Assistant​/Associate Professor in Innovative Product Design

Overview

Area Opportunities at the University of Nottingham in Ningbo China

Location Ningbo

Salary Salary will be within the range of 635,038 RMB to 780,622 RMB (Associate Professor) / 450,190 RMB to 592,815 RMB (Assistant Professor) per annum depending on skills and experience

Closing Date Friday 27 March 2026

Reference 184483

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is a Sino-foreign university and offers a UK style education. It has grown to a student body of over 10,000 in 21 years and is part of the University of Nottingham’s Global University network. The role focuses on advancing research and teaching in Product Design and Innovative Design, integrating core competencies in design with engineering skills for product development.

The successful candidate will be expected to play a leading role in advancing research and teaching in Product Design and Innovative Design, integrating core competencies in innovative industrial product design with hard engineering skills relevant to product development. An important part of the role will be to act as the principal investigator on major research projects, leading funding bids, and developing innovative methodologies, and to design and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate programmes while enhancing teaching standards and methodologies.

The appointed candidate will lead major research projects as the principal investigator, spearheading funding bids and developing innovative methodologies that blend industrial design with advanced technologies. He/she will apply expertise in areas such as electronics/sensors technology, machine learning/programming, physical ergonomics/cognitive ergonomics, or related fields to drive cutting-edge product design innovation. The role also involves designing and delivering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, enhancing teaching standards and methodologies to provide a world-class education.

The candidate will publish high-impact research in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and present at leading international conferences to elevate the department’s global reputation. Additionally, they will build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry and academic collaborators, to create innovative research opportunities and enrich student learning experiences.

• Candidates must have a PhD in product design, industrial design, interaction design, computational design, service design, ergonomics, human factors engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in hard engineering skills relevant to product design.
• A proven record of research excellence with publications in peer‑reviewed journals and success in securing research funding.
• Extensive teaching experience in higher education, including curriculum development and leadership in academic programmes.

Salary will be within the range of 635,038 RMB to 780,622 RMB (Associate Professor) / 450,190 RMB to 592,815 RMB (Assistant Professor) per annum depending on skills and experience. An attractive package including employment support allowance, schooling and insurance will be provided for international appointments.

The post will initially be offered on a fixed term contract with the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China for a period of five years starting September 2026 or as soon as thereafter.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to:
Prof. Yong Shi, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, email:
Yong.

Shi.cn. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Interviews will take place in Ningbo, China if feasible – virtual interviews may also be held. Normally your references will be contacted prior to the interview.

Applicants are invited to submit their applications via the application page: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). before 27 March 2026 at 23:59 (Beijing Time). The application should include:

• a cover letter
• an up-to-date CV
• a publication list
• A statement of teaching philosophy giving evidence of teaching excellence
• A research statement indicating your planned research activities as part of our department

If you are unable to apply online please contact the Human Resources Department, Tel:  000 (Ext. 6551), Email:
Job.cn.

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