"Head of Department of Physics [Open Rank]"

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

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

1. The HoD provides leadership, academic direction, and organizational management for the department, ensuring effective oversight of its operations and development.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The HoD is responsible for ensuring that module content remains up to date and incorporates advancements in teaching technologies and contemporary academic discussions.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The HoD ensures that quality and standards are upheld in all aspects of the department’s operations, including teaching, research, and administrative processes.
7. The HoD addresses student disciplinary issues and complaints, ensuring fair and transparent processes.
8. 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. In addition, 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.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

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 (11 days), Annual Leave (36 days), 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

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.