Professor and Vice Dean, Natural & Computing Sciences

Rowett Research Institute; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at South China Normal University is seeking an experienced Professor and Vice Dean of Natural & Computing Sciences to lead the Joint Educational Institute in Aberdeen. The appointee will manage existing staff, foster teaching and research across computing, data science, robotics and physics, and strengthen international partnerships.

The role combines leadership with scholarly activity, requiring time dedicated to China each year

Qualifications

• Experience leading a large academic unit or institute.
• Strong track record in research and higher education leadership.
• Experience with transnational education and international collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the JI in Aberdeen and manage staff.
• Oversee teaching and research across Computing, Data Science, Robotics, and Physics.
• Collaborate with SCNU colleagues and coordinate cross-border programs.

Skills

Academic leadership

International collaboration

Strategic partnerships

Job description

Professor and Vice Dean, Natural & Computing Sciences (NCS264A)

The Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, South China Normal University is a successful Joint Educational Institute (the ‘JI’) between the University of Aberdeen and South China Normal University (SCNU) based in Foshan, China. The JI currently hosts three undergraduate programs focused on computing sciences with around 1200 students; it employs 25 academic staff based in Aberdeen as flying faculty. In 2026 the JI has expanded to incorporate a PhD program, and in 2027 will expand further to include three new postgraduate master’s programs, spanning AI, robotics and data science/physics. We have also established two joint research laboratories with SCNU within the JI, one in Robotics and one in Optical Physics.

Job Description

As part of the expansion, we will be growing staffing to support the new teaching areas. We are looking to appoint an experienced academic at the level of Professor to lead the JI in Aberdeen. They will manage the existing staff, work with our SCNU colleagues to further the teaching and research goals of the JI and support this key partnership for the University.

Our current programme offering is:

• BSc Computing Science
• BSc Artificial Intelligence
• BSc Business Management and Information Systems
• PhD in Computing Science (and aligned areas)

Our expanded offering will include:

• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Artificial Intelligence for Robotics and Telecommunications

The role will be a teaching and research-focused position with an expectation of a significant time spent each year in China, typically four months as a minimum. We are seeking an experienced academic leader with effective management skills, experience with transnational education and the ability to successfully collaborate across international borders. This post is offered as a continuing position within the JI as a Professorship. The Vice Dean role will be for three years in the first instance with the opportunity for extension.

The successful candidate will hold a teaching and research position, and it is important that they can teach courses within the JI. We are, however, open to candidates with research backgrounds that extend across our research strengths in Computing, Data Science, Robotics, Planetary Sciences and Physics

For the role of Professor, salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 9 salary band of £70,878 – £79,752 per annum, with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa.

Job Reference Number: NCS264A

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 13th November 2026

The School of Natural and Computing Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.