Faculty Position in Chemistry & Materials Science

Job Description

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) invites exceptional scholars for open-rank faculty appointments in Chemistry and Materials Science. This role targets researchers with expertise in nanomaterials, sustainable materials, semiconductor materials, computational modelling, and advanced materials synthesis/characterization. The position is open until filled and offers a renewable contract with the possibility of an open-ended appointment.

Job Details

About the University

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a joint venture between the University of Liverpool (UK) and Xi’an Jiaotong University (China). Established in 2006, XJTLU is now one of China’s most influential international universities, hosting over 25,000 students across Suzhou and Liverpool.

XJTLU integrates Western educational innovation with Chinese academic traditions, positioning itself as a leader in Syntegrative Education (SE) — a forward-thinking model preparing students for challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution. The university is expanding rapidly, with new academies, entrepreneurial education hubs, and industry-integrated research centers.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is part of the School of Science and has grown into a high-performance research and teaching unit. The department has:

• State-of-the-art laboratories

• Strong research outputs (Q1 publications)

• Increasing national and international grant success

• Multidisciplinary faculty from world-leading institutions

• A collaborative culture spanning materials design, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, computational chemistry, biomaterials, and energy systems

Key research areas include:

• Advanced / Smart Materials

• High-performance batteries & supercapacitors

• Nanoporous materials

• Microfluidic biosensors

• Nano-electrocatalysts for energy applications

• Biomaterials & medical technologies

• High-throughput screening

• Medicinal chemistry

• AI & robotics for chemistry and materials discovery

The department collaborates closely with the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) and benefits from Suzhou’s thriving biotechnology and materials innovation ecosystem.

About the Position

XJTLU seeks outstanding scholars capable of advancing teaching and research in Chemistry and Materials Science. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in one or more areas:

• Nanomaterials & Nano-characterization

• Semiconductor Materials & Device-related Materials

• Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering

• Energy Materials (batteries, catalysts, hydrogen systems)

• Polymer & Ceramic Materials

• Metallurgy & Structural Materials

• Computational / Molecular Modelling of Materials

• Interdisciplinary Materials Innovation

The ideal candidate will play a key role in:

• Expanding departmental research capabilities

• Developing internationally recognized research groups

• Securing external funding

• Leading innovation in curriculum and pedagogy

• Supervising postgraduate researchers and mentoring staff

Open-rank positions are available, with preference for candidates at Assistant Professor level and above.

Responsibilities

Teaching & Academic Duties

• Deliver and examine undergraduate and postgraduate courses

• Develop curriculum, teaching materials, and assessment methods

• Engage in teaching innovation aligned with XJTLU’s educational direction

Research

• Conduct internationally competitive research

• Publish in high-impact journals

• Secure major external funding

• Build and lead an independent, well-funded research group

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and industry partners

Administrative & Service Roles

• Undertake departmental and university service duties

• Contribute to lab safety, examinations, committees, and outreach

• Supervise MSc, MRes, and PhD students

Who Succeeds Here (Profile & Attributes)

• Strong track record of high-quality publications

• Excellent communication in English

• Creativity, adaptability, and commitment to academic excellence

• Leadership ability and team-building skills

• Positive work ethic and international mindset

• Proven research productivity

• Experience in securing research grants (preferred)

• Strong supervision capability at UG/PG levels

Qualifications

Essential

• PhD in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

• Demonstrated ability in materials science teaching

• High-impact research publications

• Ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching

Preferred

• Assistant Professor level or above

• Expertise in:

  • Nanomaterials

  • Biomaterials

  • Polymer / Ceramic / Metallurgical Materials

  • Semiconductor Materials

  • Computational Modelling

• History of successful research funding

• Proven mentorship of PG students

• Strong international research collaborations

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary

• Housing allowance

• Relocation support

• Travel allowance

• Children’s education allowance

• International commercial insurance

• Extensive paid leave:

  • 13 statutory holidays

  • 34 days annual leave

  • Sick leave

  • Marriage leave

  • Parental & paternity leave

• Visa sponsorship for work and residence in China

Career development includes annual reviews, training, and clear promotion pathways.

Citizenship & Visa Regulations

Employment follows PRC and provincial regulations. Applicants over 65 may be ineligible for work permits.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted as ONE PDF file including:

1. Cover letter

2. Full CV (with citizenship & highest degree)

3. Contact details of three referees

Apply via XJTLU’s official careers portal.

Enquiries:

• Dr. Lifeng Ding (Acting Head of Department) – [email protected]

• HR contact – [email protected]

Please quote the job title and Job ID in correspondence.

Reference Links

• XJTLU Official Website – https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn

• Department of Chemistry & Materials Science – Official Page

• Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) Information

• Cold Spring Harbor Asia – regional bioscience hub

Disclaimer 

This article is an informational summary based on available job details. For official requirements and application submission, please refer to the official XJTLU careers portal.