Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

About the role

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

To support this expansion we are investing in an appointment at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level in Computer Science. The successful candidate will have interests in areas such as Software Architectures, Operating Systems, Parallel and Distributed Systems, Databases, or Programming Languages.

As a Lecturer, you will have potential to deliver a high quality student focussed student experience, a growing reputation and record of excellence which demonstrates an emerging contribution to the furtherance of knowledge in your discipline, potential to grow this reputation with the production of high quality publications, and potential to attract external research funding. As a Senior Lecturer, you will be able to evidence the progression, development, and impact of this contribution both in teaching, and in research.

With your teaching, research, and emerging leadership skills you will contribute to raising the national and international profile of our School and University. You will support the ongoing development and delivery of our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, mentor students and colleagues, and become a key member of our team. You will engage with a variety of responsibilities including teaching, education, research, and administrative duties in alignment with the School strategy and goals.

About the Discipline of Computing and Mathematics

The Discipline of Computing and Mathematics sits at the leading edge of research and innovation, with a strong academic reputation in undergraduate and postgraduate education, research, and knowledge transfer. The Discipline delivers a range of programmes including undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Games, Information Technology, and Data Science. Postgraduate degrees include Data Science, 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 further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Alistair McEwan, Head of Discipline - Computing and Mathematics via a.mcewan@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk 

Principal accountabilities

Learning / Teaching

1. Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
2. 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.
3. Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
4. 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.
5. 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’.
6. Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Research / Scholarship

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Develop and maintain contacts and relationship with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.
4. Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.

Other

1. Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate.
2. Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
3. Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.
4. 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.
5. Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.
6. Contribute to effective cross College / University working.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

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 Higher Education (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

• Demonstrable 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

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 rewards

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