Head - School of Computer Science / Associate Professor

Job Profile:

To lead the school of computer science at the capacity of Associate Professor and provide high-level academic leadership in the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. To lead research activities in line with the UoSM Research Strategy. In doing so, sustain an international reputation for research through publishing research in high-quality journals, and to plan and develop research both independently and in collaboration with existing research groups within the department, at the main University campus in Southampton, UK, and also with Universities within the region. To undertake relevant leadership, management, and engagement activities.

Research

• Plan and coordinate research in areas of recognised excellence for the University. Act as principal investigator on projects, responsible for defining original research objectives, developing and managing staff, and attracting funding through bids and reputation. Develop and oversee the application of innovative and creative research methodologies and techniques that add to the knowledge/understanding of the subject area.

• Develop and sustain a national and international reputation for research and the enhancement of learning and teaching practice by the regular dissemination and explanation of findings through leading peer-reviewed publications, major conferences, or other relevant events. Engage in external academic activities in accordance with the UoSM’s Research Strategy and which enhance the UoSM national/international research profile, e.g. membership of committees of academic bodies, external examining, journal editorships, etc.

• Manage administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, including risk assessment of programme activities, leading project meetings and preparation of annual reports. Management of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and financial control.

• Provide expert advice and subject leadership to other staff and students, including research supervision.

Teaching

• Lead the School to ensure high-quality provision of the Computer Science programme(s) following the University of Southampton (UoS), professional body and MQA requirements. This includes but not limited to:

1. Ensuring the development of quality teaching and learning materials equivalent to UoS.
2. Effective teaching delivery of all the modules.
3. Ensuring the development and quality assurance of assessment materials equivalent to UoS.
4. Assessments being carried out as per programme(s) requirements.
5. Execution of examination processes; and
6. Any quality assurance audits, or activities related to the programme(s).

• Take responsibility for overseeing, developing and promoting innovative teaching and learning approaches and material, which create interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students. Directly supervise students, providing expert advice on learning best practice and helping with learning problems. Identify the learning needs of students and define learning objectives. Promote the use of appropriate media to support student learning. Set and mark coursework and exams, providing constructive feedback to students.

• Contribute to the development of teaching and learning activities at UoSM, ensure teaching is of the highest quality across a range of modules and levels, through lectures, tutorials and seminars.

• Design, develop and deliver an innovative range of programmes and study, sometimes for entirely new courses at various levels. Take responsibility for the quality of the design of existing courses and programmes, continually monitoring, evaluating and revising them to ensure excellence and coherence, identifying areas where current provision is in need of revision or improvement.

Leadership, Management & Enterprise

• Provide effective leadership with respect to the portfolio’s responsibilities by ensuring that:

1. The programme(s) has staff members in appropriate numbers with abilities, attitudes, motivations, performance levels and job descriptions that will support excellent delivery of the programme(s);
2. The budget and resources are efficiently and effectively planned and managed.
3. Relevant University and Government requirements are met.
4. Matters related to the programme(s) are professionally and accurately reported.
5. Ensure that academic staff are inducted to understand, develop and deliver UoS quality of teaching and learning; and assessments.
6. Published information on the programme(s) is accurate; and
7. Engagement with students, faculty, and other departments is effective at all levels.

• Manage any operational issues with respect to the delivery of the programme(s) which include timetabling arrangement and arranging visits from external examiners and visitors.

• Demonstrate a high level of engagement, participation, and commitment in supporting UoSM’s endeavours and work effectively towards achieving UoSM’s strategic objectives.

• Take on appropriate UoSM coordinating roles to advance student academic development, e.g. act as Senior Tutor, Head of Programme, at undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

• Represent UoSM externally in the relevant disciplinary community.

• Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder and outlined in the head of school portfolio.

Job Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in the relevant subject area.
• Teaching qualification (PGCAP / PREP or equivalent).
• Well-established national and international reputation in relevant subject areas.
• Extensive track record of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Extensive track record of developing and disseminating successful learning approaches.
• Extensive track record of published research

Planning and organising

• Proven ability to plan and shape the direction of an area of research and teaching activity, ensuring plans complement broader research and education strategies.
• Proven ability to develop innovative research proposals and attract research funding.
• Proven ability to plan, manage, organise and assess own teaching contributions.
• Proven ability in the design of course units, curriculum development and new teaching approaches in the department, taking primary responsibility for their quality.

Problem Solving & Initiative

• Able to develop significant new concepts and original ideas within own field in response to intractable issues of importance to the research area.

Management and teamwork

• Able to mentor, manage, motivate and coordinate teaching/research teams, delegating effectively. Able to resolve performance issues and formulate staff development plans, where appropriate, to ensure team aims are met.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver own course units and team-taught course units.
• Proven ability to coach, advise and support others (staff and students) on learning and teaching issues.
• Able to foster and develop good relationships between own department and the rest of the university. Able to work proactively with senior colleagues to develop cross-department and institution cooperation and effectiveness.
• Able to contribute to the running of the department by managing significant department processes.
• Able to monitor and manage resources and budgets.
• Work effectively in a team, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of others to help teamwork development.

Communicating and influencing

• Communicate new and complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing, engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience.
• Extensive track record of presenting research results at group meetings and conferences.
• Extensive track record of delivering lectures and seminars in courses relating to different aspects in subject area.
• Able to engage counselling skills and pastoral care, where appropriate.
• Able to persuade and influence at all levels in order to foster and maintain relationships, resolving tensions / difficulties as they arise.
• Able to provide expert guidance to colleagues in own team, other work areas and institutions to develop understanding and resolve complex problems.
• Able to negotiate for the department on key issues.
• Able to develop and lead key communications strategies.

Southampton behaviours

Our Southampton Behavioursoutline the responsibility we each have in working collaborativelyto achieve our strategy. They are about developing trust, respect and compassion, supporting and encouraging each other and striving to achieve the best outcome for all concerned.

Special requirements

The position involves local and international travel as and when required.

Internal candidates are welcome to apply.

The closing date for receipt ofapplications is midnight onFriday, 25 April 2025.