At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in AI and software engineering while teaching at university level.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a top 100 global university with a vibrant academic community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values unique contributions and fosters belonging.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology by integrating AI into software engineering education.
- Qualifications: PhD in computer science or related field, with a strong research background.
The predicted salary is between 49798 - 59390 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering within the School of Computer Science. This full-time role focuses on the AI × Software Engineering & Testing (ASET) research group, emphasising automated software testing, SE4AI, and AI4SE. The position requires conducting high-impact research at the intersection of AI and software engineering while delivering research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a strategic focus on incorporating generative AI into the curriculum.
Essential criteria include a PhD in computer science or a related field, a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and research income, and the ability to design innovative teaching programmes. The salary ranges from £49,798 to £59,390, with potential progression. The university offers extensive benefits, including generous annual leave, pension schemes, and support for professional development through Academic Career Pathways.
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. 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.
- 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.
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate projects to a high standard.
- Carry out significant School, Faculty, and/or University administrative and leadership roles.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. | 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. | 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. | 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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering in Sheffield employer: Opportunita
Opportunita is an attractive employer due to its commitment to research excellence and professional development. Faculty members benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities to engage with industry partners, enhancing their academic careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering in Sheffield
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Opportunita or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Opportunita.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Opportunita.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Opportunita that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Opportunita.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Opportunita and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opportunita
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Opportunita uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
