Professor of Computer Engineering in London

We are a vibrant, diverse Department that looks to lead innovation in education and research at one of the world’s leading universities. To support our ambition, King’s has invested in new multi-million-pound teaching and research laboratories of more than 3000 sqm for the Department at the heart of its Strand campus, which opened in August 2022. We celebrate diversity and actively promote an inclusive environment and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups.

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate education, with a distinctive approach, combining traditional teaching methods with modern, project-based learning, catering for the needs of our students and the industries in which they will work. It is essential that applicants have the enthusiasm and commitment needed to lead world-leading computer engineering research programmes, while also ensuring the success of these educational programmes.

We are seeking an outstanding academic to join us as Professor of Computer Engineering, providing leadership in forward-looking research and education at one of the UK’s leading engineering departments. We encourage applications from candidates with an international research profile in one or more of the following areas: (i) future computing paradigms (e.g. neuromorphic, quantum, or unconventional computing); (ii) sustainable and energy-efficient computing; and (iii) secure and trustworthy hardware–software platforms for AI. These themes complement our existing departmental strengths in ultra-low-power CMOS integrated circuits and systems, in-memory computation, signal processing, telecommunications, and semiconductor materials. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from historically excluded groups.

Our Department of Engineering has a vibrant and growing computer engineering research portfolio. The Professor of Computer Engineering will join a collegiate group of academics with expertise spanning ultra-low-power CMOS integrated circuits, in-memory computation, signal processing, telecommunications, and semiconductor materials. The department is located at the heart of the Strand Campus in central London, with state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities including a MakerSpace, and benefits from close ties with industry, government and international partners — including major players in the semiconductor, computing and AI sectors.

This position represents an exciting opportunity to shape the future of computer engineering at one of the UK’s leading engineering departments. The successful candidate will secure external research funding, build productive academic and industrial collaborations, and nurture the next generation of computer engineers through PhD and postdoctoral supervision.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establishing and leading an internationally recognised research programme in computer engineering in one or more of: (i) future computing paradigms (e.g. neuromorphic, quantum, or unconventional); (ii) sustainable and energy-efficient computing; or (iii) secure and trustworthy hardware–software platforms for AI.
• Developing and delivering high-calibre modules in computer engineering for undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing to curriculum development.
• Actively pursuing external research funding from governmental funding bodies and industrial partners, building strong industry partnerships and collaborative projects.
• Leading undergraduate and postgraduate student projects within the Department of Engineering.
• Supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, mentoring their development and supporting timely thesis completion.
• Contributing to the administrative duties within the department and/or faculty.
• Contributing in a positive manner to the culture within the Department of Engineering.
• Demonstrating a proven commitment to equality and diversity.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in relevant field of Engineering or related discipline.
• Internationally recognised leader in computer engineering research with a proven track record of excellence in the development of new knowledge and innovation in one or more of the areas of future computing paradigms, sustainable and energy-efficient computing, or secure and trustworthy hardware–software platforms for AI; evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, invited reviews in leading journals, and membership of funding body panels.
• Strong track record of securing research funding and leading a research group to consistently deliver innovative research, including through industry partnerships.
• Ability to develop and teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in computer engineering and related disciplines, and to supervise research students with timely completion of their theses.
• Ability to provide collaborative and team-oriented academic leadership, with a track record of mentoring and supporting the career development of colleagues and junior researchers, and willingness to contribute strategically across the department.
• Effective communication skills to engage audiences, convey complex ideas, and articulate a research vision; strong track record in presenting at international conferences and publishing in leading scientific journals.
• Ability to build inclusive research environments, lead others across discipline boundaries, and work effectively on multi-PI grants and research projects.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with securing or running a doctoral training centre or equivalent.
• Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team to develop a modern engineering curriculum and teach at all levels with an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Established industry partnerships in semiconductor, computing, or AI sectors, with a demonstrable track record of translating research into real-world impact through commercially funded projects or knowledge exchange activities.
• Contribute positively to the culture within the department and demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity.

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description.

If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Interviews are due to be held in early to mid-November.

Grade and Salary: £83,414 - £103,261 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.