Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,735 to £55,755 with potential progression once in post to £62,728

Grade: 8

Full Time, Permanent 

Closing date: 29th April 2025

Academic Development Programme - new Assistant Professors will undertake a 5-year development programme, at the end of which they are expected to be promoted to Associate Professor. The programme consists of a variety of development opportunities and the time to reflect and develop.

Background

The University of Birmingham's School of Engineering, established in 2016, is entering an exciting phase. We have amalgamated disciplines of Civil, Mechanical, and Electronic Engineering, and have invested heavily in infrastructure. With our £65m flagship building and the £28m UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre recently inaugurated; and our £26M National Buried Infrastructure Facility which was launched in 2020.

Our School is renowned for world-class research and strong ties with industry, ensuring rapid practical application of our innovations. We're now recruiting a driven engineer in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to address industry challenges due to rapid changes in these domains.

Robotics systems are evolving, with significant transformations in hardware and software. Artificial Intelligence is accelerating this evolution and opens a new paradigm in how robotic systems are developed and the autonomy in their use. These innovations offer new concepts in the application of robotics, with challenges in integrating them into effective industrial as well as personal solutions across sectors like agriculture, transport, manufacturing and healthcare. The successful candidate will bridge existing research within the School of Engineering, the wider university, and our extensive network of partners.

We seek colleagues who embody ambition and innovation. While we focus on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, we welcome candidates from related disciplines, who have significant experience of the application of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, offering collaboration across areas like automotive, rail, manufacturing, and biomedical/healthcare.

The successful candidate will be expected to create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research, and publication in the above-mentioned areas. They will develop and deliver undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes relevant to Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. In addition, they will contribute to the department, and wider school, through management/leadership and enterprise activities, as appropriate. 

Candidates will have an appropriate engineering or computer science background, including a PhD. Experience of mechanical engineering and practical robotics, along with experience in working or engaging with industry stakeholders would be desirable. A demonstratable track record in working within multi-disciplinary research teams and contributing towards grant pursuit is also desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to engage actively with industrial and policy partners in the UK and internationally. 

The School of Engineering is committed to upholding the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all our pursuits, and we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Role Summary

As an assistant professor, you must contribute to research, teaching, and administration while actively supporting and promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles.

This involves initiating, leading, conducting, and disseminating original research. This research should not only have measurable outcomes and foster a growing national and incipient (ideally) international reputation but also be inclusive and equitable, considering diverse perspectives and promoting underrepresented voices in the field.

Your teaching role will contribute to the management, development (including program/module review), and delivery of teaching and assessment within engineering and the wider college. Your pedagogical approach must be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse student needs, experiences, and backgrounds, enhancing all students' experience and employability. The role will typically also involve developing and advising others, including (a) providing expert advice to staff and students of all identities, (b) supervising and examining PhD students, ensuring fair and equitable treatment, and (c) advising others on inclusive learning and teaching methods and strategies.

Management and administration are likely to involve contributions within the allocated research group and at Departmental and School level and or making an essential contribution to some managerial/leadership activities (e.g., working groups) within the University. This may include developing and making substantial contributions to EDI initiatives, knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools’ outreach, or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University.

Main Duties

Research

To plan and conduct research using appropriate methodology and techniques. This role involves, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Pursuing personal research, including developing research ideas, and acquiring support, including financial support.
• Planning, publishing, and or executing high-quality research.
• Project managing research activities and or supervising research staff.
• Presenting findings in high-quality publications and conference proceedings.
• Developing novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued.
• Supervising and examining PhD students, both within the institution and externally, while promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity.
• Providing expert advice to staff and students within the discipline.
• Applying knowledge in a manner that develops new intellectual understanding.
• Developing and contributing significantly to knowledge transfer, enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement) and similar activities that benefit the College, University, and broader diverse communities.

Education 

To use a variety of inclusive teaching and advising methods for individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or CPD students, this may include:

• Teaching and examining courses at various levels while considering diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
• Planning and reviewing own teaching approaches, including inclusivity, and mentoring others to do the same.
• Developing programme proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes in the Department or School, incorporating EDI principles
• Utilising appropriate and inclusive approaches to learning and teaching in their field.
• Disseminating best practices through suitable media.
• Developing and advising others on inclusive learning and teaching tasks and methods.
• Plan, develop, deliver and assess distance learning modules with learning designers and other colleagues, leading a module tutor team as appropriate.
• Devising and supervising projects, student dissertations, and practical work on technical and non-technical courses, considering the diversity of student backgrounds.

Management/Administration

To contribute to the administration or management of the Department/School or have a high level of responsibility for others, embracing the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. This may involve:

• Contribution to the administration/management of research and/or teaching teams across the Department/School.
• Leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new or revised inclusive process (e.g., new programme, recruitment drive to increase diversity).
• Advising on the personal and professional development of colleagues and students, promoting diversity and inclusivity.
• Making a significant contribution to some administrative activities within the University (e.g., appeals panels, working groups), ensuring fair and inclusive practices.
• Managing enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities that benefit the College, University, and broader communities, including an emphasis on inclusivity.
• Developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, and schools’ outreach whilst promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Citizenship

To contribute to an inclusive working environment:

• Demonstrating a willingness to participate in various activities supporting University life (e.g., participation in graduation, Departmental/School committees).
• Demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources and providing advice. 
• Willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects).
• Positively engaging in School strategic initiatives.
• Proactive support and involvement in activities explicitly contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.

Person Specification

• A first degree - We encourage applications from candidates with diverse educational backgrounds.
• A relevant doctoral qualification in Engineering (or an allied subject e.g. Robotics).
• Industrial experience, either through working in or with industry would be desirable. 

Research requirements. 

• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation, in relation to Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results.
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques, and methods in the field of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
• Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise, industry or public engagement and similar activity.
• Prior research experience in one or more of the following areas: science and technology studies, qualitative and/or quantitative social research data collection, science communication/engagement, or responsible research and innovation.
• A demonstratable track record in working within multi-disciplinary research teams and contributions to team-based grant pursuit is also desirable.
• Demonstratable experience of developing/maintaining a national/international research profile through platforms/methods such as social media. 
• Demonstratable experience of practical robotic systems and the use of the Robot Operating System (ROS).

Education

• Experience of educational delivery at university level, to undergraduate or postgraduate cohorts, in the required subject areas of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, and related subjects. 
• A willingness to design, deliver, assess, and revise teaching programmes, creating an inclusive and supportive teaching and learning environment for students of all backgrounds.
• Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise, and similar activities that could enhance the student experience or employability, empowering students with diverse skills and experiences.

Management Administration

• Ability and willingness to contribute to School/Departmental management processes. 
• Ability to assess and organise resources effectively, creating a work environment that values diverse ideas and perspectives.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.

Informal enquiries to Professor Karl Dearn, email: k.d.dearn@bham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.