Associate Professor (Education and Research) in Sustainable Materials

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Exeter, ENGLAND
Deadline: 06 Mar 2024

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Department of Engineering

This new full time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 31 March 2027.

Summary of the role

The post of Associate Professor in Sustainable Materials will contribute to extending the research profile of Engineering at Exeter.

The University welcomes applications which build on Exeter’s internationally recognised research strengths in this area and face our research and teaching needs within the department. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Wearable e-textiles
  • Materials for personalised healthcare
  • Smart and sustainable wearable textiles
  • Nanofabrication of smart electronic wearable textiles.

The position of Associate Professor in Sustainable Materials will be based in the Advanced Materials group led by Prof. Monica Craciun, part of the Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Theme led by Prof C David Wright. The group is part of the Engineering department, led by Professor Ion Sucala (www.exeter.ac.uk/engineering ). Engineering currently has over 100 academic staff across our Exeter (Streatham) and Cornwall (Penryn) campuses.

Main duties

  • To fulfil research, teaching and administration duties as a Associate Professor in Sustainable
  • To support the Engineering Department in extending the profile of this research area by attracting and supervising exceptional postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate research students, contributing towards the winning of significant research income, and by undertaking elements of the day-to-day running of undergraduate and postgraduate
  • To collaborate with colleagues both within the Faculty, the University and the Department in order to support and develop relevant and internationally leading research programmes.
  • To contribute to the general operation of the Faculty as a member of its academic
  • About you

    The successful applicant will have an independent research programme that will strengthen and complement the existing activities of the Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Theme and the activities of the Advanced Materials Centre. You will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:

  • A PhD or equivalent in Engineering or a related subject.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge of specialism to enable the development of new knowledge, innovation and understanding in the general field of sustainable materials, with particular expertise and interests in one or more of the following areas: wearable e-textiles, materials for personalised healthcare, smart and sustainable wearable textiles and nanofabrication of smart electronic wearables.
  • A strong track record of world-leading academic publications in leading international journals.
  •  A strong track record in attracting research funding as principal investigator with stakeholders across industry, research institutes and government bodies.
  • Experience of leading/active involvement in the development and delivery of teaching and educational programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • Teamwork skills to work in collaboration with existing members of the Engineering as well as colleagues in the wider University.
  • Demonstrable leadership capability in own research and innovation fields with long-term development goal and vision.
  • An understanding of the importance of equality and diversity within an organization and a commitment to helping create an inclusive culture.
  • Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

    What we can offer you

    • Freedom and the support to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
    • Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
    • An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
    • Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
    • A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

    The University of Exeter

    We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

    Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

    We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

    Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

    We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

    Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

    With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

    We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

    Further information

    For an informal and confidential discussion about the post please contact Professor Monica Craciun ([email protected] ) or Professor Ion Sucala, Head of Engineering ([email protected] ).



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