Roles and responsibilities
The College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ajman University, has an opening for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor in Architecture, starting Spring 2024-2025. We are looking for qualified candidates who can teach Architectural Design Studios, Architectural History, and supervise graduation projects and postgraduate courses. Ajman University is one of the best regional universities and is ranked in the top 750 universities worldwide. The City of Ajman is half an hour drive from the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Graduate with a Ph.D. from a reputable university
- Outstanding teaching record
- Outstanding research and publications record in top journals
- Adequate experience in supervising student projects and thesis papers
- Record of collaborative and interdisciplinary research would be an advantage
- Excellent record in community service and scholarly activities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and deliver courses to students in specified discipline areas of study
- Evaluate and monitor individual student progress and provide feedback to sustain student success
- Research, organize and manage instructional resources, courses outlines, and community networks
- Conduct high quality research in his/her own field and publish research outcomes in reputable journals and conferences
- Provide consultative expertise as a subject matter expert to the local industry through pre-approved partnership projects by the University
- Ensure a respectful and culturally sensitive learning environment in all college focused activities
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships across the organization and community
- Motivate and inspire confidence in others (students and colleagues) to overcome limitations to personal growth and success
- Actively seek out methods, procedures and resources to best achieve course and lesson objectives
- Support and participate in accreditation initiatives
- Maintain relationships with students that are conducive to learning
- Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Familiarity with the “Credit Hour” academic system
- Ability to supervise student work
- Ability to provide academic advising for students
- Ability to conduct independent research and publish in reputable journals and conferences
- Ability to work effectively with diverse team members
- Knowledge of academic program planning and implementation
- Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
Desired candidate profile
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Teaching and Curriculum Development
- Lecturing: Delivering lectures on various topics related to architecture, such as architectural design, history, theory, construction methods, sustainability, urban planning, and digital tools.
- Course Development: Designing and updating the architecture curriculum to reflect current trends, technologies, and challenges in the field of architecture. This includes creating syllabi, preparing materials, and developing assignments and exams.
- Studio Guidance: Leading design studios where students engage in hands-on architectural projects. Professors in architecture provide critique, guidance, and feedback to students on their design proposals and models.
- Workshops and Seminars: Organizing workshops or seminars on specialized topics within architecture, such as architectural software tools (e.g., CAD, BIM), sustainable design, and new construction technologies.
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Research and Scholarly Activity
- Architectural Research: Conducting original research in various fields of architecture, including design theory, urban studies, materials science, sustainability, historic preservation, and architectural technology.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with researchers from other fields (e.g., urban planning, engineering, environmental science) to explore innovative approaches to architectural design and solve complex challenges.
- Publication: Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, books, and conference proceedings. This can also include writing articles, participating in architectural design competitions, or contributing to architectural criticism.
- Grant Writing: Applying for research grants to fund architectural projects, studies, and the development of new design methodologies or innovations in the field.
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Student Mentorship and Supervision
- Advising: Providing academic and professional guidance to students, including helping them choose courses, develop research projects, and navigate their career paths in architecture.
- Thesis and Dissertation Supervision: Supervising graduate and doctoral students on their thesis or dissertation projects. This involves advising students on research methodology, design processes, and technical aspects of their projects.
- Career Guidance: Offering career advice and assisting students in preparing for internships, employment opportunities, or professional licensure in architecture.
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Professional Practice and Collaboration
- Industry Connections: Building and maintaining relationships with professional architects, architectural firms, and industry organizations. This includes facilitating internship opportunities and fostering collaborations between academia and the professional field.
- Practice and Consultancy: Some professors maintain professional architectural practice alongside their academic duties, offering design services or consulting in the field of architecture. This helps them stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
- Collaborative Projects: Participating in design projects or collaborations with architecture firms, governments, or non-profit organizations to apply academic research to real-world architectural challenges.