University of Aberdeen 
Aberdeen, United Kingdom Offer Summary
The University of Aberdeen seeks a Professor and Vice Dean to lead the Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Joint Educational Institute. This continuing role involves managing existing staff and collaborating with South China Normal University to expand teaching and research in computing sciences, AI, robotics, and data science. The position requires significant international collaboration, including a minimum of four months annually in China. Candidates must demonstrate effective management skills, experience in transnational education, and expertise across computing, data science, robotics, planetary sciences, or physics. The salary ranges from £70,878 to £79,752 per annum, depending on qualifications. The Vice Dean appointment is initially for three years with extension opportunities. Applications close on November 13, 2026, requiring a CV and cover letter outlining interest and alignment with the person specification.
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Project Description
The Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, South China Normal University is a successful Joint Educational Institute (the ‘JI’) between the University of Aberdeen and South China Normal University (SCNU) based in Foshan, China. The JI currently hosts three undergraduate programs focused on computing sciences with around 1200 students; it employs 25 academic staff based in Aberdeen as flying faculty. In 2026 the JI has expanded to incorporate a PhD program, and in 2027 will expand further to include three new postgraduate master’s programs, spanning AI, robotics and data science/physics. We have also established two joint research laboratories with SCNU within the JI, one in Robotics and one in Optical Physics.
Job Description
As part of the expansion, we will be growing staffing to support the new teaching areas. We are looking to appoint an experienced academic at the level of Professor to lead the JI in Aberdeen. They will manage the existing staff, work with our SCNU colleagues to further the teaching and research goals of the JI and support this key partnership for the University.
Our current programme offering is:
• BSc Computing Science
• BSc Artificial Intelligence
• BSc Business Management and Information Systems
• PhD in Computing Science (and aligned areas)
Our expanded offering will include:
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Artificial Intelligence for Robotics and Telecommunications
The role will be a teaching and research-focused position with an expectation of a significant time spent each year in China, typically four months as a minimum. We are seeking an experienced academic leader with effective management skills, experience with transnational education and the ability to successfully collaborate across international borders. This post is offered as a continuing position within the JI as a Professorship. The Vice Dean role will be for three years in the first instance with the opportunity for extension.
The successful candidate will hold a teaching and research position, and it is important that they can teach courses within the JI. We are, however, open to candidates with research backgrounds that extend across our research strengths in Computing, Data Science, Robotics, Planetary Sciences and Physics
For the role of Professor, salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 9 salary band of £70,878 – £79,752 per annum, with placement according to qualifications and experience.
Informal enquiries should be made to Professor David McGloin, Head of School of Natural and Computing Sciences: david.mcgloin@abdn.ac.uk
Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (e-mail: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.
To apply online for this position visit Jobs
Job Reference Number: NCS264A
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 13th November 2026
Please include with your application: a CV; a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification, including information on your research and teaching interests.
The School of Natural and Computing Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.
Please Note
If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.
