Director

DEPARTMENT: XiPU Institute, the XJTLU Think Tank
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE: Social Sciences
POSITION TITLE: Director
LOCATION: SUZHOU CAMPUS
SALARY: By negotiation
POSITION OPEN DATE: 1 February 2020
ADVERTISEMENT CLOSING DATE: 1 April 2020
JOB ID: 996067
CONTRACT TYPE: full-time, three years renewable.

UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a unique collaborative institution and the first joint-venture university in China to offer both UK (University of Liverpool) and Chinese (Ministry of Education) accredited undergraduate degrees for all programmes. Formed in 2006, the first cohort of students graduated in August 2010. The University now has almost 15,000 students studying on campus. The language of instruction is English. XJTLU aims to become truly research-led, and has recently committed significant investment into research development and the expansion of PhD student numbers on campus.

XJTLU is located in the Higher Education Town of Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP). Suzhou has been ranked the 74th most liveable city in the 2018 Global Liveability Index. Additionally, it is well-connected via nearby airports to cities such as Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Taipei, and via high-speed rail to other major cities in China. SIP is a major growth zone, including operations run by nearly one-fifth of the Fortune 500 top global companies. Greater Suzhou is now the fourth largest concentration of economic activity in China in terms of GDP, and the SIP has a higher GDP per capita than the UK. The broader Suzhou area encompasses the spirit of both old and new in China, with the historic old town’s canals, UNESCO World Heritage Site gardens, and the I.M. Pei-designed Suzhou Museum attracting millions of tourists annually. SIP offers an excellent quality of life with high environmental standards. The nearby Jinji Lake provides attractive views, by day and by night, and there is a variety of shopping facilities, international and local restaurants, entertainment hubs and nightlife. Suzhou is also home to four international schools.

THINK TANK OVERVIEW

The XiPu Institute has been established to act as a Think Tank for the generation of ideas to support the development of Suzhou, SIP and the surrounding region. The XiPu Institute brings the intellectual resources of XJTLU and its staff to bear on problems encountered by business and government, both domestically and in the dealings with the rest of the world.

The XiPu Institute produces regular reports on topics of interest to the wider community, commissioned reports for specific external agencies, and seeks to encourage the development of interest in and across the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

The Director will offer a high level of strategic leadership to the XiPu Institute. The Director will ensure that the XiPu Institute plays a key role in the university’s key strategies and visions, including identify new issues topics and research questions for the University, local  government, and the local business community.

The responsibilities of the Director include:

• Leadership of and responsibility for the overall operation of the XiPu Institute;
• Preparation and implementation of annual and long term plans and budgets;
• Involving staff across the university in the activities of the XiPu Institute;
• Write papers, reports and research summaries for internal and external audiences;
• Engage with key stakeholders in government, the business community, the private sector, the voluntary sector and other research establishments;

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in some area of the social sciences related to China’s development;
• Fluent in both English and Chinese languages with proficient written and oral skills and excellent communication skills;
• Potential to lead a small team of dedicated researchers, and to work with other staff across the university;
• Extensive experience in the management of research related projects;
• Excellent skills in desk analytical research, business writing, and stress management.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Experience of working in higher education institute(s)

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Members of Academic Staff are entitled to subsidies for accommodation, travel, and children’s educational, medical insurance, and a one-time relocation allowance is provided. Overseas staff may receive a tax “holiday,” depending on nationality and personal circumstances.

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS:

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas.  Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for PRC work visa.

TO APPLY:

Please send your application to AcademicPositions@xjtlu.edu.cn. In the subject line write the Position you are applying for and quote the job ID number for reference.

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including date of birth, country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

Applications should be received by the closing date stated above.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Staff Management Team at AcademicPositions@xjtlu.edu.cn. Please quote the position name in your enquiry.

Further information may be obtained from Professor David Goodman, Vice President Academic Affairs (Email: david.goodman@xjtlu.edu.cn)