Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction

University of Bristol; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Lecturer in Human Computer Interaction in Greater London. The ideal candidate will focus on hardware prototyping and fabrication, supervise postgraduate research students, and engage in high-quality research leading to publications. Responsibilities also include teaching core computer science topics and participating in academic administration. A PhD in a related field and significant research experience are required. Join us to contribute meaningfully to the academic community.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with a strong track record of research publications.
• Experience with interactive hardware, physical computing, and fabrication.
• Ability to secure and manage external research funding.

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain an internationally recognized research program.
• Teach core computer science and specialist units at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Engage in academic administration and student outreach activities.

Skills

Research in Human Computer Interaction

Interactive hardware design

Experimental fabrication techniques

Collaboration with industry

Supervision of postgraduate students

Education

PhD in Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Engineering, or Design

Job description

The role

The School of Computer Science seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Human Computer Interaction with a strong focus on hardware prototyping and / or fabrication. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research engages with physical interfaces, new materials for interaction, exploratory device construction, and the wider space of computational making. Areas of interest include experimental hardware for interaction, tangible interfaces, novel sensing and actuation, physical computing, and fabrication‑oriented methods that open new possibilities for user experience.

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching across the School and should be able to teach core computer science topics along with their specialist area. You will bring an established reputation supported by a record of original research and a recognised contribution to the field through professional engagement. You will enjoy teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervising research students, and producing high quality research that leads to publications and meaningful impact with external partners.

The full job description and person specification are provided below. As a global institution with a long‑standing commitment to equality, we welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds. The University was the first higher education institution in England to admit men and women to degree programmes on the same basis, and we continue to foster an inclusive community.

What will you be doing?

Research

• Build and sustain an internationally recognised programme of research in Human Computer Interaction with a strong emphasis on hardware prototyping and / or fabrication, generating high quality publications in leading venues.
• Shape research so that it creates influence beyond academia, particularly through novel physical interfaces, material based approaches to interaction, and collaborations with industry and the maker community.
• Seek external research funding from councils, government bodies, industry partners and any other appropriate sources.
• Take initiative in leading funding proposals and activities that communicate research outcomes to diverse audiences.
• Contribute to School research management including internal peer review, research mentoring, staff review processes and longer term strategic planning.

Teaching

• Contribute to the academic life of the School through scholarly work that strengthens teaching in Human Computer Interaction and physical computing.
• Supervise postgraduate research students working on topics related to hardware, fabrication and / or interactive systems.
• Teach effectively across the full curriculum of the School, including core computer science topics and specialist units in Human Computer Interaction and physical prototyping.
• Design and introduce new units or degree pathways that reflect advances in interactive hardware and fabrication.
• Take on leadership roles in programme development, curriculum design and all aspects of the wider student experience.

Administration and management

• Support the School by engaging in academic administration which may include programme development, student recruitment and outreach, planning and monitoring of unit delivery, student wellbeing activities, liaison with external examiners, collaboration with industry partners and coordination of teaching associates.
• Contribute to the smooth operation of the School and Faculty by carrying out additional administrative duties allocated by the Head of School.

You should apply if

• A PhD in Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Engineering, Design, or a closely related field.
• A strong track record of research in HCI, tangible computing, physical interfaces or related areas, with high quality publications in leading venues.
• Experience designing, building or experimenting with interactive hardware, physical computing systems, or computational fabrication techniques.
• A history of securing or contributing to external research funding, or clear potential to do so.
• The ability and enthusiasm to supervise postgraduate research students and mentor emerging researchers.
• An ability to contribute to the wider School community through administration, programme development and outreach activities.