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Closing Date: 17 November 2025
This is an exciting opportunity to join Newcastle University at a key moment for bioengineering. The School of Engineering is expanding its research and teaching activity in this area, supported by major capital investment in the new. This includes purpose-designed laboratories for biomaterials, tissue engineering, neuroprosthetics, biorobotics, and biotribology, as well as specialist equipment for biofabrication, microfabrication, and device development.
We are a world class research-intensive university, delivering teaching and learning of the highest quality and playing a major role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Our researchers collaborate across disciplines to address global challenges in health, ageing, data, energy, and sustainability.
We are seeking to appoint a Professor or Reader in Bioengineering to lead and develop research and teaching in this area. Applicants should have a strong academic profile in a relevant field of bioengineering, with a proven track record of high-quality research outputs, success in securing external funding, and academic leadership. Candidates will be considered for appointment at Reader or Professor level, depending on their experience and achievements.
We particularly welcome applicants whose research aligns with one or more of the following focus areas:
1. Medical Robotics and Human–Machine Interaction, including robotic systems for rehabilitation, assistance, or surgery, and technologies for interfacing with the human body.
2. Rehabilitation Engineering and Biomechanics,covering the design, mechanical evaluation, and clinical translation of assistive technologies such as prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility aids.
3. Biomaterials, Biofabrication and Regenerative Engineering, including the development and application of functional biomaterials, scaffold systems, bioprinting technologies and surface-modified devices for medical devices and tissue engineering, complementing and enhancing our existing strengths in this area.
4. Smart Biomedical Systems and Device Integration,involving the development of integrated biomedical devices combining sensors, embedded systems, and real-time control or feedback.
We also encourage applications from candidates in other areas of bioengineering who can demonstrate research excellence and a clear contribution to the strategic development of the School and wider University.
The successful candidate will contribute to research leadership, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary collaboration—particularly with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the University Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering. They will also be expected to build partnerships with industry, charities, and other stakeholders to support impactful research.
They will also be expected to develop and maintain strong partnerships with external organisations, including charities, industry, and other stakeholders who provide financial, logistical, or in-kind support for research activities. A commitment to excellent and inclusive teaching is essential, along with a proven track record in effective teaching delivery and curriculum development.
As a senior academic within the School, the post holder will be expected to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, contributing to leadership and mentoring across a multidisciplinary community of researchers and educators.
Key Accountabilities
5. Shape and lead high-quality research activity in bioengineering, aligned with the strategic vision of the School and Faculty.
6. Secure significant external research funding from national and international bodies, industry, and charitable organisations.
7. Initiate and lead interdisciplinary research collaborations across the University, including with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and other external partners.
8. Build and maintain strong links with industry, healthcare, government, and other external stakeholders to support research and impact.
9. Contribute to the design and delivery of research-led teaching in bioengineering, including the development of new modules, laboratories, and student projects.
10. Deliver high-quality teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
11. Supervise and support doctoral researchers (PhD/MPhil), postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics, fostering a vibrant and inclusive research culture.
12. Play an active role in programme development, academic governance, and leadership activities across the School and Faculty.
13. Promote a positive academic culture that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
All levels
14. An excellent research profile in bioengineering or a related field, demonstrated by a strong record of high-quality publications and external research funding.
15. Recognition for research excellence and academic standing, with an emerging or established international reputation, appropriate to career stage.
16. A clear understanding of the research, innovation, and policy landscape relevant to bioengineering and healthcare technologies.
17. Experience in the design and delivery of high-quality and inclusive teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
18. Evidence of academic leadership, such as leading research teams, mentoring, curriculum development, or contributing to academic governance.
19. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, students, and external partners.
20. Experience of contributing to the strategic development of academic programmes, research groups, or broader organisational initiatives.
21. A track record of collaborative working across disciplines, institutions, or sectors (e.g. healthcare, industry, government).
Applicants for appointment at Professor level should also demonstrate:
22. A sustained record of international research leadership, including high-impact publications, significant research income, and evidence of wider research impact.
23. Experience of leading major collaborative research programmes, interdisciplinary initiatives, or institutional strategic projects.
24. A significant and sustained contribution to academic leadership at School, Faculty, or national level, including shaping strategy, mentoring colleagues, and influencing the direction of research or education.
Attributes and Behaviour
25. Demonstrates collegiality and leadership, supporting an inclusive and respectful academic culture.
26. Shows self-awareness and emotional intelligence, showing empathy and cultural sensitivity
27. Demonstrating resilience during periods of adversity and significant change
28. Performance and results orientated, focussing on goals and promoting a learning culture by motivating others to achieve shared objectives and ensuring a commitment to continuous improvement.
29. Demonstrates professional Integrity and accountability by taking responsibility and championing the Universities values.
30. Evidence of influential and collaborative leadership through effective communication, fostering strong relationships and establishing strategic direction.
Qualifications
31. A PhD in bioengineering or a closely related field.
32. A recognised teaching qualification in Higher Education or equivalent experience (Desirable)
33. Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution (Desirable)
How to Apply
For a confidential conversation please contact Professor Brian Shaw, k
Applications should consist of a cover letter, no more than 2 A4 sides, outlining your contribution to the role and evidence of how you meet the essential criteria along with your CV
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28521