Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

About the role

This is an exciting time in Computing and Mathematics at the University of Derby.  Building on recent REF success, we are investing in, and growing a number of key areas.  This includes opening the £13m Institute of Technology in 2023, expanding our Data Sciences Research Centre, and further growing our areas of expertise in Data Sciences, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Computer Games & Immersive Technologies, and Software Engineering.

To support this expansion we are investing in a number of appointments at Lecturer and Senior Lecturer level.  As a Lecturer, you will have an ambitious plan to establish yourself as a researcher and academic with international reputation. You will demonstrate outstanding potential in research and teaching skills that will contribute to raising the international profile of our School and University.  You will be active in supporting the ongoing development and delivery of our undergraduate programmes, and our talented student community.  You will establish yourself as a key member of our team, engaging with a variety of responsibilities including research, education, and administrative duties in alignment with the School strategy and goals.   

As a Senior Lecturer, you will be able to demonstrate a successful and sustained track record and trajectory establishing yourself as a researcher and academic with international reputation.  You will have an established track record in research and teaching skills that offer a clear contribution to raising the international profile of our School and University. You will be active in supporting the ongoing development and delivery of our undergraduate programmes, and our talented student community.   You will establish yourself as a key member of our team, engaging with a variety of responsibilities including research, education, and administrative duties in alignment with the School strategy and goals.  

We welcome applications appropriate for appointment at either Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level.

About the School of Computing and Engineering

The Discipline of Computing and Mathematics sits in the School of Computing and Engineering, and   at the leading edge of research and innovation, with a strong academic reputation in research, knowledge transfer, and undergraduate and postgraduate education.  The School delivers a range of programmes including undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Games, Information Technology, Data Sciences and Mathematics.  Postgraduate degrees include Data Sciences, Cyber Security, and Information Technology.  We offer traditional campus based programmes at our modern campus in the heart of Derby---one of the historic industrial heartlands in the Midlands.  In addition to this we also offer on-line programmes. Many of our colleagues are active in research and have international profiles, maintaining close links with industry regionally, national, and internationally.

For informal discussions about these positions, please contact Professor Alistair McEwan (a.mcewan@derby.ac.uk), Head of Computing and Mathematics.

Principal accountabilities

Learning / Teaching

• Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
• Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
• Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
• Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
• Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the ‘Derby Graduate’.
• Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Research / Scholarship

• Engage in individual research and collaborate both internally and externally on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.
• Sustain and enhance the reputation of the University by publishing in appropriate quality journals and presenting at scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences and other similar events.
• Develop and maintain contacts and relationship with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.
• Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.

Other

• Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate.
• Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
• Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.
• Develop external links in order, for example, to support student recruitment, secure student placements, facilitate outreach work, generate income or build relationships for future activities.
• Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.
• Contribute to effective cross College / University working.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

For the principal accountabilities of the Senior Lecturer role, please download the Job Description at the bottom of this page. 

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Good Honours Degree in relevant subject discipline or equivalent
• Fellowship of the Advanced HE (HEA) or willingness to work towards (within 24 months)
• PhD (or submitted and awaiting examination) or equivalence accepted in a relevant subject area, for example by publication or through appropriate professional achievement or willingness to work towards within an agreed timeframe
• Subject specific qualifications / knowledge

Experience

Learning / Teaching

• Experience or knowledge of quality assurance and validation of HE modules / programmes
• Experience or knowledge of higher education and ability to use a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students

Research / Scholarship

• Significant experience of own discipline to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field
• Experience of research / enterprise activity
• Evidence of active publishing in high quality journals or other outputs in research or practice that will contribute to the REF or other areas identified in the College / University Research Strategy

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• An appropriate level of digital capability and aptitude with practical experience of applications which aid student learning
• Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups
• Proficient in using IT to support own work and for application to technology-enhanced learning / teaching and research activities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including networking and relationship building skills, both across the University and externally
• Able to demonstrate both independent self-management and team working
• Able to work with competing priorities and to tight deadlines
• Demonstrates competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
• Demonstrates professionalism in learning / teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE
• A sound understanding of the current higher education environment and its implications for the student learning experience
• A sound understanding of the employability agenda and its relevance to learners and the curriculum
• A sound understanding of internationalisation and its relevance for learners and the curriculum
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Innovative and creative
• Committed to continual enhancement and a high quality student experience
• Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality

Business requirements

• Able to take a flexible approach to work
• Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for research or teaching
• Some evening and occasional weekend teaching
• Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.
• A commitment to own professional development

For the personal specification of the Senior Lecturer role, please download the Job Description at the bottom of this page. 

As well as competitive pay scales, we offer generous holiday entitlement. We also offer opportunities for further salary progression based on performance, and the opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme.

Find out more about pay and benefits

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.