Associate Lecturer - Linear and Nonlinear Optimization

Birkbeck University London; City Of London; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 103,000; Part time

Job summary

Birkbeck University London invites applications for an Associate Lecturer to contribute to teaching and student support on a postgraduate module in Linear and Nonlinear Optimization. The role covers teaching and supporting students across multiple optimization methods, with emphasis on rigorous computational and analytical problem solving.

Fixed-term, part-time (3 teaching hours per week) from January to April 2027, with an hourly rate starting at £69.68 including London Allowance and pro-rata

Qualifications

• Excellent grasp of university-level mathematics and statistics.
• Experience supporting students in computational and analytical problem solving.
• Teaching or academic experience in optimization desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to teaching and student support on a postgraduate module in linear and nonlinear optimization.
• Teach across optimization topics listed, and support student learning.
• Assist with assessment, feedback and course administration as required.

Skills

Linear programming

Nonlinear optimization

Integer programming

Optimization methods

Teaching support

Job description

We have an opportunity for an Associate Lecturer to contribute to teaching and student support on a postgraduate module in Linear and Nonlinear Optimization.

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and supporting students across a range of optimization methods and techniques, including:

• Linear programming, including geometrical concepts and graphical solutions


• The simplex method and interior-point methods


• Integer programming and network optimization


• Nonlinear optimization and algorithms for one-dimensional optimization


• Newton and quasi-Newton methods


• Lagrangian methods and the Kuhn-Tucker conditions


• The Generalized Reduced Gradient method


• Steepest descent methods and their limitations


• Quadratic programming and solution methods


• An introduction to penalty functions


• Applications of optimization techniques to practical problems

You will have an excellent grasp of university-level mathematics and statistics, together with experience supporting students in rigorous computational and analytical problem-solving. Previous teaching or academic experience in optimization, particularly in one or more of the areas listed above, would be highly desirable.

Please refer to the person specification for further selection criteria.

Remuneration

Payment is based on an hourly rate depending on length of continuous service with the College (starting rate £69.68 per hour inclusive of pro-rata London Allowance and holiday pay) for contact hours worked. This hourly rate is based on the starting point of Grade 7 and is inclusive of a 'Duties Related to Teaching Multiplier' at 2.5, which covers preparation, teaching, administration, assessment marking and other examining duties in connection with the course.

Contract

Fixed-term contract (January to April 2027). Part-time (3 teaching hours per week, Thursdays 6-9pm).

Closing date

Closing date: 1 November 2026, interview date: 12 November 2026.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.