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, and assessment of online learning within the Higher Education environment;
* A track record of research outputs in peer-reviewed publications of internationally excellent quality; (teaching and research track only)
* A developing track record of generating external research income; (teaching and research track only)
* A clear personal research focus aligned with the areas of interest of the Institute for Sustainable Built Environment and the wider School of EGIS, particularly in the area related to Advanced Concrete Technology; (teaching and research track only)
* Demonstrated vision, drive, and determination to succeed, alongside a proactive and future-oriented approach;
* Proven ability to work well both individually and as part of a team, including evidence of the ability to build and lead teams of people and develop effective relationships with external stakeholders such as industrial partners and accrediting bodies; and
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Capability to lead innovative pedagogical advancements in the area of Advanced Concrete Technology (ACT) on both a national and/or international level;
* Proven ability to manage a range of projects and activities successfully, with excellent time management and planning skills, and the capacity to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
* Exceptional written, verbal, and graphical communication skills, including experience in using digital communications for educational purposes, with a developing record of teaching innovation;
* A strong commitment to continuous professional development, evidenced by the membership of professional bodies in concrete technology;
* The ability to inspire and enthuse others, as demonstrated by positive student feedback from previous teaching experience or a successful track record of mentoring graduate engineers in industry, with a passion for transferring knowledge and skills to students; and
* Ability to contribute to and foster interdisciplinary collaborative research across a broad range of Advanced Concrete Technology, civil engineering, and related fields (teaching and research track only)
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 4th May 2025.
You should submit the following documents via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system: (1) Cover letter describing their interest in and suitability for the position; (2) A full CV, including a list of publications; and (3) Teaching and research statements, highlighting their strengths in one or more of the research areas related to Advanced Concrete Technology.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Benny Suryanto, the programme lead for the postgraduate programme in Advanced Concrete Technology at B.Suryanto@hw.ac.uk
About the Team
The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society is one of the UK’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. We aim to attain excellence in the teaching of the core disciplines that contribute to a sustainable, resource and energy-efficient society and are committed to undertaking high value, high impact research and knowledge transfer in topics of relevance to global challenges.
Institute of Sustainable Built Environment
The Institute of Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE) undertakes multidisciplinary research in the areas of Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil and Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering and many others. Further information can be obtained at ISBE.
It’s an exciting time to be joining HWU, over our 200-year history we have driven forward our ethos of providing an education for all and are very proud of our 5 campus locations, in three countries, as well as our online offerings, we are the most diverse and international University in the UK.
The Civil Engineering teaching team delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Scotland, Dubai, Malaysia and online. We offer campus-based degree programmes, distance learning programmes through our Heriot Watt Online system, as well as Graduate Apprenticeships.
Our academic staff specialising in Advanced Concrete Technology have expertise in performance monitoring of concrete in service environments, experimental and durability testing of concrete, life cycle and probabilistic analysis, numerical modelling, and full-scale structural instrumentation. We make use of a marine exposure site on the Dornoch Firth in North-east Scotland, established under the auspices of Transport Scotland, which provides a unique database on the performance of concrete in marine conditions. Field studies also focus on developing remote interrogation of embedded sensors using remote data interrogation technology. Recent research areas include the development of cementitious systems with multifunctional capabilities, carbon sequestration in concrete, as well as the development, application, and in-situ assessment of low-embodied carbon concrete.
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real-world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
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