Teaching Fellow – Computer Science

Start Date: ASAP

Job Purpose

The Teaching Fellow – Computer Science will play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of laboratory-based teaching. The role involves managing laboratory experiments, assisting students in practical sessions, maintaining lab equipment, and contributing to the overall development of hands-on learning experiences.

Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities

Teaching & Laboratory Support

• To actively participate in the teaching objectives of the Computer Science programme by managing and engaging in a range of contributions to the practical aspects of the education programme. 
• Lead in the planning, setup, and delivery of laboratory sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 
• Provide technical guidance and support to students during laboratory experiments and projects. 
• Develop and refine laboratory manuals, experiment instructions, and learning materials. 
• Demonstrate the use of specialized equipment and software relevant to disciplines. 
• Supervise and assess students’ practical work, providing feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
• To provide as required, supervision of laboratory exercises. Instruction to students in techniques and practices that will enhance their practical skill sets.
• To organise the timetabling of the laboratory sessions and to ensure that each session is suitably staffed with academics, teaching assistants and postgraduate research students. To be responsible for and allocate resources associated with the associated budgets e.g. laboratory consumables etc.
• Assembly, regular testing and issuing of the specialised laboratory kits and equipment that are used by students on a daily basis thus improving the reliability, repeatability and overall quality of the laboratory sessions. Includes functional testing of workstation PC’s.
• To supervise associated technical staff who have responsibilities for the laboratory work. 
• To liaise with the University of Southampton team to ensure consistent delivery of teaching laboratory exercises and working practices at both campuses. 
• To advise and assist students on a variety of practical activities, which are closely associated with their laboratory programme.
• All of the above functions in the context of an awareness of Health and Safety issues. Such issues are addressed proactively and extend primarily to laboratory practices and the general laboratory environment, together with the monitoring of student activities within these areas. 

Laboratory Management & Maintenance

• Ensure the proper maintenance, calibration, and operation of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Manage lab inventory, ordering consumables and equipment as needed.
• Implement and enforce health and safety protocols in laboratory environments.
• Collaborate with academic and technical staff to enhance lab resources and experiment designs.

Academic & Research Support

• Assist faculty members in developing and improving laboratory-based learning modules.
• Support research activities by providing technical expertise in laboratory experiments.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in EEE technologies and integrate them into lab practices.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records of lab usage, student attendance, and experiment results.
• Ensure compliance with university and accreditation body standards for laboratory teaching.
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of teaching practices.
• Expectation and willingness to learn new software and hardware skill as required.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification and experience in computer science or software engineering
• Knowledge and proven ability using object orientated and procedural programming languages. 
• Substantial experience in a relevant technical field, with proven experience of successfully planning and progressing work activities.
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment
• Understanding of how the specialist technical services provided by the post holder support the objectives of the University.
• PhD in relevant area or equivalent knowledge and skills.(Desirable)
• Experience of working in a Higher Education establishment (Desirable)
• Knowledge of circuit design and construction (Desirable)

Planning and organising

• Proven ability to work closely with senior colleagues and students to ensure delivery of practical learning outcomes
• Capability to prioritise and organise activities for adherence to deadlines
• Proven ability to provide flexible support to people

Problem solving and initiative

• Ability to apply specialist technical knowledge to analyse complex problems and recommend solutions/plans of action.
• Demonstrable emotional intelligence and judgement, adopting a solution focused approach to deal proactively with complex enquiries and situations. 

Management and teamwork

• Proven ability to manage and maintain the practical aspects 
• Proven ability to coach and support students/tutorial groups/colleagues.
• Able to proactively work with colleagues in other work areas to achieve outcomes.
• Able to monitor and manage resources and budgets.
• Work effectively in a team, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of others to ensure delivery 

Communicating and influencing

• Communicate new and complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing, engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience.
• Able to persuade and influence at all levels in order to foster and maintain relationships
• Able to resolve tensions/difficulties as they arise 
• Able to provide guidance to students to develop understanding and resolve problems
• Proactive in promoting a working environment that is inclusive and engaging; recognising the value that diversity brings

Other skills and behaviours

• Positive attitude to colleagues and students
• Proven ability to understand cultural diversity.

Special requirements 

• Willingness to undertake Health and Safety training specific to role.

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision. 

Oxford International is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Recruitment checks, including checks with past employees, are undertaken in accordance with our Recruitment and Selection policy. 

Oxford International is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant and employee has the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. 

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.