Lecturer in Computing and Communications (Artificial Intelligence)

Advert Reference Number: 87

Welsh Language Standard: Not Applicable

Closing Date: 07/09/2024

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Job Description: 

About the Role

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be approximately once per week.

We are seeking candidates for two permanent appointments to help produce our new undergraduate Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence qualification.

We aim to appoint inspiring and innovative teachers and scholars, who enjoy developing novel approaches to teaching and research, and is effective in working collaboratively with colleagues.

Since its inception, The Open University (OU) has focused on innovation in teaching and learning, with a track record of providing inspiring, world-leading programmes of higher education for students who learn at a distance. Building on award-winning initiatives such as the OpenSTEM Labs and the Institute of Coding, the University is committed to delivering the highest quality teaching, together with excellent research. We provide rewarding academic career paths that are focused on world-class teaching, research, and knowledge exchange.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including professionals from academia and industry. Applicants will be considered based on their track record in research, teaching and academic leadership. In line with our commitment to the Athena SWAN initiative and the Race Equality Charter, we welcome and support all applicants equally.

You can find a link to the School website here 

If you would like to discuss this vacancy please email STEM-CC-HOS@open.ac.uk and in the subject line please quote the Job Title and Advert Reference.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching

• Actively contribute to the design and teaching of a high-quality distance learning curriculum at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels
• Be an active member of the School of Computing & Communications to help deliver academic excellence by:
  • developing innovative and effective teaching approaches, drawing upon educational scholarship and industry best practice as appropriate
  • developing novel models for assessing practical competencies as well as domain knowledge
  • promoting employability and career progression for our students 

Research, scholarship and knowledge exchange

• Pursue high quality research or scholarship in subjects related to the School
• Enhance our links with industry to enable teaching and research collaborations and knowledge exchange
• Contribute to the vibrant scholarship environment in the School.

General

• Act as an ambassador, both internally and externally, for the academic excellence of the School, Faculty and University
• Take responsibility for administrative and/or other academic duties as required by the Head of School
• Contribute to the outreach activities of the School, Faculty and University

Skills and Experience

Essential Requirements

• A PhD, or substantial experience, in a relevant area
• Ability to contribute to the distance teaching of subjects delivered, or being developed, by the School
• Expertise in one or more areas relevant to the School, with a good understanding of recent developments (commensurate with career stage)
• Ability to undertake high quality research and/or scholarship and produce research/scholarly publications in a relevant subject (commensurate with career stage)
• An understanding of the educational and study needs of students, particularly those studying part-time at a distance (commensurate with career stage)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and spoken English skills, together with the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism
• Ability to plan, organise and complete work to agreed deadlines
• Commitment to the aims, ethos and values of the Open University
• A strong commitment to excellence in inclusive learning and teaching for a diverse student population

Desirable:

• Experience of producing distance/online learning materials and assessment materials
• Experience of supporting students in a distance/online learning setting
• Relevant professional qualifications
• Fellowship (or higher) of the UK Higher Education Academy, or equivalent teaching experience/standing in the UK or in another country (commensurate with career stage)
• Ability to develop new collaborative partnerships within the University and with external organisations (commensurate with career stage)
• Successful experience of gaining external funding (commensurate with career stage)

Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

To apply for this role please submit the following:

• CV
• Personal statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential.  We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.  We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.