Associate Dean for Business Intelligence and Industry Research(UK visa sponsorship available)
Job Description
About XJTLU
Founded in 2006 through a partnership between the University of Liverpool (UK) and Xi’an Jiaotong University (China’s top 10 university), Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University (XJTLU) offers a unique international education model. Combining the strengths of both parent institutions, XJTLU provides world-class research and education, equipping students with the skills to succeed globally.
Students: 25,000+ across Suzhou and Liverpool (expected 28,000 by 2025)
Staff: 2,000+ (including 1,000 academic staff, half international)
Programmes: 100+ undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
XJTLU is advancing Syntegrative Education (SE) and pioneering the Entrepreneur College (Taicang), designed to address challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The University also continues to expand partnerships, develop new academies, and explore innovative models of higher education that combine Western and Eastern best practices.
About IBSS
The International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) is one of China’s fastest-growing international business schools. Guided by its principles—internationalism, innovation, inspiration, and integrity—IBSS is committed to making a positive impact through teaching, research, and industry engagement.
Accreditations: AACSB (2016), EQUIS (2018), AMBA & BGA (2020) → One of the world’s youngest triple-accredited business schools.
Departments: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Intelligent Operations & Marketing, Strategic Management & Organizations.
Community: 170+ faculty members and 6,000+ students from 60+ countries.
Programmes: Undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, PhD, and executive education.
Role Overview
The Associate Dean for Business Intelligence and Industry Research (ADBIR) will lead IBSS’s transformation into a Business Intelligence Hub, producing research and insights that address real-world business, policy, and societal challenges.
Key priorities include:
Overseeing business intelligence outputs (sector reports, policy briefs, strategic commentary).
Establishing Industry Research Units (IRUs) to connect faculty expertise with business and government needs.
Strengthening IBSS’s visibility and reputation in China and globally through applied research and thought leadership.
Driving external engagement with industry, government, and media to amplify impact.
Supporting income generation through commissioned studies, consulting, and research collaborations.
As part of the IBSS senior management team, the ADBIR works closely with the Dean, Deputy Dean, and other Associate Deans to integrate business intelligence into teaching, research, and external partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Intelligence Leadership
Develop and oversee sector reports, policy briefs, and data-driven insights.
Coordinate faculty contributions to applied, externally relevant research.
Ensure consistency, quality, and impact of all published outputs.
2. Industry Research Platforms
Design and manage Industry Research Units (IRUs) to deliver industry-focused projects.
Support interdisciplinary collaboration for consulting, applied research, and commissioned work.
Align IRUs with IBSS’s strategic goals and track performance.
3. External Engagement
Represent IBSS to businesses, government agencies, and media.
Build partnerships that identify emerging intelligence needs and generate project opportunities.
Work with marketing and communications teams to promote IBSS research globally.
4. Strategic Integration
Embed business intelligence into teaching and student engagement.
Track KPIs on visibility, relevance, and revenue from applied research.
Provide thought leadership on industry trends, policy debates, and societal challenges.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
PhD in business or a related field.
Senior Associate Professor or Professor level.
Strong record in applied research with public, business, or policy relevance.
Experience in external engagement, consulting, or funded projects.
Evidence of business-facing publications or reports.
Desirable:
Experience in public communication of research/media engagement.
Track record of building client-facing research initiatives.
Background in foresight, policy research, or market intelligence.
Knowledge of China’s industry and policy landscape.
Skills and Competencies
Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset.
Ability to translate academic work into practical insights.
Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.
Strong project management and organisational skills.
Collaborative leadership for interdisciplinary teams.
Career Development
Clear academic career progression.
Annual performance review.
Professional training and development opportunities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: Competitive, based on academic rank.
Allowance: Administrative duty allowance for Associate Dean role + housing, travel, relocation, and children’s education.
Insurance: International medical coverage for staff and family.
Leave: 36 days annual leave + 11 statutory holidays + family-related leave (maternity, paternity, sick leave, marriage leave, etc.).
Visa Support: Full sponsorship for work visa and residence permit in China.
Research Funding
Research Development Fund and Research Engagement Fund for all faculty.
Access to school-level funding and external government/corporate grants.
Example grants:
Outstanding Youth Science Foundation (Overseas): RMB 1–3 million
Innovation Leading Talent: Up to RMB 2 million
Outstanding Leading Talent: 50% of annual package
Young Leading Talent: 50% of annual package
Citizenship and Visa Regulations
Employment complies with Chinese labour laws and provincial government regulations.
Candidates over age 65 may not be eligible for a work visa.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the XJTLU website and include one PDF file with:
Cover letter
CV (with nationality and highest degree)
