Head of Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Northumbria is a research-intensive, modern university with a global reputation for academic excellence. It was named UK University of the Year 2022 in the Times Higher Education Awards.

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, and with a campus in the heart of London’s financial district, Northumbria University is in the UK’s best two cities for students. We also have a campus in Amsterdam reflecting our strong commitment to internationalism with further operations in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Singapore. 

Northumbria is ranked 23rd in the UK for research power, according to the results of the latest Research Excellence Framework. In Engineering we ranked 25th in the UK for research power, with 90% of our research outputs rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering is ranked in the world top-250 for Engineering and Technology in the Times Higher Education's World University subject rankings 2022 and is ranked 21st in the UK for Civil Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2022.

As Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering you will lead the development of research and education in the subject areas of Mechanical, Civil and Automotive, Engineering. You will be a research leader in one of those subject areas with a track record commensurate with appointment at Professorial level. As a member of the Faculty Executive, you will support the Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellor to oversee and drive the performance of the Faculty, in line with the ambitious aims of the University Strategy 2018-23.

With a strong track record in research in a relevant discipline, and in delivering teaching excellence, you will be responsible for oversight of all aspects of academic provision in the Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering. This will include Education, Learning and Teaching, Student Satisfaction and Employability, Research and Innovation, International Activity, Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange, and Staff Engagement and Performance. You will enable empowered people to be the best they can by supporting an inclusive and high performing culture.

Alongside the Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor, you will lead, support, and mentor colleagues towards achieving the vision for the Faculty’s academic departments.  You will work with colleagues across the Faculty and University to create and develop strategic partnerships and networks to enhance collaboration.

You will hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline and have developed an excellent publication and research track-record. As well as having a strong publication record and evidence of ability to generate research income, you must have the ability to empower people in a professional environment. 

For a confidential conversation about the role please contact Elizabeth Pick at GatenbySanderson [email protected] or 07708 342 455. To find out more about the role and apply click Apply.  

Closing date: 16th February 12 noon

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community and particularly from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are currently under represented in this area.