Job Description

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor (Grade 8) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering to support the delivery and development of the MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme with experience of teaching and research in electrical engineering discipline. A successful candidate is expected to have a broad knowledge of a range of topics within the sphere of their chosen discipline, and an interest in research activities.  The candidate will also be expected to develop strong links to colleagues at the other campuses to deliver high quality learning and teaching, to contribute to the continued development of the programmes offered to students, and to develop research in association with the Academic Schools in the UK. The role will be based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.  Programmes will be delivered in English and so fluency in English is essential.

The post holder will be expected to contribute to teaching, curriculum development, student projects, accreditation activities, and develop an emerging research profile aligned with School priorities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Learning & Teaching

2. Curriculum Development & Programme Support

• Contribute to the content, design and delivery of the curriculum, and the quality of teaching and learning, in consultation with colleagues and within the international structures and mechanisms established by the University.

• Review teaching design and delivery by obtaining and analysing feedback from students and peers.

• Support the accreditation processes of the MQA and other professional bodies.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues from Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering to ensure coherence across shared courses while strengthening discipline ownership within Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

3. Research & Scholarly Activity

• Develop the level of subject expertise in line with latest development in research, and ensure these developments are reflected in teaching materials and methods.

• Publish research outputs in peer-reviewed journals and/or conferences**.**

• Contribute to research proposals, funding applications, or collaborative research projects.

• Translate advances in research and professional practice into teaching and student projects.

• Engage with research themes across HWUM and the UK campuses where appropriate.

4. Student Support & Engagement

• Act as a personal tutor, providing academic guidance and pastoral support.

• Supervise undergraduate project and design teams.

• Provide timely, constructive feedback on assessments.

• Support student employability through industry-relevant projects and skills development.

5. Enterprise, Industry & External Engagement

• Contribute to industry engagement activities**,** including:

• Industry-linked projects

• Guest lectures and applied projects

• Support for internships and placements

• Develop and maintain strong links with business and industry, external organisations and the education sector.

• Undertake a proactive role in promoting and marketing the University, ensuring the effective recruitment of students and the achievement of recruitment targets. Play a full role in Open Days and other student recruitment events.

6. Administration, Leadership & Citizenship

• Contribute to programme administration, examination boards, and quality processes.

• Participate in School and programme committees.

• Demonstrate Grade 8 academic citizenship, including collaboration across disciplines and campuses.

• Undertake at least 40 hours of CPD annually**,** including teaching, research, and professional development.

All activities should reflect HWU’s values of Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate*.***

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.  

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role. 

Education & Qualifications

Essential: 

• PhD (or near completion) in Electrical Engineering.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (4- year programme).

• Member of an appropriate professional body.

Desirable: 

• Professional Engineer (CEng/PEng).

• Member of a professional body such as IET and IEM.

• Registered with BEM.

• Formal training or certification in higher education teaching (e.g. HEA Fellowship or working towards).

Experience

Essential:

• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in Electrical  Engineering, and able to work within established teaching and research programmes.

• Capable in teaching at least 4 discipline-specific courses within the MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme.

• Clear communicator with good presentation skills, explaining concepts well.

Desirable: 

• Excellent past teaching evaluations

• Reviewing and updating teaching materials

• Design/Research Project supervision

• Teaching at postgraduate level

• Research supervision experience

• Proven track record of research publication

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge

Essential:

• Fluent (verbal and written) in English

• An ability to apply knowledge acquired from research into teaching materials and methods

• Willingness and potential to identify and develop independent / collaborative portfolio of research

Desirable:

• Experienced with engineering accreditation documentation and exercise

• Competent in implementing the Outcome-based Education framework

• Capable in contributing to the management, development and enhancement of all learning and teaching activities in Malaysia

• Capable in helping to establish a research presence and portfolio in Malaysia

• Capable in developing Design/Research Project titles that support local industries.

Special Factors (if applicable)

Essential:

• Eligibility to be recognised as a Graduate Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

Desirable:

• Has been in a start-up campus or department and helped to establish it

• Capable in supporting marketing activities such as education fair, open days and conducting workshops

• Able to supervise groups of students participating at national / international competitions

Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role.  Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the shortlisting stage.

Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold.  When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.

Other Relevant Information

We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 13 July 2026**.**

For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my.

For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm

Application Process

Applications should be submitted to Careers system.

Applications must be submitted by 9 July 2026.   If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 17 July 2026then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.