Lecturer in Computational Methods in Architecture

The built environment is witnessing a rapid transformation in how it is conceived, designed, analysed and constructed. Digital technologies are disrupting the traditional distinctions between parametric design and form-finding, computational analysis and digital fabrication. There is high interest from architects and designers to integrate computational methods in their design process.

The Welsh School of Architecture is currently conducting research into the areas of digital robotic fabrication of sustainable material, building performance simulation in the early phases of design, the role of artificial intelligence in architecture, and novel methods of representing and analysing building geometry and topology.

The Welsh School of Architecture wishes to appoint a full-time Lecturer who has experience in computational methods in architecture to further our teaching and research agenda. Given the school’s position in the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, the post holder will have an opportunity to pursue an inter-disciplinary collaborative approach to design thinking through the integration of computational methods from the disciplines of architecture, computer science, and engineering.

The post holder will be expected to deliver high-quality and research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and to contribute to the research record of the School by carrying out high quality research leading to the publishing of work. The successful candidate will pursue excellence in research, teaching and enterprise and inspire others to do the same.

The position is full-time (35 hours per week) and is open ended.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Professor Wassim Jabi JabiW@Cardiff.ac.uk or Lucy Forrester (PA to Head of School) forresterl@cardiff.ac.uk

The appointment will be made, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience, within the Grade 7 scale.

Salary: £45,737 – £52,841 per annum (Grade 7)

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Closing date: Saturday, 20 May 2023

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University
Job Description

Main function

To deliver high-quality and research-led teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and contribute to the research record of the School through commitment to carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research, teaching and enterprise and to inspire others to do the same.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research

To conduct research within the area of computational methods in architecture and contribute to the overall internationally recognised research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, international conferences and/or other research outputs, and the recruitment and supervision of research staff and postgraduate/MSc research students
To independently develop research objectives, projects or proposals for own or joint research including research funding acting as a PI as required. To develop research networks through regular national/international conference/seminar presentations
To participate in School research activities.
Teaching

To independently contribute to module and curriculum development and lead modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, inspiring students
To carry out other forms of scholarship including work associated with examinations (setting and marking paper and providing constructive feedback to students), administration, participation in committee work, and the pastoral care of students of Cardiff University
To supervise the work of students including the supervision of Undergraduate and Master’s students, the co-supervision of PGR’s and acting as a PGR progress review panel member as required
To act as a Personal Tutor and provide pastoral support to students
Other

To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

2. Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning or equivalent qualification or experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

3. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

Computational methods in Architecture
4. Significant teaching experience at a high level of quality at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

5. Growing national reputation within academic field

6. Proven substantial record of publications in national journals and/or other research outputs.

7. Proven ability to attain competitive research funding along with a strong portfolio of research grants

8. Ability to contribute to the delivery and continued development of modules across the School teaching programmes

Pastoral, Communication and Team Working

9. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

10. The ability to provide appropriate pastoral support to students, appreciate the needs of individual students and their circumstances and to act as a personal tutor

Desirable Criteria

1. Proven ability to work with robotic fabrication or 3D printing

2. Evidence of collaborations with industry

3. Proven ability to work without close supervision

4. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community

5. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the teaching and research activities of the School

6. A willingness to take responsibility for academically related administration.
Additional Information

The Welsh School of Architecture

The Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) is consistently ranked amongst the top schools of architecture in published UK and Worldwide league tables and has been ranked within the top 50 of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings for the past 4 consecutive years.

The WSA also had 90% of its research impact judged as outstanding (4*) in the 2014 REF (Research Excellence Framework). This placed us at the top of the table for impact in the assessment panel for Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.

Our research underpins the BSc and MArch degree programmes as well as the specialisms we teach through advanced Masters programmes that cater to graduates across the broad spectrum of built environment professions. We set high standards for our students and expect great things from them, this is why we stand by the quality of our graduates and are proud of what they achieve.

The distinctiveness of this School lies in its tradition of combining creativity with the understanding needed to realise designs through practice, its reputation for high quality research, the calibre of its staff and in its unique location in a friendly, liveable and affordable capital city that is a gateway to the stunning landscape of Wales.

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 16042BR.

Salary Range – 45,737 -52,841
Job Category- Academic – Teaching & Research
Grade: Grade 7