Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering (Research and Education)- School of Engineering - 104413 - Grade 8

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,485 to £55,295 with potential progression once in post to £62,098

Grade: 8

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 27th February 2025

 

Background

This is an exciting time to join the University of Birmingham and advance your academic career. Following the creation of the School of Engineering in 2016, which brought together the disciplines of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering, we are now entering Phase 2 of our renaissance. We are investing significantly in people and infrastructure, including our new £65m signature building, the world-leading £26M National Buried Infrastructure Facility, and the £28m UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), all of which have opened in the past few years. These state-of-the-art facilities have not only enhanced our research capabilities but have also solidified our position as a leading research and education institution, enabling ground breaking discoveries and providing an exceptional learning environment for our students.

The school boasts a rich history of world-class research and takes pride in its robust and wide-reaching connections with industry. These partnerships ensure the rapid application of our pioneering research in practical settings. This fact is underscored by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), which ranked Engineering among the top 10 institutions in the UK. In line with our ongoing investments, we're looking for a driven and research-focused engineer specializing in Structural Engineering or related fields. This encompasses large-scale testing, smart infrastructure (including the development of novel sensing technologies), cutting-edge construction materials and techniques for civil infrastructure, and computational structural engineering.

Structural engineering is a core research area within the Department of Civil Engineering and extends to the broader School of Engineering and the College of Engineering and Physical Science at the University of Birmingham. Several strategic and interdisciplinary research initiatives are currently active, with recent investments, such as the National Buried Infrastructure Facility (NBIF), significantly strengthening this domain. Moreover, infrastructure is pivotal in achieving national and global sustainability and net-zero targets. We're eager to welcome ambitious, innovative individuals. We will consider outstanding candidates who align closely with these fields to help us create the future in one or several of the following areas applied to structural engineering:

• Conception and execution of innovative lab experiments, especially large-scale, tailored for infrastructure modelling
• Climate Resilience in Structural Engineering: Developing and implementing strategies and technologies to design and construct infrastructure resilient to the impacts of climate change
• Soil-structure interaction and earthquake engineering
• Data-Driven Structural Engineering: Leveraging big data, machine learning, Digital twin and AI to enhance structural design, predictive maintenance, and infrastructure management
• Smart/Intelligent structure and infrastructure engineering, encompassing intelligent construction and/or health monitoring, remote sensing, for efficient asset design and management
• Cutting-edge, low-carbon construction materials and techniques for civil engineering infrastructure
• Integrating additive manufacturing, robotics, and construction automation pertinent to infrastructure modelling and construction methods, including 3D printing, adaptive manufacturing
• Life cycle analysis of buildings and critical infrastructure
• Performance-driven optimisation and design of structures
• Nature Based Solutions for the built environment, pivotal in a Net Zero context.

The successful candidates will be expected to create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research, and publication in the abovementioned areas. They will be expected to develop and deliver undergraduate, postgraduate, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs related to structural engineering, construction materials, and technology. In addition, they will contribute to the department and school through management/leadership and enterprise activities, as appropriate.

Candidates should have a solid background in structural engineering, including a Ph.D. Experience in working or engaging with industry stakeholders is desirable. A demonstrable track record of working within multi-disciplinary research teams and contributing towards grant pursuits is also desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to engage actively with industrial and policy partners in the UK and internationally.

The School of Engineering is dedicated to upholding the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all its endeavours, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.

The School of Engineering is expanding its globally recognised research portfolio and strengthening its industry ties. In line with this vision, the School of Engineering invites applications for a Professor of Structural Engineering. This role will sit within the Department of Civil Engineering within the School of Engineering, one of seven schools forming the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 

Structural engineering is a core research area within the Department of Civil Engineering and extends to the broader School of Engineering and College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The recent major investments in the School of Engineering in several strategic and interdisciplinary research initiatives, such as the National Buried Infrastructure Facility (NBIF), has placed Birmingham in a leading position to undertake ground breaking and internationally leading research and educational activities.

The department consists of over 40 academic members of staff and oversees the research and education of Geotechnics, Structures, Fluid and Wind, and Resilience Systems and Climate Action research groups in the school. The Department also delivers several UG and PG programmes, including two railway focused MSc, and an MSc programme in Road Management & Engineering as well as MSc programmes in geotechnical engineering, structures, civil engineering and advanced engineering management. The department also houses the National Buried Infrastructure Facility (NBIF); the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE); The UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) and is part of UKCRIC – The UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities.

Our environment is vibrant and collaborative, which extends across the School of Engineering, the broader College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the University and one, where you will take an active role in supporting the development of more junior colleagues and contributing to the life of the School, College and University, serving as a model of academic citizenship. This role is ideal for an inspiring leader with a global reputation in research and education of, structural engineering.

The ideal candidate will bring innovative ideas to complement our existing strengths in structural engineering. A vital aspect of this role is successfully acquiring research funding from diverse sources, such as UKRI, government or EU sources, and industry partners. Therefore, a strong background in securing externally funded research is essential.

Role Summary

As an Assistant Professor, you must contribute to research, teaching, and administration while actively supporting and promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles.

This involves initiating, leading, conducting, and disseminating original research. This research should not only have measurable outcomes and foster a growing national and incipient (ideally) international reputation but also be inclusive and equitable, considering diverse perspectives and promoting underrepresented voices in the field.

Your teaching role will contribute to the management, development (including program/module review), and delivery of teaching and assessment within engineering and the wider college. Your pedagogical approach must be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse student needs, experiences, and backgrounds, enhancing all students' experience and employability. The role will typically also involve developing and advising others, including (a) providing expert advice to staff and students of all identities, (b) supervising and examining PhD students, ensuring fair and equitable treatment, and (c) advising others on inclusive learning and teaching methods and strategies.

Management and administration are likely to involve contributions within the allocated research group and at Departmental and School level and or making an essential contribution to some managerial/leadership activities (e.g., working groups) within the University.  This may include developing and making substantial contributions to EDI initiatives, knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools’ outreach, or similar activities at Department and School level or further within the University.

Main Duties

Research

To plan and conduct research using appropriate methodology and techniques. This role involves, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Pursuing personal research, including developing research ideas, and acquiring support, including financial support
• Planning, publishing, and or executing high-quality research
• Project managing research activities and or supervising research staff
• Presenting findings in high-quality publications and conference proceedings
• Developing novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued
• Supervising and examining PhD students, both within the institution and externally, while promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity
• Providing expert advice to staff and students within the discipline
• Applying knowledge in a manner that develops new intellectual understanding
• Developing and contributing significantly to knowledge transfer, enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement) and similar activities that benefit the College, University, and broader diverse communities.

Education 

To use a variety of inclusive teaching and advising methods for individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or CPD students, this may include:

• Teaching and examining courses at various levels while considering diverse learning styles and backgrounds
• Planning and reviewing own teaching approaches, including inclusivity, and mentoring others to do the same
• Developing programme proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes in the Department and School, incorporating EDI principles
• Utilising appropriate and inclusive approaches to learning and teaching in their field
• Disseminating best practices through suitable media
• Developing and advising others on inclusive learning and teaching tasks and methods
• Plan, develop, deliver and assess distance learning modules with learning designers and other colleagues, leading a module tutor team as appropriate.
• Devising and supervising projects, student dissertations, and practical work on technical and non-technical Advanced Engineering Management courses, considering the diversity of student backgrounds.

Management/Administration

To contribute to the administration or management of the Department and School or have a high level of responsibility for others, embracing the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. This may involve:

• Contribution to the administration/management of research and/or teaching teams across the Department and School
• Leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new or revised inclusive process (e.g., new programme, recruitment drive to increase diversity)
• Advising on the personal and professional development of colleagues and students, promoting diversity and inclusivity
• Making a significant contribution to some administrative activities within the University (e.g., appeals panels, working groups), ensuring fair and inclusive practices
• Managing enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities that benefit the College, University, and broader communities, including an emphasis on inclusivity
• Developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, and schools’ outreach whilst promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Citizenship 

To contribute to an inclusive working environment:

• Demonstrating a willingness to participate in various activities supporting University life (e.g., participation in graduation, Departmental and School committees)
• Demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources and providing advice.
• Willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects)
• Positively engaging in School strategic initiatives
• Proactive support and involvement in activities explicitly contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.

Person Specification

• A first degree - We encourage applications from candidates with diverse educational backgrounds
• A relevant doctoral qualification in Civil Engineering (or an allied subject)
• Industrial experience, either through working in or with industry would be desirable 

Demonstrated excellence in at least one Research, with competence in Learning and Teaching

Research requirements 

• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques, and methods
• Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise, industry or public engagement and similar activity
• Prior research experience in one or more of the following areas: science and technology studies, qualitative and/or quantitative social research data collection, science communication/engagement, or responsible research and innovation 
• A demonstrable track record in working within multi-disciplinary research teams and contributions to team-based grant pursuit is also desirable.

Education 

• A willingness to design, deliver, assess, and revise teaching programmes, an inclusive and supportive teaching and learning environment for students of all backgrounds
• Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise, and similar activities that could enhance the student experience or employability, empowering students with diverse skills and experiences.

Management Administration

• Ability and willingness to contribute to School and Departmental management processes
• Ability to assess and organise resources effectively, creating a work environment that values diverse ideas and perspectives
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.

 

Informal enquiries to Professor Asaad Faramarzi, email a.faramarzi@bham.ac.uk and Karl Dearn, email: k.d.dearn@bham.ac.uk 

 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.