Professor in Systems Engineering

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Leicester invites applications for a Professor in Systems Engineering to lead a distinctive programme of world-leading research, strengthening its position in space, energy, and digital/net zero engineering.

The role focuses on advancing AI-driven Net Zero Engineering, supervising postgraduate researchers, and shaping teaching across engineering programmes while building international research networks and attracting funding.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industrial research background.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic research leadership in Systems Engineering.
• Establish and lead world-leading research in Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering.
• Contribute to research-informed teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, supervise postgraduate researchers.
• Help develop innovative new programmes and collaborative initiatives and attract major research funding.

Job description

About the role

The University of Leicester is seeking to appoint a Professor in Systems Engineering to provide strategic research leadership in an area of growing national and international importance. This role represents a key investment in research excellence that will strengthen Leicester’s position as a national leader in space, energy, and digital/net zero engineering.

The successful candidate will establish and lead a distinctive programme of world-leading research in Systems Engineering, contributing particularly to the School of Engineering’s research groups in Digital Manufacturing and Management and Aerospace and build strong links with our Space Park Leister. Working within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, the Professor will help shape the strategic direction of systems integration research across the School and College, building strong links with industry, government and international partners. You will be joining a welcoming community of colleagues best expressed in our mission statement “Together building an inclusive and inspiring teaching and research community, to create the school of choice for world leading engineers and future innovators.”

A major focus of the role will be advancing research in AI-driven Net Zero Engineering and Manufacturing, including areas such as digital twins, artificial intelligence for manufacturing systems, and sustainable production. This research aligns strongly with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and with the Midlands’ globally significant manufacturing base, creating opportunities for impactful collaborations with regional and national industry partners.

Beyond research leadership, the post holder will contribute to research-inspired teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programmes, supervise postgraduate researchers, and help develop innovative new programmes and collaborative initiatives. The role will play an important part in attracting major research funding, building international research networks, and enhancing the global reputation of Leicester’s engineering research.

Through this strategic appointment, the University is signalling a clear commitment to investing in research leadership and impact—positioning Leicester at the forefront of advanced manufacturing innovation and space systems design that supports the transition to a sustainable, digitally enabled and high-value engineering future.

About you

You will be an inspiring academic with an outstanding track record in systems engineering. You should hold a PhD or equivalent industrial research background and demonstrate recognised excellence within your discipline. You will have a sustained record of world‑leading publications, strong success in attracting external research income, and clear evidence of contributing research that makes a positive impact on society, policy, industry or practice. You will bring extensive experience of supervising postgraduate researchers and supporting colleagues at all stages of their careers, together with a commitment to developing innovative, research‑informed teaching that enhances curriculum design and student outcomes.

You will be an effective leader and collaborator, able to motivate teams, contribute to long‑term strategic planning, and represent the University in external roles. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to work across disciplines are essential.

Competitive