"Academic Dean"

About the Institute

The CDUTCM-Keele Joint Health and Medical Sciences Institute is a forward-looking Sino-foreign partnership between Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM) and Keele University, UK. Located on CDUTCM’s Wenjiang Campus, the Institute delivers two transnational undergraduate programmes: Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy and Public Health Management, supported by national and provincial key laboratories.

Keele University’s physiotherapy programmes ranked top 10 in England in the Times Good University Guide 2025, and Allied Health research ranked 4th the UK in the research excellent framework. Combining CDUTCM’s rich educational heritage with Keele’s global expertise, the Institute is committed to cultivating globally competent, compassionate, and practice-ready graduates who can lead in rehabilitation, public health, education, and healthcare management across diverse settings.

Why Chengdu?

Chengdu is one of China’s most liveable and culturally vibrant cities. Known for its giant pandas, spicy cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. With world-class infrastructure, a thriving international community, and a reputation as one of China’s “Happiest Cities”, Chengdu is an ideal base for professionals seeking both career growth and quality of life.

For international professionals, Chengdu provides a convenient and increasingly international environment. The city boasts excellent infrastructure, a rapidly expanding metro system, and easy access to China’s high-speed rail and air networks. Daily life is made simple through mobile payment and delivery apps, while the cost of living remains competitive compared with many global cities. Many foreigners find Chengdu to be both comfortable and inspiring—a place where they can enjoy authentic Chinese culture while benefiting from the conveniences of a modern metropolis. Whether you’re drawn to its tea houses, tech hubs, or mountain escapes, Chengdu welcomes you with open arms and a bowl of hotpot.

Position Summary

We are seeking an inspiring and forward-thinking Academic Dean to lead the academic delivery and strategic development of our transnational education programmes in Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy and Public Health Management, and to lead the integration of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the exceptional quality, integrity, and successful delivery of the UK curriculum at CDUTCM-Keele campus, Chengdu, China.

The ideal candidate will be an academic leader with deep knowledge of the UK higher education system, a strong background in the health sciences industry, and a proven experience to bridge British academic standards with the needs of a dynamic international setting.

We welcome applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are passionate about education, innovation, and global engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Quality Enhancement

• Serve as the academic authority on the UK curriculum, ensuring all programmes adhere to the standards of Keele and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework.
• Maintain and manage a comprehensive quality assurance system for the full teaching process, including curriculum design review, instructional supervision, and assessment/evaluation standardisation.
• Proactively identify and address teaching quality issues by implementing advanced UK pedagogical methods, assessment tools, and a willingness to use Keele/CDUTCMsystems and governance structures.

Faculty Development & Operational Oversight

• Mentor and manage a diverse team of local faculty, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Oversee teaching operations including timetabling, performance review, and faculty development.
• Coordinate effectively with Chinese faculty leadership to ensure seamless integration and optimisation of the Sino-UK curriculum systems.

Curriculum Innovation & Industry Alignment

• Ensure programmes remain relevant, future-focused, aligning with Keele’s academic standards and evolving industry needs in rehabilitation therapy and health management.
• Integrate real-world healthcare experience into academic content to enhance graduate employability.
• Lead periodic curriculum reviews and enhancement initiatives.

Strategic Engagement & Partnership Building

• Serve as the primary academic liaison between CDUTCM and Keele University, ensuring the local institute’s alignment with and adherence to rigorous Keele’s academic standards.
• Build strong relationships with UK partner faculty, local Chinese staff, and students.
• Champion international collaboration and contribute to the Institute’s strategic growth.

Selection Criteria – Who We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications & Experience

1. A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Rehabilitation, Public Health, Allied Health, Health Services Management, or a closely related field from a recognised university outside China
2. A minimum of 5 years of HE teaching and/or administrative experience, including a mid-senior leadership role
3. Demonstrated expertise in clinical practice, healthcare management, or applied health sciences and public health
4. Proven track record in academic quality assurance, curriculum design, assessment moderation, and governance
5. Experience implementing innovative pedagogies and driving continuous improvement in teaching and learning
6. Strong operational insight into academic delivery, including scheduling, resource planning, and performance management
7. Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor faculty teams, fostering professional development and collaboration
8. Experience aligning academic programmes with industry trends to enhance graduate employability
9. Success in leading programme reviews and curriculum enhancement initiatives
10. Effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in diverse, international teams
11. Willingness to reside in Chengdu for a minimum of 9 months per year, and spend time at Keele University in UK

Preferred Attributes

1. Experience in transnational education, international programme delivery, or cross-border academic partnerships
2. Familiarity with Chinese higher education or comparable international contexts
3. Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and strategic communication capabilities
4. Passion for student success, academic innovation, and global health education

What We Offer

We provide a competitive and comprehensive international employment package, including:

• Attractive salary with performance-based incentives
• Housing allowance or provided accommodation
• Annual round-trip airfare to your home country
• International health insurance and access to China’s social security scheme
• Annual professional development allowance for research, conferences, and executive education
• Full visa and work permit support
• Relocation assistance to help you settle comfortably in Chengdu

How to Apply

CDUTCM-Keele Institute is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, disciplines, and nationalities. If you have any questions or for confidential discussion of this role, please get in touch with Jayde (careers-cuj@zycdutcm.net).

To apply, please submit your academic CV, cover letter outlining your motivation for the role (2-page max), and response to selection criteria (5-page max) via our website.

We appreciate all applications, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

More Information

• Address: Wenjiang, Chengdu, Sichuan
• Qualification: PhD
• Salary Offer: competitive and comprehensive international employment package USD competitive and comprehensive international employment package Month
• Discipline: Medical & Health Science
• Department/School Website: https://zyd.cdutcm.edu.cn/keele
• Application Email: careers-cuj@zycdutcm.net