Faculty Position in AI for Observational and Data-Driven Astrophysics Position

Position Overview

School:School of Mathematics and Physics

Department:Department of Physics

Position:Faculty Position in AI for Observational and Data-Driven Astrophysics Position Open Rank

Location:Suzhou China

Job ID: 4366

Position Open Date: 2026.03.24

Contract Type:Fixed-term renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended

ABOUT XJTLU

In 2006 Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xian Jiaotong University a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK with plans to grow to about 28000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2000 staff among which about 1000 academic staff with an almost even split between citizens of the Peoples Republic of China and international passport holders. 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 as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE) XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang part of wider Suzhou where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of and an educational model for the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xian Jiaotong University the continued development of the four new Academies and the exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching and research XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for the UK and other institutional partners. At the same time XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory best practices and culture from the west and east.

For detailed information about the university please visitj.

ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

The Department of Physics is part of the School of Mathematics and Physics (SMP) at Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Research in the Department seeks to explore and explain fundamental aspects of the world we live in from the smallest subatomic particles to the Universe as a whole. Building on its existing strengths the Department is expanding into application-oriented areas that can drive technological innovation and help address major global challenges. These include AI for Science quantum technologies advanced imaging and materials-related research. The Department contributes to the delivery of undergraduate teaching in physics and mathematics while also supporting postgraduate research training through its PhD programme. Current research strengths include astrophysics high-energy physics condensed matter physics materials science medical physics and theoretical and mathematical physics together with interdisciplinary research at the interfaces of physics data science and technology.

The Department of Physics actively encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across departments within XJTLU. Beyond the University the Department benefits from close links with the University of Liverpool and Xian Jiaotong University while also seeking to strengthen partnerships with research institutes and industry in Suzhou and beyond. These collaborations provide access to complementary expertise facilities and broader opportunities for research innovation and student development.

POSITION INTRODUCTION

The Department of Physics at Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) invites applications for a faculty position in AI for Observational and Data-Driven Astrophysics. We seek a highly motivated and well-qualified candidate with a strong background in observational astrophysics and data-intensive research. Research interests may include (but are not limited to) interstellar medium star formation exoplanets time-domain astronomy and large-scale astronomical surveys. Relevant expertise may involve radio millimetre-wave or infrared observations spectral analysis and advanced computational and artificial intelligencebased methodologies. The successful candidate is expected to contribute actively to high-quality teaching curriculum development and student training while developing a strong and internationally visible research program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct high-quality research and publish in top journals;
• Actively apply for national and international research funding;
• Supervise research projects of undergraduate and PhD students;
• Deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and mathematics in English;
• Actively participate in departmental and university affairs and promote interdisciplinary collaboration particularly with data science and artificial intelligence.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

We are looking for colleagues who:

• Demonstrate strong commitment to both teaching and research excellence;
• Communicate effectively in academic and professional settings;
• Work collaboratively and contribute positively to team development;
• Show initiative creativity and strong problem-solving ability;
• Adapt flexibly to a dynamic international academic environment;
• Uphold professionalism integrity and a strong work ethic;
• Are capable of mentoring students in research.

Essential Qualifications / Experience

All applicants must have:

• A PhD in Physics Astronomy or a closely related discipline;
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent academic experience;
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching;
• Solid background in observational experimental or data-intensive astrophysics;
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desirable Qualifications / Experience

Ideal candidates will additionally demonstrate:

• A strong record of high-quality publications in observational astrophysics including star formation spectroscopy line analysis with computational and AI approaches;
• Proven experience in proposing for conducting and leading observations with world-class astronomical facilities (e.g. ALMA JWST or comparable major observatories);
• International academic experience and collaborative ties with globally leading research institutions;
• Experience leading or playing a key role in national-level scientific projects;
• Experience mentoring students to produce high-level research outcomes;

Strong potential to secure national or international research funding.

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Clear career development path with annual review.
• Professional development training is provided.

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT

• The university provides every new faculty member with a Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate and/or continue research projects.
• The university will also support all faculty members to apply for national-level provincial-level and city-level programs. These programs aim to support excellent scientists both Chinese and non-Chinese citizens to work and carry out research in China.
• Several of the programs are listed below. Successful applications are based on the applicants educational background academic/research field research achievements working experience etc. The university will provide full support on the applications.

Talent/Research Program Fund

Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Project (Overseas) RMB 1-3 Million

Innovation Leading Talent up to RMB 2 Million

Outstanding Leading Talent of International Discipline 50% of Annual Package

Young Leading Talent of International Discipline 50% of Annual Package

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as Housing allowance/Travel allowance/Relocation allowanceEtc.
2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)
3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• PaternityLeave
• Parental leave Etc.

1. Working visa and residence permit in China:

XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff.

HOW TO APPLY

Click the link for the application.

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes in the order listed below:

1. Cover letter
2. Current CV including date of birth and country of citizenship
3. Full publication list
4. Research statement (2-5 pages)
5. Teaching statement (1-2 pages)
6. Contract details for three references (2 references for research and 1 reference for teaching) who may be contacted by the recruitment team.

For questions or inquiries about the position please contact Head of Department of Physics Professor Donghui Quan For general enquiries please email HR Please quote the position and job ID in your enquiry.