Role profile
Assistant Professor in
Mechanical Design and Job family
Job title Solid Mechanics (Research
Research & Teaching Level 5
& Teaching)
and level
Department of Mechanical,
Department Materials and Manufacturing Location University Park Campus
Engineering
Purpose of role
The University of Nottingham seeks applications for a full-time Assistant Professor in Mechanical
Design and Solid Mechanics. This role is offered as research & teaching where the person
appointed would lead relevant research programs, complementing and expanding our existing
capability.
Applications are invited from candidates with a proven research track record in one or more of the
following areas:
• Mechanical & automated design
• Design optimisation using computational methods including machine learning
• Design and analysis for sustainable engineering
The role holder will also take responsibility for delivering high quality teaching and will contribute to
the planning, design, development and delivery of materials on our growing undergraduate taught
programmes in mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Specifically, the successful candidate
will be expected to lead teaching in one or more of the following areas:
• Mechanical design
• Solid Mechanics
• Computational design and analysis
The role will include the development of course curricula and teaching materials as required.
The post holder may also make a significant contribution to their academic unit via leadership
and/or administrative management and/or co-ordination of specific initiatives.
% time
Main responsibilities (R&T) per
(Primary accountabilities and responsibilities expected to fulfil the role) year
Conduct successful research typically
30 –
▪ Identify, conduct and lead original research 70%
1 ▪ Seek and secure external research funding through the development (as
of applications to external funding bodies part of
total
which
RPF Band C
▪ Conduct and supervise others conducting original research, resulting sums
in high quality publications in nationally and internationally recognised up to
peer reviewed journals 100%)
▪ Participate in meetings and conferences in order to disseminate
research findings.
▪ Supervise postgraduate research students engaged in original
research
▪ To be responsible for administrative duties as required in the
leadership and operation of research
Deliver teaching, administration and leadership roles to a high
standard
▪ Lead/support the development/delivery of content in the Department’s
taught programmes in mechanical design and other areas, such as
solid mechanics and modelling and simulation.
▪ Deliver consistently excellent teaching and support for student typically
learning, influencing others via own practice; develop and apply high 30 –
quality and appropriate teaching techniques and materials. 70%
(as
▪ Supervise final year undergraduates and taught postgraduates
part of
2 conducting individual projects
total
▪ Provide tutorials and pastoral care of students.
which
▪ Proactively identify the need for developing the aims, delivery or sums
assessment of existing modules and make proposals on how this up to
should be achieved. 100%)
▪ Design and undertake assessments, marking and feedback that is
robust and valid. Evaluate and respond to feedback to ensure student
engagement with assessment.
▪ To be responsible for administrative duties as required in the
leadership and operation of the Department
▪ Deliver any other duties appropriate to the grade and role as required
Person specification (R&T)
Essential Desirable
▪ Extensive knowledge and skills to ▪ Ability to teach other subjects
undertake original, high-quality within the department, such as
research in at least one of dynamics, simulation and
o Mechanical & automated modelling.
design
o Design optimisation using
computational methods
including machine learning
o Design and analysis for
sustainable engineering
▪ Research track record, including
winning funding, leading projects,
international recognition and
collaboration and creating impact.
▪ Extensive knowledge and skills to
contribute teaching to the
Mechanical and Manufacturing
Skills Engineering programmes at
university level in at least one of:
Mechanical Design, Solid
Mechanics, computational design
and analysis
▪ Excellent oral and written
communication skills, including the
ability to communicate complex
information with clarity
▪ Self-starting and pro-active,
demonstrating an ability to work
alone or in a team to meet
deadlines and to prioritise tasks
▪ Passion for student teaching and
learning including the ability to
engage constructively with
students and innovatively develop
effective teaching strategies
▪ Relevant postdoctoral research ▪ Experience working in or with
experience or appropriate industry and/or publicly funded
industrial experience research projects in an aspect of
▪ Track record of high-quality mechanical design and/or
publications in peer reviewed mechanics of solids on the national
journals and international stage
Knowledge and
▪ Experience in grant proposal
experience
writing and the acquisition of own
research funding and the
management and leadership of
research programmes
▪ Relevant teaching experience in
higher education
▪ Degree in a relevant discipline Postgraduate study in Mechanical
Qualifications,
▪ PhD in Engineering, Mathematics Design or Solid Mechanics
certification and
or other relevant discipline
RPF Band C
training
(relevant to role)
The University of Nottingham is focused on embedding equality, diversity and
inclusion in all that we do. As part of this, we welcome a diverse population to
join our work force and therefore encourage applicants from all communities,
particularly those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Expectations and behaviours
The University has developed a clear set of core expectations and behaviours that our people
should be demonstrating in their work, and as ambassadors of the University’s strategy, vision and
values. The following are essential to the role:
Valuing people Is always equitable and fair and works with integrity. Proactively looks for
ways to develop the team and is comfortable providing clarity by
explaining the rationale behind decisions.
Taking ownership Is highly self-aware, looking for ways to improve, both taking on board
and offering constructive feedback. Inspires others to take accountability
for their own areas.
Forward thinking Driven to question the status quo and explore new ideas, supporting the
team to “lead the way” in terms of know-how and learning.
Professional pride Sets the bar high with quality systems and control measures in place.
Demands high standards of others identifying and addressing any gaps
to enhance the overall performance.
Always inclusive Ensures accessibility to the wider community, actively encouraging
inclusion and seeking to involve others. Ensures others always consider
the wider context when sharing information making full use of networks
and connections.
Key relationships with others
Shows line management structure and role interactions
Head of
Line manager Department
Assistant
Role holder Professor
Key stakeholder Academic Head of
relationships and Admin Technicians Students Research
Staff Group
Researchers