In this post we look at some of the senior level academic jobs available in production engineering and manufacturing, the experience and qualifications you’ll need and where to find jobs.
From food production to vehicle manufacture, senior research engineers in this field develop technology, equipment and industrial processes which keep the global economy moving. Without visionary production engineering and manufacturing experts, the world would grind to a halt.
Production engineering and manufacturing are integral to the pursuit of Net Zero and there is high demand for senior researchers who have the knowledge required to improve sustainability in manufacturing.
Job Descriptions
- Professor of Digital Manufacturing
- Reader in Sustainable Manufacturing and Design
- Senior Lecturer in Operations Management and Manufacturing
Professor of Digital Manufacturing
Digital manufacturing experts apply cutting-edge computer systems to manufacturing services, products, processes and supply chains.
A professor in this area leads digital manufacturing research and innovation and teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Duties:
- Leading research in area of expertise
- Leading major funding bids and dissemination of research outcomes
- Supervising early-career researchers, lecturers and technical staff
- Collaborating with a variety of research groups and global industry partners
- Delivery of cross-disciplinary teaching
- Curriculum design and development
- Undertaking leadership and management roles
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD or equivalent in a relevant area and an internationally leading research profile that fits with the priorities of the department, school or research group would be essential criteria for this role. Experience of working as an engineer or researcher in digital manufacturing industries would be advantageous.
You would also need to demonstrate a track record of generating and successfully delivering externally funded grants and research contracts.
What’s the pay?
Most professor salaries are not disclosed in job ads and are usually negotiated at the appointment stage. However, engineering professor salaries can be in the region of £65,000 plus p.a., and above.
What can it lead to?
Professors are already at the top of the academic career ladder, however, many choose to move into a management role, such as Head of Department or Dean.
Engineering professors also work in advisory/director roles with funding bodies, in industry or as part of international research groups, clusters and foundations.
Where can I find jobs?
As the world looks to digitise manufacturing and supply chain processes, there is greater demand for senior-level specialists in this field.
However, most professorships are offered on a permanent basis and availability of opportunities depends on staffing capacity at this level. Professors are appointed if their research portfolio aligns with the research focus and strategy of the institution.
These are senior roles, so they are advertised for longer, with 85% offered on a permanent basis (almost double the jobs.ac.uk academic average).
Find professor of digital manufacturing jobs here.
Reader in Sustainable Manufacturing and Design
Readers are senior academics with distinguished international reputations in research or scholarship. At some UK HE institutions a Reader can be the same academic status as a senior lecturer or associate professor, at others a Reader is seen as a full professor without a Chair.
Readers in sustainable manufacturing and design lead research into the development of low energy manufacturing/production processes, systems and technologies which have a lesser impact on the environment.
Duties:
- Leading national and international research programmes
- Leading professional and knowledge exchange activities
- Delivery of research-led teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Design and development of teaching programmes
- Collaborating with international research groups and manufacturing industry partners
- Advising on policy and development decisions in sustainable manufacturing
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in sustainable manufacturing or related area and an internationally- recognised research profile would be essential for a Reader position.
You would need to demonstrate a track record of publication of research in leading peer-reviewed journals and the ability to foster collaboration with global partners in both research and industry.
Extensive experience of delivering high-quality teaching, learning, assessment and supervision would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
Reader salaries are often not disclosed in job adverts and are generally agreed on negotiation. However, most Readers in engineering can expect a starting salary of around £60,027 to £69,572 p.a., depending on research experience and success.
What can it lead to?
On completion of around 3-5 years in a Reader role, you would be able to apply for promotion to professor. Promotion would depend on your research success and ability to attract further funding.
Where can I find jobs?
These senior opportunities have the highest permanent percentage out of all of the jobs.ac.uk academic higher education roles (94% compared to 42%). They are also advertised for the longest time. The busiest time for recruitment to Reader roles is March to May.
Find Reader in sustainable manufacturing and design jobs here.
Senior Lecturer in Operations Management and Manufacturing
Operations management focuses on the production and manufacture timeline of a product or service, from initial design stage to finished product.
Senior lecturers in this area teach highly-specialised modules to undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students. They also carry out research in their area of expertise (such as CAD/CAE or manufacturing technology).
Duties:
- Teaching and assessment of specialist modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level
- Carrying out tutorial and laboratory activities
- Curriculum and module design
- Engaging in individual and collaborative research into manufacturing processes
- Applying for further funding and publication of results
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional/industry qualification would be essential criteria for a senior lectureship.
An established research portfolio and knowledge in an area which fits with the focus of the department or school would also be essential. Experience of working in industry as a senior engineer or in management would be an advantage.
Professional membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or similar organisation is highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
A senior lecturer in operations management and manufacturing can expect a starting salary of around £40,000- £49,999, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
On completion of around 3-5 years as a senior lecturer, your next step would be to apply for a professorship. Promotion would depend on the success of your research activities and the quality of your teaching practice.
Where can I find jobs?
Operations management is a niche area, which is embedded in multiple engineering programmes, especially those that focus on manufacturing processes, such as mechanical or aerospace engineering.
Therefore, availability of jobs in this field can be lower. The busiest time for recruitment to senior lecturer jobs is from May to July.
Find lecturer in operations management and manufacturing jobs here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Production Engineering and Manufacturing
- Lecturing jobs in Production Engineering and Manufacturing
- Research jobs in Production Engineering and Manufacturing
Leave a Reply