If you are a software engineer, early-career researcher or just finishing your PhD you might be looking for lecturing jobs in software engineering.
Software systems now form the core of every industry and there is soaring demand for talented software engineering graduates in almost all sectors. Higher education is at the forefront of training the experts of the future in this ever-changing field and universities look to hire lecturers who can combine innovative software engineering research with the delivery of high-quality computer sciences education.
Software engineering is a broad, multi-disciplinary field made up of a vast network of academic and industry experts from a range of backgrounds. Here we take a look at three typical HE lecturing jobs and related roles in software engineering that you might come across during your job search.
Job Descriptions:
Lecturer in Software Engineering
Lecturers in software engineering teach specialist modules across computer sciences, engineering and sciences at all levels. They also undertake impactful research and knowledge transfer activities.
Duties include:
- Delivery of lectures, seminars and practical classes to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Contributing to the planning, design and development of subject specialist modules and courses.
- Engaging in individual and collaborative research and innovation aligned to priority research themes.
- Identifying external funding sources and contributing to bids and proposals.
- Writing and contributing to publications in peer-reviewed academic journals, papers and reports.
- Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate student projects and work placements.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in software engineering, computer science or a related field is essential for a lecturing job at a university. However, the HE sector is open to hiring candidates who have a postgraduate qualification and significant professional experience as a software engineer in industry. If this applies to you, you must demonstrate your ability to successfully conduct research and teaching in an academic context.
Having a recognised higher/further education teaching qualification, such as the Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice, and/or fellowship of Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy) would be highly desirable in all lecturing roles.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for lecturers in computer sciences vary according to subject specialism and the research priorities and demands of the university. However, a lecturer in software engineering can expect a salary in the range of £42,514 to £51,731 p.a., depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
After several years in post as a lecturer, you could apply for a senior lectureship or an associate professor role. Most higher education institutions have a progression framework for academic staff. Promotion would depend on the visibility of your research, your ability to attract funding and the quality of your teaching practice.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Computer Science
- Lecturer in Cyber Security
- Lecturer in Business Data Analytics
Where can I find jobs?
Software engineering is often embedded within degrees in computer science – although standalone programmes in software engineering are increasing – so you will find a wide range of roles available globally. However, competition for these roles can be high as more experts in software engineering enter the field. The busiest time for recruitment to lecturing jobs is between May and July.
Find Lecturer in Software Engineering jobs here.
Lecturer in Financial Technology
Financial Technology (or ‘FinTech’) focuses on developing software that automates financial processes. Lecturers in this field mainly teach at postgraduate level, although they would also teach specialist modules on undergraduate computer sciences and business programmes.
Duties include:
- Delivery of specialist teaching and training in FinTech at all levels.
- Project supervision and assessment.
- Curriculum and module design.
- Carrying out individual and collaborative FinTech research activities.
- Publication of research outcomes.
- Contributing to knowledge exchange and developing industry and external contacts networks.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in computer sciences, business technology (or related subject) or equivalent relevant industrial/commercial experience would be essential for a lecturing position. This is a specialist role, so experience in academic research and teaching in FinTech and/or data science would also be a must. A relevant teaching qualification or membership of Advance HE would be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Lecturers in financial technology can expect a starting salary in the range of £40,745 to £52,841 p.a., depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
Most universities have clear career pathways for academic and research staff that ensure promotion (according to performance and research outputs). The next step up for a lecturer in financial technology would be to apply for a senior lecturer or associate professor role.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Data Science
- Lecturer in Business Analytics
Where can I find jobs?
Lecturer in financial technology is a niche role, although interest and study in this area are growing. You will find lecturing jobs in computer sciences, business and management and engineering schools or faculties.
Find Lecturer in Financial Technology jobs here.
Teaching Fellow in Games Technology
Teaching Fellows support subject-specialist education and training on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This is a teaching-focused role with less scope for research activities.
Duties include:
- Delivery of lectures, small group classes and workshops.
- Contributing to curriculum development and module design.
- Supporting academic colleagues to deliver high-quality education.
- Personal and academic tutoring and mentoring of students.
- Marking and assessment.
- Administrative tasks.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
Teaching fellows are often doctoral students who are looking to gain teaching, learning and assessment experience. A good first degree and a Master’s qualification in the area you want to teach would be essential criteria for these roles. Experience working in the games technology and software industry and a teaching qualification (or willingness to gain) would be advantageous. Having already gained your doctorate in an area related to games technology would give your application the edge.
What’s the pay?
Teaching fellows can expect a starting salary of around £30,000 to £39,000 p.a. However, salaries can be higher depending on the discipline and how your subject-specialist expertise aligns with the taught programmes offered.
What can it lead to?
Once you have completed your PhD, you could apply for lecturing jobs in games technology or continue on a teaching-only academic pathway in a senior teaching fellow position. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching practice and on gaining further qualifications, such as a doctorate and a recognised teaching qualification.
Related roles:
- Teaching Fellow in Cybersecurity
- Graduate Teaching Fellow
- Assistant Teaching Fellow in Games Technology
Where can I find jobs?
Teaching fellow or associate jobs are popular among postgraduate and doctoral students as they can act as a springboard to a lectureship. Therefore, these opportunities have very high average views and application rates and are mostly offered on a fixed-term contract basis according to the university’s teaching needs.
However, games technology, software and design courses are now hugely popular among students and there is a demand for specialist teachers in this fast-moving field.
Find Teaching Fellow jobs in Computer Sciences here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Software Engineering
- Research jobs in Software Engineering
- Senior-level academic jobs in Software Engineering
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