant industry employment, joint laboratory or research platform development, postgraduate program development, doctoral supervision, or professional accreditation activity.

Experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, or executive and professional education. Chinese language capability would be an advantage.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be committed to student development and collegial leadership, able to combine a clear academic direction with practical implementation. They will exercise fair judgment, take responsibility for agreed decisions, respond constructively to change, and build trust across academic, professional services, and industry teams.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Clear career development path with annual review.

Professional development trainings are provided.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits：

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as
   • Housing allowance
   • Travel allowance
   • Relocation allowance
   • Etc.
2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)
3. Paid holidays:
   • Statutory Holidays (13 days)
   • Annual Leave (34 days per academic year including university close days and annual leave) )
   • Family Matters Leave
   • Paid Sick Leave
   • Marriage Leave
   • Paternity Leave
   • Parental leave
   • Etc.
4. Working visa and residence permit in China:

XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

HOW TO APPLY

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

• A cover letter, demonstrate academic leadership, research achievement, teaching and student development, and industry collaboration.
• A current CV, including date of birth, country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relating to the positions, please contact Ms Yu Yan, at Yu.Yan@xjtlu.edu.cn. Please quote the position title and job ID in your enquiry.