Assistant Professor in Architecture - Postgraduate Focus (Dubai Campus)

Heriot-Watt University; Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Dubai is looking for an Assistant Professor in Architecture. This role involves leading an innovative postgraduate architectural design studio and contributing to the BA Hons Architecture programme. Applicants should possess a postgraduate degree in Architecture and a PhD, along with proven teaching abilities and knowledge of digital design tools. The position requires a commitment to quality education and student support in an international environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Inclusive working environment

Qualifications

• Must have a postgraduate degree in Architecture.
• PhD or equivalent is essential.
• Experience in teaching and professional practice required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead innovative postgraduate architectural design studio.
• Contribute to curriculum delivery and monitoring.
• Provide academic leadership in design and construction.

Skills

Creative design pedagogy

Critical design approach

Expertise in digital technologies

Ability to teach postgraduate design thesis studio

Good working knowledge of Rhino

Good working knowledge of Revit

Education

Postgraduate degree in Architecture

PhD or equivalent terminal degree

Tools

Rhino

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Assistant Professor – Architecture Postgraduate

Grade: 8

School: School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

FTE and working pattern: 1FTE Full time 35 hrs per week

Location: Dubai Campus

About the School

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society offers multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. In Dubai we teach civil engineering, architectural engineering, architecture, construction management and quantity surveying. Our programmes hold accreditation from professional bodies, ensuring excellent employment prospects.

Architecture Programme

The Architecture programme at Heriot‑Watt University, based in Dubai, provides a UK‑recognised curriculum aligned with RIBA Part 1 criteria. From September 2025 a RIBA Part 2 Master of Architecture will be added. The programme focuses on contextual design and contemporary issues, supported by an international staff network and links to practice.

Position Overview

Heriot‑Watt University seeks an Assistant Professor in Architecture. The role is based in Dubai but engages with a global team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Learning and Teaching

• Develop and lead an innovative postgraduate architectural design studio on the new Master of Architecture programme and contribute to the BA Hons Architecture programme.
• Contribute to design and delivery of curriculum, developing courses appropriate to expertise.
• Work with the Global Head of Discipline to explore new courses and learning methods aligned with RIBA criteria.
• Design, prepare and develop learning materials to meet learning outcomes.
• Undertake scholarly activity related to curriculum delivery and maintain subject expertise.
• Provide effective well‑documented and timely feedback to students.
• Contribute to quality assurance and course monitoring across the programme.
• Provide pastoral support recognising diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Stay abreast of developments in architecture education and reflect in teaching methods.
• Develop further opportunities for student placements, internships and mentoring.
• Conduct assessment and moderation across the discipline area.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

• Carry out self‑managed scholarly activity and contribute professionally.
• Continue professional development through CPD and membership of RIBA/ARB or international professional bodies.
• Exhibit design work, publish student outputs and enter work for awards.
• Contribute technical and research expertise to live and research projects.

Academic Management and Administration

• Undertake administrative tasks for programme planning, examinations, boards, and course development.
• Provide academic leadership in core areas of design, construction, technology, history and theory.
• Participate fully in admissions and selection processes.
• Promote and market programmes to achieve recruitment targets.
• Participate in relevant committees.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Postgraduate degree in Architecture (RIBA, ARB, NAAB or other recognised accreditation).
• PhD or equivalent terminal degree.
• In‑depth knowledge of the profession and discipline, including academic and professional experience.
• Evidence of creative design pedagogy and critical design approach demonstrated in student outputs.
• Evidence of ability to teach postgraduate design thesis studio and related courses.
• Evidence of delivering innovation through teaching or professional practice.
• Expertise in delivering courses in an additional area: Architectural Representation, History and Theory, Professional Practice, Construction and Technology, Research Methods, Sustainability in Design.
• Good working knowledge of digital technologies such as Rhino, Revit, BIM, AutoCAD, Grasshopper.
• Understanding of the RIBA educational framework and experience teaching or learning on a RIBA‑validated course or international equivalent.
• Ability to lead a small team across disciplines and work independently or as part of a team.
• Clear research interest aligned with the programme and research institutes.
• Demonstrable oral, drawn representation and written communication skills.

Desirable

• RIBA Part 3 qualification.
• Fellow or Senior Fellow of the 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.
• Enthusiasm for novel pedagogical approaches.
• Understanding and experience of the RIBA Educational framework.

Additional Information

Our courses run during the day, evenings and Saturdays. Applications will be assessed on essential criteria; job description is not exhaustive.

Applicants must submit: a cover letter, a CV, and a portfolio evidencing design studio teaching, via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system.

Note: The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of Labour and Immigration formalities, degree attestation and equivalency.