Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Employer
- XIAN JIAOTONG LIVERPOOL UNIVERSITY (XJTLU)
- Location
- Suzhou, China
- Closing date
- 28 Feb 2026
Please refer to the link: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/listing/405622/dean-school-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/
Reports to: Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)
Appointment Period: Three-year appointment, renewable
Academic Qualification: Professor
Work Location: Suzhou, China
Recruitment Type: International
About Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)
In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was established by a collaboration between the University of Liverpool, UK, and Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU combines excellent research practices and expertise from both institutions, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool, UK, with plans to grow to approximately 28,000 students by 2026. There are currently approximately 2,400 staff members, including over 1,300 academic staff from more than 60 countries. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.
XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development, aligning with its strategic priorities for the next decade. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU has established a new Entrepreneurial College (XEC) in Taicang, a part of the wider Suzhou area, where the Entrepreneur College is located. The XEC site is a pioneer of and educational model for the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include forming new working partnerships with the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploring further potential locations to develop the SE model.
With a focus on innovative learning, teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from the West and the East. For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn
About the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) is dedicated to developing and delivering the most attractive humanities and social science degree programmes for Chinese and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. We are committed to creating a centre of research excellence in the humanities and social sciences that is recognised within China and internationally. The School also aims to develop outreach and partnerships with domestic and international universities.
The School of HSS researches and educates across different disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The School, supported by over 90 academic staff from more than 17 countries, comprises five academic departments: the Department of Applied Linguistics, the Department of China Studies, the Department of International Studies, the Department of Media and Communication, and the Department of Literary and Translation Studies. The School offers eight undergraduate degree programmes, six PGT degree programmes, as well as PhD programmes in humanities and social sciences disciplines.
The School also offers opportunities for students who are interested in 2+2 programmes (with the University of Liverpool) and study abroad programmes. In addition, the School hosts the Year in China programme of the University of Liverpool. The School also runs a Diploma in China Studies.
The School of HSS organises collaborative and collective research projects to explore interactions and dialogues between China and the rest of the world. It proactively engages with the wider academic, business and policy-making communities in the Yangtze River Delta region, as well as nationally in China and abroad.
More details about the School of HSS can be found at: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/School-of-humanities-and-social-sciences
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dean of HSS is a member of the University’s senior management team. This role reports directly to the University Vice President of Academic Affairs and serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the School of HSS.
The appointee is expected to provide energetic leadership and strategic direction in reshaping HSS education and research of the School, aligning with the University’s vision to become a leading reformer of HSS education in China and globally; in guiding the School in its diverse activities including undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum developments, research directions, academic partnerships, and industry linkages; and further advancing its global stature.
