Are you looking for senior-level academic jobs in software engineering?
Senior-level academics lead research into the latest software engineering developments and trends. The ubiquity of software means that there is limitless scope for research for established academics, however, there is a current and intensive focus on software used in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, health technologies, Big Data architectures, and manufacturing automation.
Academics at this level collaborate with a global network of experts and industry to progress innovation in software engineering and spearhead new research initiatives. They also lead teaching and learning in their field and design work-oriented courses and modules to prepare the software engineers of the future.
There is a diverse range of opportunities for those who already have an established academic research and teaching career in this dynamic field. In this post, we take a look at some of the senior-level academic jobs in software engineering you might come across during your search, the qualifications and experience you will need and ways to take your career to even greater heights.
Job Descriptions:
- Professor of Software Engineering
- Associate Professor of Digital Manufacturing
- Reader in Software Engineering
Professor of Software Engineering
Professors of software engineering lead research into software design, development and maintenance. They are also responsible for boosting the institution’s global profile in their field.
Duties include:
- Leading individual and collaborative research activities in software engineering.
- Delivery and management of teaching across all related disciplines.
- Advancing the subject through publications, conferences and international collaboration.
- Being an active member of a wide range of research groups and committees.
- Forging partnerships with other universities, external bodies and the commercial sector.
- Working closely with the senior leadership team to enhance the institution’s reputation for research and teaching.
- Supervision of doctoral students and junior research and teaching staff.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in software engineering plus a strong track record and portfolio of published research outcomes at national and international levels would be essential for a professorship. Previous leadership and management experience in a higher education environment would also be essential.
You would also need to demonstrate evidence of delivering research-led teaching, assessment and supervision at all levels and an ability to engage in the wider research community and commercial sector. Membership/fellowship with professional or research groups such as the Society of Research Software Engineering (RSE) would be an advantage.
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. (dependent on experience and research success).
What can it lead to?
On establishing an extensive research and international collaboration portfolio and leadership skills, professors of software engineering can progress to a Head of School role or a Deanship of a computer sciences or engineering and technology faculty/school.
Where can I find jobs?
As these are high-level roles that require a niche skillset, there tends to be a smaller pool of professor of software engineering jobs available. Although professorships are advertised, these roles are generally offered to senior lecturers or associate professors with significant research experience within an institution.
Find Professor of Software Engineering jobs here.
Associate Professor of Digital Manufacturing
Digital manufacturing experts focus on the software and systems used to integrate manufacturing and supply chain operations. Associate professors in this discipline carry out teaching and research in faculties or schools of engineering and technology.
Duties include:
- Leading and collaborating in innovative research in digital manufacturing.
- Compiling and submitting funding bids.
- Publication and dissemination of research outcomes.
- Supervision of early-career researchers, lecturers and technical staff.
- Collaborating with a variety of research groups and global industry partners.
- Delivery of cross-disciplinary modules and courses at all levels.
- Curriculum design and development.
- Developing and sustaining a national and international reputation in digital manufacturing research.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in a relevant area and an internationally-leading research profile that fits with the priorities of the department, school or research group would be essential criteria for this role. Equivalent and significant professional experience in industry may also be considered in place of a doctorate. You would need to demonstrate the ability to carry out independent research which aligns with the priorities of the school, faculty or group (such as manufacturing engineering, software engineering or computer science).
You would also need to demonstrate a track record of generating and successfully delivering externally-funded grants and research contracts.
What’s the pay?
Associate professors can expect a salary in the range of £54,949 to £64,265 p.a. depending on experience and research record.
What can it lead to?
On completion of around 3-5 years as an associate professor or senior lecturer, your next step would be to apply for a professorship. Promotion would depend on the success of your research activities and the quality of your teaching practice.
Where can I find jobs?
Manufacturing and supply chain processes are increasingly digitised and require complex software research and development. There is greater demand for senior-level specialists in digital manufacturing, particularly those with a background as an industry software engineer.
These are high-level lecturing roles and have a high application rate. Most associate professor jobs are offered on a permanent basis, so you may find that the pool of available opportunities is smaller.
Find Associate Professor in Digital Manufacturing jobs here.
Reader in Software Engineering
Readers are senior academics with distinguished international reputations in research and scholarship. At some UK HE institutions, a Reader can be the same academic status as a senior lecturer or associate professor, at others a Reader is seen as a full professor without a Chair.
A Reader in software engineering is responsible for leading and developing national and international research and development in the field.
Duties include:
- Delivery of research-led teaching in software engineering to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Leading national and international research programmes.
- Leading professional and knowledge exchange activities.
- Curriculum and module development.
- Collaborating with international research groups and software engineering partners.
- Advising on policy and development decisions.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in software engineering along with evidence of an internationally-recognised research portfolio would be essential for a Reader position in a university. Experience in bidding for large-scale commercial and grant-funded research projects would also be essential for this senior-level academic position.
What’s the pay?
Reader salaries are often not disclosed in job adverts and are generally agreed on negotiation. However, most Readers in computer sciences can expect a starting salary of around £60,027 to £69,572 p.a., depending on research experience and success.
What can it lead to?
After several years in post, a Reader can apply for a professorship if an appropriate vacancy arises. Promotion depends on the publication of internationally-renowned research, research collaboration and the ability to deliver innovative and inspiring teaching, learning and assessment at all levels.
Where can I find jobs?
Reader jobs are senior opportunities and have the highest permanent percentage out of all of the jobs.ac.uk academic higher education roles (94% compared to 42%). They are also advertised for the longest time. The busiest time for recruitment to Reader roles is March to May.
Find Reader in Computer Sciences jobs here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Software Engineering
- Lecturing jobs in Software Engineering
- Research jobs in Software Engineering
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