Lecturer (Grade 8) or Senior Lecturer (Grade 9) in Environmental Design

LOCATION: Xiamen University, Zhangzhou Campus, China

Full Time: 36.25 hours per week

Salary: £39,347 to £54,395

We are looking for skilled creatives, designers, teachers, and researchers to join us in beautiful, sub-tropical, South-East China. The Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI) is a dual-degree institute founded by Xiamen University (XMU) and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). We’re located on XMU’s Zhangzhou campus, which boasts a park-like atmosphere, with mountains on one side and Amoy Bay on the other. It’s a short commute to beautiful beaches, or the city of Xiamen, the multicultural centre of South-East China.

We have multiple requirements, and these will be permanent contracts. UCA offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• 35 days of personal holiday 
• Enrolment in the Teacher’s pension scheme
• Medical Insurance coverage in China for self and family
• Visa application expenses for self and family
• Flight cost
• Settling-In Allowance
• Annual repatriation (home visit) allowance
• Free accommodation in China for self and family
• School or Nursery/ Pre-school allowance
• Tax advice

Our department is a platform for an environmental design that is establishing a distinctive approach to architectural and spatial design education. We emphasize active models of teaching and learning that synthesize analogue techniques with digital media. Our units are taught as project and problem-based studio learning: focusing on Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication. We provide students with a networked pedagogy across all our projects, engaging external communities and organizations, and share this mindset with the wider community of designers.

As a Teaching Fellow/Senior Teaching Fellow you will be an active participant in the development and teaching of the BA(Hons) Environmental Design course at ICI, supporting students in studio-based learning using constructive and creative teaching methods. You will also participate in growing the scholarly profile at ICI by either contributing to ICI’s creativity and innovation research portfolio, ongoing professional practice output, or actively enhancing creative education at ICI and beyond.

You will focus on planning, preparing learning content and delivering units and classes. You will teach across different units with a range of learning objectives and varied design challenges for students. The teaching fellow participates as a facilitator and collaborator in the work and learning of students.

You will hold a master’s degree or higher in Architecture, Interior Design, Spatial Design or similar, and must have at least two consecutive years of a teaching focused role in a relevant design field at higher education. A doctoral research degree is especially desirable for those seeking a Senior Teaching Fellow position. Those with experience of higher education teaching in the UK will be prioritised, but candidates with experience elsewhere and a constructive attitude toward learning new educational frameworks may also apply. A PGCert teaching degree and HEA fellowship is also desirable.

The role requires someone who can demonstrate resilience and initiative when faced with challenges. Problem solving is an essential skill and a reflective and adaptable approach to teaching is necessary. You will be active in participating with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team to implement the vision and direction of the course. Fluency in English is essential.

We are looking for the passion and drive needed to contribute to the successful establishment of the Institute and to contribute to the ongoing development of its course portfolio in line with the needs of the emerging Chinese creative industries.

If you would welcome an informal chat about the role before applying, or any aspect of living and working in China, please contact Anna Baranowska by email (anna.baranowska@uca.ac.uk) providing your contact details. 

Come and join a growing community of design professionals in a location that inspires creativity – you won’t be disappointed.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please click on the link below and apply with your updated CV and a cover letter illustrating your suitability for the role.  https://jobs.ucreative.ac.uk/vacancies.aspx?cat=200

We would encourage you to submit a portfolio that evidences and demonstrates your own creative work and your teaching practice. Academic publications may be desirable for evidence where it relates to spatial design, creativity or innovation, but they would not be considered sufficient without evidence of teaching and practice.

Priority will be given to applicants with experience working in the UK, or other countries where courses are taught in English.

Candidates must be able to meet the Chinese visa requirements. UCA will assist with obtaining a visa.

Interviews will be ongoing; this role will remain open until filled. 

At UCA, creativity and innovation are at the heart of what we do. Our legacy of educating eager and passionate artists, makers, and thinkers runs back almost 160 years, and today we’re helping shape a global future that supports and nourishes talent worldwide.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) aims to be a welcoming and inclusive University that is truly representative of all the diversity in society. We particularly encourage applications from people from minoritized ethnic groups and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented within the University.