Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering

Overview

The School of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield invites applications for the position of Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. Ranked as a top 100 university in the QS World University Rankings and a member of the Russell Group, Sheffield provides a world-class environment for research-led education and innovation.

You will join the AI × Software Engineering & Testing (ASET) research group (sheffield.ac.uk/cs/research/groups/aset). The group has long been one of the UK’s largest clusters focused on automated software testing, with a specific interest in Software Engineering for AI (SE4AI) and AI for Software Engineering (AI4SE). This lectureship is fundamental to our strategic growth, providing essential delivery on AI-focused and/or software engineering modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. You will be expected to conduct high-impact research at the intersection of AI and software engineering, specifically addressing challenges that arise in the development and testing of robust, trustworthy software systems. You will play a vital role in delivering our core curriculum, including a variety of AI- and SE-related modules. This appointment offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of software engineering through the lens of artificial intelligence.

The University's well-structured Academic Career Pathways (ACP), along with grant mentoring and other school support, will also support your professional growth.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research and scholarship that is recognised nationally/internationally in terms of its originality, significance and rigour.
• Develop funding strategies, pursue income generation and manage a portfolio of external research grants.
• Disseminate research findings through conference presentations and publications in recognised high-quality journals.
• Ensure research impact through activities that demonstrate an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life beyond academia. Activities that support this include, but are not limited to, meaningful public engagement, patent applications, consultancy contracts for institutional benefit and two-way engagement with policymakers in their own research area.
• Lead, manage, supervise and develop a team of research staff and research students within a supportive culture.
• Develop and deliver high-quality, research-led teaching as required.
• Contribute to the development of teaching policy and strategy, as well as contribute to curriculum development. This would have a particular focus on developing a strategy to adapt to and incorporate the use of generative AI.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate projects to a high standard.
• Carry out significant School, Faculty, and/or University administrative and leadership roles, showing evidence of creativity and innovation to meet institutional objectives.
• Participate in and develop strategic links with external contacts in academia, professions, or industry to foster complex collaborations.
• Maintain substantial international recognition through an extensive range of professional activities, such as reviewing papers, editing journals, reviewing research grants, external examining, organising conferences, committee membership and involvement with professional bodies.
• Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at

Hold a PhD in computer science or a relevant subject area. | Essential | Application

A track record of undertaking a programme of high-quality research in artificial intelligence and software engineering, with a clear vision for future research direction. This should be evidenced by internationally excellent research outputs including peer-reviewed publications and research income. | Essential | Application/ presentation/ interview

Ability to design and deliver high-quality, research-led teaching programmes, with a particular focus on incorporating generative AI into the curriculum. | Essential | Application/ presentation/ interview

Evidence of research impact through activities that demonstrate an effect beyond academia, for example, via public engagement activities, patent applications, consultancy etc. | Desirable | Application/ presentation/ interview

Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with a high degree of personal effectiveness. | Essential | Application/interview

Ability to foster effective relationships both within and outside the University (eg with industry partners). | Essential | Application/ presentation/ interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to explain complex ideas to a variety of audiences. | Essential | Application/ presentation

Further Information

Grade | Grade 8

Salary | £49,798 to £59,390, with potential to progress to £66,819 through sustained exceptional contribution.

Work arrangement | Full-time, working at least 60% on-site

Line manager | Academic Line Manager

Direct reports | None

Right to work in the UK | If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website | sheffield.ac.uk/cs

For informal inquiries about this job contact Dr Neil Walkinshaw, head of the AI × Software Engineering & Testing research group, at N.Walkinshaw@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the first stage of the selection process will take place on Tuesday 5th January. This will consist of a presentation of your research interests and a mini-lecture, informal discussions with key members of staff, and a tour of the Diamond building. Although in-person attendance is preferred, remote presentations can be considered. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to this stage in the week commencing 30th November.

The second stage of the selection process will be a formal interview on Monday 18th January. The invited candidates will be notified soon after their presentation.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact COM-Recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave, including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata), with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies:
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• access to menopause support in the workplace
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.