Head of Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Hours of work: Full-time

Tenure: Permanent appointment as Professor with an initial four-year term as Head of Department

We are seeking an outstanding and ambitious academic leader to join the University of Liverpool as Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Professor within the Department.

The successful candidate will have an established international reputation and sustained record of academic excellence in an area relevant to mechanical or aerospace engineering, or in a complementary field that strengthens and extends our existing capabilities. You will bring a strong record of influential research, success in securing significant external funding, and the academic credibility to lead and inspire a large and diverse academic community.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the University's major engineering departments at an important point in its development. The Department has significant strengths across mechanical and aerospace engineering, a substantial education portfolio and considerable potential to increase the scale, quality and international profile of its research.

As Head of Department, you will build on these foundations to develop existing and emerging areas of excellence, strengthen external partnerships and support innovation in research and education. You will create an inclusive and collaborative environment in which talented people can thrive, while setting high standards and building collective ambition across the Department.

We are looking for someone with significant academic leadership experience who can articulate and deliver a compelling vision, exercise sound judgement and lead effectively within a complex and evolving academic environment.

Working closely with the Dean of the School of Engineering, you will be a key member of the School Leadership Team and contribute to the wider strategic development of Engineering at Liverpool, as well as leading the continued development and success of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The successful candidate is expected to take up the Head of Department role in June 2027. The Head of Department appointment will initially be for four years, alongside a substantive professorial appointment within the Department.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.