Are you an Artificial Intelligence academic looking toward the next stage of your career?
In this section of our series on academic jobs in computer sciences, we take a look at some of the more senior-level jobs available in Artificial Intelligence.
The development and use of AI technology has exploded over the last decade, transforming the academic landscape along the way. As well as shaping the next generation of AI talent, experienced academics in this field have contributed to some of the world’s most ground-breaking advances in AI technologies.
Academics at this level would already have an established national and international reputation for research and teaching. Here we look at the experience, knowledge, and skills you’ll need to progress your academic career and where to find jobs.
Job Descriptions
- Senior Lecturer in Data Science
- Professor of Artificial Intelligence
- Head of Department – Artificial Intelligence
Senior Lecturer in Data Science
Data science is an interdisciplinary area using maths, statistics, AI, specialised programming, and machine learning to interpret data.
Senior lecturers in this field teach across multiple departments within computer science as well as leading innovative data science research.
Duties:
- Delivery of research-led teaching and supervision to students at all levels.
- Engaging in research according to specialist interests.
- Collaborating in research with academics and industry globally.
- Identifying and applying for further research funding.
- Publication of results in quality peer-reviewed journals and papers.
- Supervision and management of doctoral students and junior teaching/research staff.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A Ph.D. in data science plus the ability to demonstrate evidence of high-quality, published research would be essential criteria for a senior lectureship.
You would also need expert knowledge of R, SAS, Python and SQL, Java, C/C++, Perl, and Ruby.
Extensive teaching experience and a Higher Education teaching qualification would also be essential.
Membership in relevant professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) would be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
A senior lecturer in data science can expect a starting salary of around £53,353 p.a., depending on experience, research output, and ability to build collaborative research partnerships.
What can it lead to?
After a number of years in post, your next step would be to apply for a Reader position or a professorship (depending on the academic structure of the institution).
Competition for these roles is high and you may have to consider a move to another university to secure a position.
Where can I find jobs?
Senior lecturing positions are usually permanent roles, therefore availability of jobs can be lower and competition higher, particularly in computer sciences.
However, data sciences span a wide range of disciplines, and, depending on your specialism, you might find that you can cast your net further during a job search. May to July is the busiest time of year for recruitment to these roles.
Find Senior Lecturer in data science jobs here.
Professor of Artificial Intelligence
A professor of Artificial Intelligence is responsible for carrying out internationally-recognised research into AI technologies, as well as leading interdisciplinary teaching within a School or Faculty of Computer Science.
Duties:
- Leading and contributing to research activities.
- Delivery and management of teaching across computer sciences programmes at all levels.
- Participating in global research collaborations and programmes.
- Advancing the subject area through publications, conferences, and international collaboration.
- Working closely with the university’s senior leadership team to enhance the global reputation of research.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence and an established portfolio of high-quality research at national and international levels would be essential criteria for a professorship.
You would also need to demonstrate evidence of delivering research-led teaching, assessment, and supervision at all levels.
Leadership and management experience in a higher education setting would also be a must for academic roles at this level.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for professorships in computer sciences vary between specialisms and many are not disclosed in job adverts. However, most professorship salaries range from between £61,270 and £83,306 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Professor is the most senior academic role; however, many professors choose to move into a university’s senior leadership team in the role of Head/Director of Department or Dean/Head of School.
The UK has one of the strongest AI sectors in the world and senior academics in this field work closely with a global network of experts, universities institutes, and industry. They may sit on a variety of boards and research and policy groups in addition to their role within their own institution.
Where can I find jobs?
Most professorships are offered on a permanent basis and opportunities are selective. The most popular areas of the UK for professorships advertised are the Midlands and the South East of England.
Find professor of Artificial Intelligence jobs here.
Head of Department – Artificial Intelligence
A Head of Department leads the academic provision of teaching and research activities of a department of Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science.
Duties:
- Providing strategic and operational leadership to all departmental staff.
- Representing the department and university on the global stage.
- Supporting all research and enterprise activities and forging new collaborations.
- Managing academic and professional services staff.
- Leading curriculum design and development.
- Providing academic vision and direction for the department.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A Head of Department would generally be a Professor, Reader, or Senior Lecturer with an established academic career who is looking to move into a senior management role in a university.
A Ph.D. in the area of computer sciences and a track record of prior leadership within the HE sector would be essential for this type of senior management role.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for Heads of Department start in the range of £56,587 to £71,638 p.a. (and above) depending on qualifications, research, and leadership experience.
What can it lead to?
The next move up the career ladder for a Head of Department would be Dean of a computer sciences faculty or school.
Where can I find jobs?
Head of Department opportunities tend to be offered on a permanent basis, with the incumbents staying in the role for the rest of their careers. Therefore, the availability of opportunities is much lower than in other academic positions.
Find Head of Department jobs here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Artificial Intelligence
- Lecturing jobs in Artificial Intelligence
- Research jobs in Artificial Intelligence
Great blog post on senior-level academic jobs in artificial intelligence! Your explanation of the different types of academic roles, such as faculty positions, research scientist positions, and industry collaborations, is very helpful for anyone looking to pursue a career in AI academia. The way you’ve outlined the key qualifications and responsibilities for each type of role is also very informative. This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore career opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence. Overall, well done!