Assistant/Associate Professor of Design Sciences

University of Nottingham Ningbo

Reference Number: 184483
Job Family: Academic
Contract Status: Full-Time
Contract Type: Fixed-term (5 years)
Anticipated Start Date: September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Closing Date: March 13, 2026 (23:59 local time)
Location: University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)

About the University

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university established in China. As an award-winning international campus delivering a UK-style education, UNNC has grown rapidly to a community of over 10,000 students in just over two decades.

As part of the University of Nottingham’s Global University, UNNC offers exceptional opportunities for teaching, research, and innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Position Summary

UNNC invites applications from ambitious and research-active academics to join its growing team of science and engineering experts in the area of Product Design and Innovative Design.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in advancing teaching and research, integrating innovative industrial product design with hard engineering skills relevant to modern product development. The role combines research leadership, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a globally connected academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed candidate will:

• Lead major research projects as Principal Investigator
• Spearhead research funding bids and develop innovative research methodologies
• Integrate industrial design with advanced technologies, such as:
  • Electronics and sensor technologies
  • Machine learning and programming
  • Physical and cognitive ergonomics
  • Human factors engineering or related fields
• Design and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Enhance teaching standards and pedagogical methodologies
• Publish high-impact research in top-tier peer-reviewed journals
• Present research at leading international conferences
• Build and sustain collaborations with:
  • Industry partners
  • Academic institutions
  • Internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must have:

• A PhD in one of the following or a closely related field:
  • Product Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Computational Design
  • Service Design
  • Ergonomics
  • Human Factors Engineering
• Demonstrated proficiency in hard engineering skills relevant to product design
• A strong track record of research excellence, including:
  • Peer-reviewed journal publications
  • Success in securing research funding
• Substantial teaching experience in higher education, including:
  • Curriculum development
  • Leadership in academic programmes

Salary and Benefits

Annual Salary (RMB):

• Associate Professor: 635,038 – 780,622
• Assistant Professor: 450,190 – 592,815

Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Additional benefits include:

• Employment support allowance
• Schooling support
• Insurance coverage
• Attractive relocation package for international appointments

Application Process

Applicants should submit their application online by 13 March 2026 (23:59) via: https://jobs.nottingham.edu.cn/job/184483/

Required application materials:

• Cover letter
• Up-to-date CV
• Publication list
• Statement of teaching philosophy demonstrating teaching excellence
• Research statement outlining planned research activities within the department

Additional Information

• Informal enquiries:
  Prof. Yong Shi
  Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
  Email: Yong.Shi@nottingham.edu.cn
  *(Please note: applications sent directly to this email will not be accepted.)*
• Interviews will normally be held in Ningbo, China, with virtual interviews available if required.
• References are typically contacted prior to interview.

For technical application issues, contact:
Human Resources Department
Tel: +86 574 8818 000 (Ext. 6551)
Email: Job@nottingham.edu.cn