Assistant Professor in Advanced Concrete Technology

Assistant Professor in Advanced Concrete Technology Job Description Role: Assistant Professor - Advanced Concrete Technology

Grade and Salary: Grade 8, £46,735 - £57,422 per annum

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, is seeking to appoint an Assistant Professor in Advanced Concrete Technology. The successful candidate will join an experienced and dedicated team of academic staff members in the Institute for Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE).

The role is available to candidates looking to pursue either the Teaching & Scholarship track or the Teaching & Research track.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity in a rapidly growing area of research and teaching. We are seeking an expert in the specialist field of Advanced Concrete Technology, with a developing research track record in one or more of the following cutting-edge and emerging areas:

• Low-carbon innovative concrete materials and sustainable technologies;
• Durability and long-term performance monitoring of concrete structures through advanced monitoring;
• Transitioning to Net-Zero in construction with a focus on carbon reduction strategies;
• Real-time concrete performance monitoring and predictive analysis using AI, machine learning, and numerical modelling;
• Service life modelling and prediction, alongside whole life cycle costing of infrastructure projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the development and delivery of innovative teaching - and research for teaching and research applicants - in new areas of Advanced Concrete Technology. The ideal candidate will be at the forefront of integrating new technologies to address the evolving challenges in the concrete industry and drive sustainability and resilience in future infrastructure. Relevant industrial experience will be an advantage for this post.

Heriot-Watt University is renowned for its research-informed course delivery and global multi-campus education. The successful applicant will have a strong student-centred approach to pedagogy and curriculum design and will be encouraged to innovate. There are numerous opportunities for teaching/research linkages, and education will be strongly informed by the applicant's research/industrial background.

Heriot-Watt has a research-intensive reputation, with the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society achieving world-leading status in the UK's Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise of 2014 and more recently in 2021. The successful candidate will be expected to make a substantial contribution to the next research assessment process if they are on the teaching and research track. Generous time and resources will be provided to the successful candidate to develop their own research agenda and unlock the potential for large multidisciplinary research projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an already thriving team. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who can work at the cross-disciplinary boundaries of Advanced Concrete Technology, civil engineering, and related fields. Applicants must have a proven record of high-quality publications (where relevant) and demonstrate excellent teamwork and communication skills. Relevant industrial experience will be an advantage to the candidate to drive the agenda of advanced concrete technology. Previous teaching experience, a strong commitment to enhancing the student experience, and evidence of innovative teaching methods at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are essential. The candidate must also hold a degree in civil engineering with a doctorate in Advanced Concrete Technology or a closely related field. Relevant industrial experience is desirable but not essential.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties to commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

Learning and Teaching

• Undertake teaching responsibilities, including lectures, practical sessions, seminars, and tutorials, for courses within the fields of Advanced Concrete Technology and/or civil engineering in general at the Edinburgh campus, for both on-campus and online students (i.e., delivered in-person and online);
• Assist in the continuous development of postgraduate studies in ACT, in consultation with the Director of Studies and existing staff;
• Engage in scholarly activities to ensure effective curriculum delivery and keep abreast of the latest developments in the field;
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and deliver the curriculum, following the structures and mechanisms established by the School and University;
• Conduct assessments and moderation within the discipline, ensuring they are rigorous, fair, and transparent, and comply with the policies established by the School and University;
• Provide effective, well documented, and timely feedback, both formative and summative, to students;
• Monitor the quality of learning and teaching through course evaluations and contribute to quality management and enhancement activities across the programme, School, and University;
• Design, prepare, and develop a range of learning materials appropriate to the subject area to support teaching;
• Promote the development of good learning and teaching practices;
• Offer appropriate pastoral support, recognising the diverse cultural backgrounds of the student cohort;
• Keep up-to-date with advancements in Advanced Concrete Technology and ensure that they are reflected in the evolution of the learning and teaching methods employed in the programme;
• Engage with staff within and outside the School in all campuses to support the development of the discipline; and
• Foster productive working relationships with other members of staff in all campuses to facilitate effective teamwork for the benefit of the subject area.

Research and Knowledge Exchange (teaching and research track only)

• Establish and develop their own research agenda, focusing on topics that hold significance and relevance to government, society and industry;
• Identify potential funding sources for research, secure funding through successful proposal submissions, and support the preparation of proposals elsewhere within the School as needed;
• Consistently publish high-impact research findings in leading industry journals and present these findings at conferences and within the School;
• Disseminate research activities through a variety of media, such as external reports, conference presentations, exhibitions of research activities, or short courses for knowledge transfer; and
• Recruit and supervise PhD students through to successful completion and supervise MSc student projects.

Academic Management and Administration

• Undertake administrative duties related to programme planning, exam preparation, progression boards, and course development teams;
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to benefit the School and University;
• Actively promote and market programmes of study, ensuring efficient student recruitment and meeting both home and international recruitment targets;
• Support the recruitment, admission, and induction processes for the courses you are involved with, ensuring alignment with School and University targets. This includes participating in School and University open days and interview processes;
• Monitor and manage student number targets;
• Contribute to resource planning for the academic year;
• Serve as a member of relevant committees as required;
• Develop income-generating activities, including securing sponsorships and other initiatives to enhance the profile of the school's programmes;
• Represent the School effectively at both national and international levels; and
• Facilitate the accreditation of the programme in Advanced Concrete Technology by the Institute of Concrete Technology.

Please be aware that this job description is not comprehensive, and the role holder may be required to perform other relevant duties in line with the grading of the position, as agreed with the line manager. Responsibilities may be subject to change over time as the role evolves and as priorities and requirements shift. A flexible working schedule may be necessary to fulfil all key duties and responsibilities effectively.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• A PhD in any area related to Advanced Concrete Technology (ACT) or significant equivalent relevant industrial experience;
• Extensive experience in ACT, either within University education or Industry, along with experience in either teaching or training within the broad area of ACT;
• Evidence of standing in the academic or professional community, demonstrating a significant contribution in the area of advanced concrete technology;
• Experience or familiarity with the Institute of Concrete Technology's ACT Diploma or other similar qualifications;
• Experience in the development, delivery . click apply for full job details