Sr Lect/Assc Prof & Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering

Kingston University is passionate about the power of a university education to transform lives. We strive for our staff and students to be sought-after for their academic achievements and their ability to shape society and contribute to the economy. We are an inclusive university, and our ambitious Town House Strategy drives our mission to enhance students’ life chances, support the ambitions of staff and strengthen the university’s impact on our locality, industry, policy and associated professions to enable a sustainable future - socially, economically and environmentally. With an overall Gold Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) rating, we are recognised for our commitment to high quality teaching, providing an outstanding student experience and supporting our students to achieve successful degree outcomes.

The Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment (ECE) is seeking to appoint a new Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The University’s Town House Strategy has set an ambitious growth target in terms of student recruitment for the next three academic years. ECE is well positioned to contribute effectively to this target. Hence, we look forward to hearing from individuals with a successful track record of student recruitment within the higher education sector and particularly in Mechanical Engineering.

The post of Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is an opportunity to lead a remarkable academic team, based on a dedicated engineering campus at Roehampton Vale. With exceptional laboratory and technical facilities, there is plentiful of scope for the post-holder to build still further on the Department’s strong foundations.

The Person

Candidates should have strong management experience and an academic profile that is relevant to the discipline of Mechanical Engineering. This means understanding the trends and expectations of students and employers alike. You will have an appetite for innovation and the ability to stimulate and challenge staff in productive ways. You will have the ability to contribute to the Faculty’s business and innovation agenda both through your own activities and those instigated by you across the Department. You will have a real-world appreciation of the issues at play in Mechanical Engineering to ensure there is a relevant and meaningful portfolio that can be delivered to a high academic standard. The post sits within the School of Engineering thus offering opportunities for inter-disciplinary work, and it is expected that the appointee will embrace this.

The Faculty

There are few faculties across the UK university landscape as varied in their scope as the Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment (ECE). We teach and research across a wide range of subjects, allowing for real cross-discipline innovation and creativity.  Our lecturers are experts – working at the forefront of their fields and actively engaged in research so they can bring advanced knowledge to their teaching. Our state-of-the-art facilities relevant to Mechanical Engineering include specialist engineering laboratories; automotive engineering facilities; fabrication (including 5-axis CNC machine) and composite materials facility; metrology laboratory; rapid prototyping and 3d-printing facility; renewable energy lab; and three new labs related to electric, electronic and robotics; as well as an advanced design studio. For future scientists and engineers, this combines to create the ultimate real-life space for practical learning. For academic professionals, this all adds up to a truly vibrant, exciting environment in one of the largest and most diverse STEM faculties in the sector.

The School of Engineering

The School of Engineering at Kingston University is where innovation meets education on the cutting edge. Our dedicated campus at Roehampton Vale is not just a place of learning; it's a hub of technological advancement and forward-thinking education. Our School comprises three dynamic departments: explore mechanical engineering, delve into electrical, electronic, and robotics, or soar into the world of aerospace and aircraft engineering. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to the fusion of academia and industry. Collaboration is not just encouraged; it's integral to the essence of studying. The School of Engineering is not just a place to learn; it's a community of forward-thinkers, pioneers, and future leaders in the field of engineering. We are proud of being a diverse and inclusive environment catering for the specific needs of our students.

Further information

This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary from £60,155 - £69,270 per annum.

The Head of Department aspect of the role is a 4-year term, reverting to Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer substantive as appropriate.

Please apply by clicking the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions.

Applications should consist of:

 - a concise covering letter (ideally no longer than two pages), addressing the criteria in the Person Specification;

- an up-to-date curriculum vitae;

- names and contact details of three referees (although referees will only be approached at the final stage of the process, and only with your express permission).

For informal enquiries, please contact Rob Teague, Faculty Support Administrator.

The closing date for applications is 31st August 2025.

Timetable 

- Closing date: 31st August 2025

- Shortlisting: 8th September 2025

- Psychometric testing: 8th September 2025

- Formal Interviews: week commencing 15th September 2025

If the interview date poses a problem for you, please let us know about this at the time of application.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.