Lecturer in Mathematics and Physics

(Full time, fixed term for four years)

This role will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a new joint venture between South-West Jiaotong University (SWJTU) and the University of Leeds (UoL). These two universities have established a Joint School in Chengdu which will award dual degrees in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering with Transport and Computer Science. The programmes will be taught jointly in English by existing staff from SWJTU, UoL and others recruited directly for the Joint School, employed by SWJTU. The common first year of these Engineering degrees will involve foundation level Mathematics and Physics teaching, as well as a substantial English language input. The Joint School is committed to outstanding teaching and research across the natural sciences, engineering and technology.

You will teach Physics(including lab) and Mathematics in the first year of the degree programmes in the Joint School, located in Chengdu, China. You will also have the opportunity to engage actively in teaching engineering Mathematics in the second and third year.

Holding a PhD in Mathematics, Physics or a similar, appropriate discipline such as engineering, you will have excellent English language communication skills, and you will have the enthusiasm to teach at undergraduate level, with the potential to initiate, develop, and deliver high quality teaching, in English. Experience of teaching Mathematics and Physics at undergraduate level is essential. You will also be able to demonstrate a flexible approach to work.

While this post is fixed term for four years at present, it is possible that the role may continue beyond this point

Your application, which will include a covering letter, a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation (including the name and contact details for your current/latest employer, whom will be contacted with your permission if you are offered the job), must reach SWJTU by the closing date of the advertised post at .

Salary: Competitive salary – circ. 200,000-250,000 RMB.

Informal enquiries can be made to Ms Xia Xia, Secretary in the Joint School of Southwest Jiaotong University - University of Leeds, email: and telephone: 0086-28-66367509.

The decision to appoint at the level of Lecturer and your associated salary, will be made dependent on the ability to demonstrate levels of teaching, research and leadership. Please see the person specification for further details.

Location: Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China

Closing Date:

Interviews are expected to be held on

Job Description

Responsible to: Joint School Management Board

Reports to: Deputy Dean for teaching and academic affairs (SWJTU)

Job Summary

You will teach Mathematics and Physics in the first year,and will have the opportunity to engage actively in teaching engineering Mathematics in the second and third year of the degreeprogrammes in the Joint School of Southwest Jiaotong University- University of Leeds, located at Chengdu, China.

Main purpose of the job:

To carry out high quality teachingand management duties in the field of Mathematics and Physics within the Joint School.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

For appointment as a Lecturer:

General:

  • To carry out the duties of the post in accordance with the Joint School standards, policies and procedures, upholding high professional standards and leading by example
  • To work with our students as members of a learning community to provide world class education and an excellent student experience
  • To maintain own continuing professional development
  • To respect the dignity and diversity of all members of the Joint School community and of visitors to the Joint School.

Teaching:

  • To undertake research-led and student focused teaching[1] in Mathematics and Physics in the first year of the degree programmes, regularly collecting, and responding to, student feedback
  • To contribute at an appropriate level to Joint School policy and practice in teaching
  • To have involvement in the design, development and planning of modules and programmes within the subject area as required
  • To have involvement in the review of modules and programmes and in quality assurance and enhancement as required
  • To develop innovative approaches to learning and teaching as appropriate
  • To provide timely feedback and assessment of coursework and examinations
  • To provide support and guidance to students, resolving issues and/or referring to specialist parties, where appropriate
  • To act as a personal tutor, including pastoral care and supporting students in maximising the benefit of their time at the Joint School.

To provide academic leadership through:

  • Effective contribution to the management and administrative processes and committee structures of the Joint School
  • Managing initiatives or areas of work (as either sustained or one-off projects) which facilitate Joint School performance or business
  • Involvement in the recruitment, management and development of staff and act as a mentor to more junior/less experienced colleagues
  • Actively promoting collegiality within the academic community.

Person Specification

Essential

  • A PhD in a relevant field of Mathematics / Physics or a similar, appropriate discipline.
  • High level of written and spoken English language communication skills, including the ability to present your work to multidisciplinary audiences
  • A record of successful lecturing and project supervision and the ability to teach effectively at all levels within HE, in the English language
  • Experience of teaching Mathematics and Physics at undergraduate level.
  • Ability and eagerness to proactively develop new teaching approaches and materials and the ability to motivate and engender enthusiasm in others, as evidenced, for example, in student feedback obtained from teaching.
  • Willingness to undertake further learning and personal development training as may be appropriate to the post
  • Able to demonstrate interpersonal, team-working and networking skills.
  • A flexible approach to work.
  • Although the post is based in Chengdu, China, there may be a requirement to attend training and events in Leeds, UK.
  • Experience of working across international boundaries and with different cultures, preferably in China and UK.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the Chinese higher education system is desirable.
  • A track record of successful grant applications to a variety of funding agencies and high potential for obtaining income for research in a broad range of multidisciplinary areas.
  • Potential to inspire leadership among your research colleagues and develop new research themes.
  • Experience of using IT for innovative teaching.

Further information about the Joint School

University of Leeds – Southwest Jiaotong University Joint School

The University of Leeds and Southwest Jiaotong University have excellent reputations in delivering the highest-quality teaching and research across the breadth of engineering.

The Joint School brings together the expertise of these two leading institutions to provide high achieving students in China with the opportunity to benefit from an outstanding education and an exceptional student experience.

The following undergraduate degree programmes will be offered by the Joint School for entry in September 2016:

  • BEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering
  • BEng Mechanical Engineering
  • BSc Computer Science
  • BEng in Civil and Transport Engineering

Research is at the heart of the Joint School’s learning and teaching. This is reflected in the content of the lectures and seminars, with students learning about the latest developments within their chosen subject.

Each programme will equip students with the necessary skills to succeed within industry, including; design, problem solving, engineering ethics, numeracy and analysis skills, together with ‘transferable skills’, such as communication and team working.

Each student will benefit from the integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes and project work provide the opportunity to be hands-on, gaining valuable experience in investigating and applying material from lectures to real-life situations.

Students will be taught by highly respected academics that are experts in their fields. One third of teaching will be delivered by academics from the University of Leeds, typically carried out in short intensive blocks, with the remaining two thirds of the programme delivered by academic staff from Southwest Jiaotong University and the Joint School.

The University of Leeds will oversee the delivery of the programme, ensuring students at the Joint School benefit from an exceptional student experience that is similar to the experience of a student at the University of Leeds.

Programme structure

During the first year of study, students will undertake modules in English, Mathematics and Physics, giving a foundation that allows students to progress to the second year of their programme. Students will be taught in English throughout the length of the degree and will follow the syllabus of the corresponding course taught at the University of Leeds.

Students undertaking the dual programme have the option to study four years at the Joint School or two years at the Joint School followed by two years at the University of Leedsor three years at the Joint School followed by one year at the University of Leeds. Whichever option students decide upon, graduates will still gain a degree from the University of Leeds and a degree from Southwest Jiaotong University.

SWJTU Maths Physics Job description (08242017).docx

[1] It is recognised that academics will, at times, teach subjects that are not closely related to their research specialism, in which case research and scholarship may inform, rather than lead, their teaching.