Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES) is a full-time public institution established during a pivotal stage of China’s Reform and Opening period. The University originated from industry, has grown with industry, and continues to advance through industry. SUES is among the first cohort of the Ministry of Education’s “Excellence Engineer Training Program,” the national lead institution for “Emerging Engineering Education,” and a pilot university for building “High-level Applied Universities” in Shanghai. The University is accelerating its development into a “world-class applied innovation university with a distinctive industrial identity,” cultivating applied innovators with international perspective, global competence, innovation leadership, and implementation capability—professionals who integrate engineering expertise, design thinking, and business insight as “Trirotor” interdisciplinary talent.
To advance the strategic goal of building a world-class applied innovation university with strong industrial distinction, SUES has officially established the School of Design (in-development). Rooted in the concept of design-driven innovation, the School aims to break disciplinary boundaries, integrate emerging technologies, strengthen industry–education collaboration, attract global resources, and accelerate the translation of innovation outcomes. The School is committed to shaping a new model of design education and training world-class applied design innovators who will contribute to Shanghai’s development as a global science-and-technology innovation hub and leading design capital while supporting regional and global industrial transformation, socio-cultural advancement, and ecological innovation.
To support the construction and development of the School, SUES now invites applications from internal and external candidates for several Program Heads and Deputy Heads positions:
1. Product+Mobility（P+M）
2. Environments + Scenography (E+S)
3. Media + Entertainment (M+E)
4. Human + Machine (H+M)
5. Strategy + Management (S+M)
6. Foundations & Public (F&P)
Detailed requirements for the positions and recruitment plans are provided in the accompanying documents.
I. Positions and Primary Responsibilities
(A) Undergraduate Program Heads
The Undergraduate Program Head serves as the academic lead for undergraduate teaching within each program group and reports to the Vice Dean for Education. Key responsibilities include:
●Curriculum System Leadership:
Oversee planning and implementation of the undergraduate curriculum, build a coherent four-year program structure, integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and principles of sustainable development into instruction, and continuously advance pedagogical quality and innovation.
●Faculty Development and Industry Collaboration:
Lead faculty team development and mentor early-career academics. Strengthen university–industry partnerships and establish platforms for project-based learning and applied practice. Enhance students’ professional competencies and workplace readiness.
●Quality Assurance and Academic Operations:
Lead teaching quality management, instructional evaluation, and academic scheduling. Ensure effective achievement of learning objectives and smooth daily operation. Maintain strong coordination between foundational design courses on the Songjiang Campus and advanced professional courses on the Changning Campus.
(B) Undergraduate Deputy Program Heads
Reporting to the Undergraduate Program Head, the Deputy Head assists in academic operations, instructional quality development, faculty and student support, and collaboration with industry partners. Responsibilities include:
●Program Implementation and Enhancement:
Support curriculum development, promote integration of AI, data-driven design, and advanced research methods into the curriculum, assist with faculty mentoring systems and teaching evaluations, and strengthen interdisciplinary research platforms and university–industry collaboration.
●Academic Development and Quality Assurance:
Participate in disciplinary planning and development of program specializations, support resource allocation, ensure smooth course articulation, and contribute to the continuous improvement of student learning outcomes and program impact.
(C) Master’s Program Heads
The Master’s Program Head leads graduate education and disciplinary development within each program group and reports to the Vice Dean responsible for education and academic development. Key responsibilities include:
●Graduate Curriculum and Research Design:
Lead planning of the graduate curriculum and research framework, ensuring methodological rigor, interdisciplinary depth, technological foresight, and a clear applied innovation orientation.
●Graduate Education and Academic Management:
Oversee course development, research methods instruction, advisor team building, and supervision of instructional quality. Promote the integration of AI, robotics, and data-driven design into research themes. Strengthen coordination among research centers, laboratories, and workshop clusters to enhance university–industry collaboration.
●Disciplinary Development:
Plan disciplinary development directions, optimize the academic structure, strengthen distinctive advantages, and enhance the overall strength and influence of the discipline.
●Undergraduate–Graduate Articulation:
Maintain close coordination with Undergraduate Program Heads to ensure smooth curricular alignment and research preparation from undergraduate to graduate level.
(D) Master’s Deputy Program Heads
Reporting to the Master’s Program Head, the Deputy Head assists in academic operations, instructional quality advancement, faculty and student development, and industry–research collaboration. Responsibilities include:
●Graduate Program Implementation and Optimization:
Assist with curriculum and research system development, integrate AI, data-driven design, and advanced research methods into training structures, coordinate advisor team development and quality evaluation, and strengthen interdisciplinary platforms and university–industry collaboration.
●Disciplinary Support and Quality Assurance:
Contribute to disciplinary planning and specialization development, help optimize academic resources, ensure course articulation and academic skill development, and support continuous improvement in graduate education quality and disciplinary influence.
II. Application Process and Requirements
1. Scope of Application: Positions are open to candidates inside and outside SUES.
2. Required Application Materials:
●Cover Letter:Specify both the program group (e.g., Product and Mobility Design) and position (Undergraduate Program Head or Master’s Program Head).
●Curriculum Vitae: Include complete academic background, work history, and relevant professional experience.
●Representative Work: May include teaching achievements, design practice cases, or scholarly publications.
●Vision Statement (one page): Provide a concise description of your strategic vision for the development of the program group.
3. Submission Method
●Email: Send all application materials to Design@sues.edu.cn.
A confirmation message will be sent upon successful submission.
●Deadline: Applications accepted until 18:00 (Beijing Time), 26 December.
4. Contact Information
Cai Qi: 021-6779 2179
Chang Xin: 021-6275 1060
Notes:
●Detailed position requirements and recruitment plans are provided in the attachment: “Recruitment Plan for Program Group Heads and Deputy Heads, SUES School of Design (In-development)”
●For Undergraduate and Master’s Deputy Head positions, applicants currently employed at SUES will receive priority consideration under equivalent conditions.
●The right of final interpretation belongs to the Steering Committee for the Academic Integration of the School of Design (In-development), SUES.
