Lecturer in Computer Science Education (AEP)

Job id: 085965. Salary: £51,974 - £61,021 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 07 March 2024. Closing date: 04 April 2024.

Business unit: Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sci. Department: Informatics.

Contact details:Professor Luc Moreau. [email protected]

Location: Strand Campus. Category: Academic & Teaching.

The Department of Informatics is looking to recruit a Lecturer in Computer Science Education (Academic Education Pathway).

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to grow our department and realise our vision of a diverse, inclusive and innovative department of Informatics at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. We seek applicants who will support us in our ambitions for inclusivity and diversity.

As we continue to grow and strengthen our department, we are seeking to appoint a lecturer in Computer Science Education on the Academic Education Pathway (AEP), starting in Spring 2024 or shortly thereafter. The Academic Education Pathway offers a framework for recognition, reward, and advancement opportunities for exceptional educators at King’s. The academic profile of AEP staff is distinct from that of Education & Research (E&R) staff. AEP academics are appointed on the evidence of their track record as outstanding teachers, and their potential for and/or experience of high-quality scholarship and contribution to educational innovation and leadership. The AEP framework, which consists of 4 levels: lecturer, senior lecturer, reader and professor, enables ambitious individuals to progress to professorial level, similarly to staff on E&R pathway.

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate education (in both computer science and artificial intelligence), 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 ensure the success of these programmes.

The successful applicant for this post will be primarily focused on teaching in core areas of computer science, with a focus on enhancing educational quality and innovation. They will be assigned to teach on our undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, and they will supervise undergraduate and postgraduate projects on these programmes. Core computer science includes subjects such as programming, algorithms, databases, and software engineering.

In-line with the Faculty Education Innovation Framework, the successful applicant will identify and lead initiatives, carrying out and evaluating activity to strengthen teaching on existing programmes and new strategically relevant developments. The Departmental and Faculty Education Networks will provide a focal point for this activity, alongside our existing cross-cutting hubs in other discipline areas.

Applicants must have a PhD in computer science or a related field. The successful applicants will be part of the Department of Informatics and will be expected to contribute to its wider activities and development. Engagement in research related to computer science education and in improving research-led teaching on taught programmes is strongly encouraged.

Our staff and students come from all over the world and the Department is proud of its friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged with a number of family-friendly policies, including the operation of a core hours policy, the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example maternity leave. The Department of Informatics is committed to ensuring an inclusive interview process and will reimburse up to £250 towards any additional care costs (for a dependent child or adult) incurred as a result of attending an interview for this position.

For further information about the Department of Informatics at King’s, please see https://nms.kcl.ac.uk/luc.moreau/informatics/overview.pdf .

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

• Make significant contributions to the teaching, examining and project supervision of students in the Department of Informatics.
• Undertake a self-directed programme of research and scholarship in computer science education at a level commensurate with current international standard.
• Act as personal tutor to students as agreed with the Head of Department, assist with difficulties, e.g. learning support/problems and be responsible for the pastoral care of students.
• Establish and disseminate innovative teaching practice in the department.
• Contribute fully and conscientiously to administrative tasks in the department.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Head of Department.
• Actively promote and participate in equality, diversity and collegiality.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria

1.       PhD in computer science or related field.

2.       Teaching and examining experience of computer science  topics at MSc and/or Undergraduate level (including experience designing a module, developing teaching material and designing assessments).

3.       Ability to develop and deliver high and innovative teaching, including flipped classroom and online methods.

4.       Ability to make a significant contribution to administrative work; Ability to collaboratively engage with different stakeholders (e.g., the student body through staff/student liaison or Students’ Union, or outside organisations linked with the Department).

Desirable criteria

1.       Industrial experience in computer science, or research experience in computer science education.

2.       Experience of innovative and effective approaches to teaching

3.       Experience of creative approaches to assessment

4.       Administrative experience

5.       Publications in Education-related conferences and journals.

The selection process will include a presentation and a panel interview. The candidates will also have the opportunity to meet members of the department. Interviews will be held beginning of May. Scheduling of associated presentations will be confirmed once shortlisting has taken place. Meetings, presentations and interviews will be held online.