Associate Professorship of Engineering Biology (Control Engineering)

The Department of Engineering Science intends to appoint an Associate Professor of Engineering Biology (Control Engineering) from 5th April 2027 or sooner if possible. The successful candidate will work at the Department of Engineering Science (Central Oxford, OX1 3PJ) and will be offered a Non‑Tutorial Fellowship at Kellogg College under arrangements described in the Job Description. The combined salary will be on a scale currently from £58,265 p.a. to £77,645 per annum plus additional benefits. The appointment will be initially for five years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, the post‑holder will be eligible for reappointment to the retiring age.

This appointment will strengthen the Department’s research in Engineering Biology and its intersection with Control Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. The successful candidate will join the Control Group, whose current expertise in this area combines theory (mathematical modelling, optimal and stochastic control), Machine Learning/AI algorithms, software development, hardware (bioreactors, microfluidics and bespoke microscopy) and applies this toolset to a range of applications such as agriculture, biosensing and biomedicine. Candidates with research interests that align with or fall outside of the above areas are also welcome.

The successful candidate will engage in advanced study and academic research, lecture and teach undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to the academic administration of the Department of Engineering Science. On research, they will lead an independent research group within the broad scope of Engineering Biology and Control Engineering or AI. They will contribute to the long‑term vision for Engineering Biology in Oxford, through discussions and collaborations with academics, industry partners, sector professionals and sponsors, by developing links within the Department of Engineering Science, with other departments across the University, and elsewhere as appropriate.

The department hosts the Engineering Biology Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and is developing a new MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Biology. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to current and emerging areas of knowledge that are relevant and important to the Modelling, Methods and Instrumentation aspects of this MSc, group projects on the CDT and the MSc, as well as to the MSc's operation. Graduate teaching will also involve supervision of Masters and Doctoral students.

Candidates should hold a doctorate (or be close to completion) in Engineering Biology with Control Engineering or AI. By “close to completion” we mean that the thesis will have been submitted for examination at the time the application is made. Candidates will have a proven research track record, evidenced by peer reviewed publications and collaborations, and relevant teaching experience. They will have the ability to teach effectively, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, and have excellent interpersonal skills for undertaking small group teaching.

The successful candidate will act as a College Advisor to students in Kellogg College, where they will play a role in the academic and cultural life of the college.

A doctorate (or close to completion) in Engineering Biology with Control Engineering or AI. By “close to completion” we mean that the thesis will have been submitted for examination at the time the application is made. An internationally recognised academic and research record within the field of Engineering Biology with Control Engineering or AI, or on a trajectory to achieve this. A publication record that demonstrates impact within the field appropriate to your career stage, and accounting for career breaks or personal circumstances. The ability to develop and lead an independent programme of research, promote ethical and safe research practice, and attract and manage research funding. Significant research potential in Engineering Biology with Control Engineering or AI, evidenced by a written coherent research plan of high standard and appropriate to the Department’s research standing. An excellent track record of obtaining research grants (desirable). Experience of research collaborations at national and international level (desirable).

A commitment to teaching and an ability to support undergraduate and graduate students with varied learning needs to achieve their full academic potential. Experience of and ability to teach effectively, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, a wide range of topics within the fields of Engineering Biology. This will include the ability to teach synthetic and engineering biology fundamentals (how engineering principles can be applied to the biology and chemistry of cells and systems to provide new products), biosystem engineering and the application of machine learning, control engineering and/or AI to Engineering Biology. The ability to supervise postgraduate taught and research students. A creative approach to teaching (desirable). Evidence of excellence in teaching (desirable).

The ability to support and guide a research group of post‑doctoral staff and research students and help them to develop into successful independent researchers, and the commitment to provide pastoral and academic support for students and researchers at all stages in their University career. Communication and interpersonal skills that enable good working relationships with colleagues, students and collaborators with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for people from different backgrounds and a commitment to demonstrating respect, courtesy and consideration in interactions with members of the University community. Good citizenship and a willingness to undertake administrative duties (within reason) to support the smooth running of the Department and the College. Achievement of impact of research beyond academia and a readiness to communicate to a wider public the central interest and importance of the field (desirable). Experience of or an interest in developing links with industry and/or other non‑academic partners (desirable). Understanding of the University’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty (desirable). Experience of creating and promoting collaborative and inclusive environments for people from different backgrounds (desirable).