Assistant Professor in Architecture

Role Title: Assistant Professor in Architecture Grade: G7 Salary: AED 280,000 per annum including accommodation allowance (Depending on Experience) FTE and working pattern: Full-time (1FTE); 35hrs per week Contract Type: Teaching and Scholarship Department: School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) Location: Dubai Campus The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society Architecture was established as an undergraduate programme in Dubai 2015 in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. The School is one of the UK s leaders for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. On our Dubai campus we teach civil engineering, architectural engineering, architecture, construction management and quantity surveying. We offer a high quality educational experience underpinned by practical and laboratory teaching, and informed by contact with professional practice. Our degree programmes hold the appropriate accreditation from the relevant professional body. This educational philosophy ensures excellent employment prospects for all of our graduates. The Architecture Programme Heriot Watt University has a strong global identity, and the identity of the Architecture programme is forged through its strategic location in Dubai, creating an opportunity for students to study on a recognized UK course while experiencing a global education. The progressive approach of the programme places an emphasis on educating innovative and resilient architecture graduates capable of working as architectural professionals who can both lead and collaborate across teams. The UAE is located at a crossroads between east and west and offers students of architecture the opportunity to engage with relevant and challenging global issues that include: designing for climate change, resilient cities, environmental needs, resource shortages, growing population and the UAE s progressive culture with its emphasis on advanced technologies, sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurial culture. The Architecture curriculum is aligned with the criteria set by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for a RIBA Part 1 course. HWUD Architecture is developing a strong identity as the only RIBA Part 1 accredited programme in Dubai. Starting September 2025 we introduced Master of Architecture aligned with RIBA part 2. The programme has a strong focus on contextual design and addressing contemporary issues. The Architecture team benefits from diverse international staff including practising architects, academics and built environment specialists with excellent links into practice and the profession. The programme as a part of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society provides students and faculty with opportunities for research and collaborative working. Our programme benefits from close links to architectural practices ensuring the relevance of our teaching and offering exciting opportunities to work in areas relevant to the academic community and employers in the UAE, Gulf region and internationally. Heriot Watt University is looking to expand our global team of academics working in the field of Architecture and Sustainable Design. Consequently, the School is seeking to appoint an Assistant Professor in Architecture. The successful candidate will be based in Dubai but will engage with a team that spans our global footprint. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a leading role in the development and delivery of innovative teaching and scholarship. Heriot-Watt University is known for its research-informed course delivery and the global multi-campus education it provides. The successful applicant will have a student-centred approach to pedagogy and curriculum design and will be encouraged to innovate. This is an exciting time to join an already successful team. It is expected that the applicant will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: architectural design digital platforms for design history and theories of architecture sustainable design construction and technology Previous teaching experience and a commitment to the student experience are essential. Evidence of innovation in teaching delivery is desirable. Applicants must also possess demonstrable team working and communication skills. The candidate must hold an internationally recognized post graduate degree in Architecture (RIBA and/or ARB or NAAB or other internationally recognized accreditation). Key Duties and Responsibilities The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following: Learning and Teaching • Develop and contribute as required to the delivery of an innovative Postgraduate Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) programme and the Undergraduate BA (Hons) Architecture programme, RIBA Part 1 accredited. • Contribute to the design and delivery of the curriculum in the programme. • Develop and teach several courses appropriate to your area of expertise and as outlined by the programme. • Work closely with the Global Head of Discipline for Architecture and the Architecture team to develop the programme and explore new innovative courses and learning and teaching methods as aligned with RIBA Professional Criteria for Validation and the graduate attributes. • Design, prepare and develop a range of learning and teaching materials appropriate to the subject area to meet the learning outcomes for those course/s as aligned to the RIBA educational framework. • Undertake scholarly activity related to the effective delivery of the curriculum and maintain subject expertise aligned to the latest developments in the field of architecture, technology, and contemporary issues. • Be responsible for providing effective, well documented, and timely feedback, both formative and summative, to students. Education, Qualifications and Experience (i.e. Person Specification) Essential : • A post graduate degree in Architecture (RIBA and/or ARB or NAAB or internationally accredited) • In depth knowledge of your profession and discipline including relevant academic and professional experience • Evidence of creative design pedagogy and a critical design approach achieved in student outputs (projects, prizes, buildings) and your personal design projects • Evidence of your ability and experience to teach UG/PG Design Studio and related taught courses. • Evidence of delivering innovation through your teaching /or professional practice, design and technology • Expertise in delivering courses in one additional area including Architectural Representation, History and Theory, Professional Practice and Construction and Technology, Research methods and Sustainability in Design • A good working knowledge of relevant digital technologies (for example, one or more of: Rhino/Revit/BIM/Auto-cad/Grasshopper) • An understanding of the RIBA educational framework and experience of teaching or learning on a RIBA validated course OR international equivalent. • Ability to lead a small team across disciplines, work independently and /or as part of a team • A clear research interest aligned with the programme academic position and the research institutes within the school • Demonstrable oral, drawn representation and written communications skills. Desirable • RIBA Part 3 Qualification • PhD or equivalent terminal degree • Fellow of Higher Education Academy • Ability to run a real design student project from inception to completion • Local knowledge of UAE regulatory codes • Relevant experience teaching and working as a professional architect • Experience in or at least an enthusiasm for novel pedagogical approaches • Understanding and experience of the RIBA Educational framework How to Apply Interested applicants must submit via the Heriot-Watt Careers page. (1) Cover letter describing interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full up-to date CV (3) Portfolio evidencing design studio teaching. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete an on-demand-video interview as the first stage of the selection process. Successful candidates will then proceed to formal interviews where you will be asked to deliver a presentation on a relevant topic followed by a panel interview. Following the formal interview, the preferred candidate will meet with the Dubai Campus Provost prior to offer being made. Heriot-Watt University Dubai is ( Commission for Academic Accreditation ) CAA Licensed; therefore, successful candidates will need to either provide terminal degrees attested from a UAE institution accredited by the CAA or if the degree is not from a UAE Institution, the candidate will need to have MoE (Ministry of Education) Equivalency. More info on attestation can be found here on the MoE website. The candidate is responsible for getting their degree attestations done and these should be completed within six months of joining. The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of all Labour and Immigration formalities.