Chair in Theoretical Computer Science

Job id: 085945. Salary: Competitive Salary starting at £80,324 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 07 March 2024. Closing date: 15 April 2024.

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

Contact details:Professor Luc Moreau. [email protected]

Location: Strand Campus. Category: Academic & Teaching.

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 in inclusivity and diversity. 

As we continue to grow and strengthen our department, we are seeking a distinguished Chair in Theoretical Computer Science (*) who will combine their outstanding research track record in this area and leadership qualities with a strong commitment to contribute to propelling the Informatics Department to new heights. The ideal candidate will have a clear vision and leadership qualities to achieve this.  

Candidates must demonstrate excellence in conducting innovative and compelling research, and they should have a proven track record of successfully attracting funding, as well as the ambition and potential to secure significant research funding.

We welcome applications from candidates who have an international profile in fundamental algorithmic research, encompassing a range of topics. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, the following topics: Machine Learning and Data Mining Algorithms, Algorithmic Game Theory and Mechanism Design, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Parallel and Distributed Computing, Combinatorial Optimisation, Graph Algorithms, Network Algorithms, Approximation Algorithms, Online Algorithms and Streaming Algorithms, Computational Geometry, Randomized Algorithms, Data Structures, Computational Complexity, Algorithmic Fairness, Random Structures, Mathematical Programming.

A PhD in a relevant field is mandatory, along with a demonstrated history of successfully mentoring and graduating PhD students.

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 parental 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

• Lead or direct their own original and independent programme of research and scholarship at a level commensurate with current international standard  
• ​Enhance the research profile of the Department through academic outputs, including publications and scientific meetings, scholarship, academic and industrial collaboration, impact and other externally facing activities 
• ​Supervise and train postgraduate students and postdoctoral research staff to ensure their effective development  
• ​Enthusiastically contribute to academic management and support the administration and development of the department to further its education, research activities, and ambitions. 
• ​Deliver an excellent student experience through innovative teaching and assessment methods for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, in core computer science and a specialism area in computer science or artificial intelligence  
• ​Be responsible for the wellbeing and pastoral care of students, including acting as Personal Tutor 
• ​Engage with, lead as appropriate, and contribute to department, faculty, and institutional level initiatives in accordance with strategy at all levels of the organisation  
• ​Actively promote 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, algorithms or related field.

2.       Excellent research record in computer science and algorithms as evidenced by publications in high quality journals and conferences; research experience and good reputation in computer science and algorithms; principal investigator of research project(s), and established record of attracting research project funding, possibly in the form of industrial collaborations; experience with research students' supervision; graduation of at least one PhD student. 

3.       Leadership skills

4.       Teaching and assessment experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level

5.       Experience of university governance and of academic administration.

Desirable criteria

1.       Academic planning and strategic development.

2.       Academic leadership experience.

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 several 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. 

The selection process will include presentations and panel interviews (to be held in-person on 21st and 22 May respectively). Candidates will also have the chance to meet department members.