Lecturer in Algorithms (Two posts)

Summary:

This is an exciting opportunity for a Lecturer in Algorithms at the University of Sheffield, a world top 100 University. Working in the Department of Computer Science, you will join our established Algorithms Group. The group focuses on the design and analysis of algorithms which provably solve computational problems efficiently and theory of hardness of computation. The role of Lecturer is equivalent to Assistant Professor.

The University of Sheffield aims to be at the forefront of algorithms and complexity theory research , and has identified the Algorithms Group as an area for prioritised growth. Accordingly, we are seeking to appoint two Lecturers working in the design and analysis of algorithms and complexity theory, with specialist expertise in an area including, but not limited to:

Computational complexity

• Communication, query, circuit, algebraic and proof complexity,
• Coding theory,
• Fine-grained complexity,
• Quantum computing and quantum information theory.

Algorithm design and analysis

• Randomised algorithms, approximation algorithms, parameterized complexity and fixed-parameter tractable algorithms,
• Streaming algorithms and sublinear-time algorithms,
• Online algorithms, learning augmented algorithms,
• Combinatorial optimisation,
• Distributed computing. 

Algorithms for artificial Intelligence

• Theoretical foundations of algorithms for AI,
• Theory of bio-inspired optimisation algorithms and evolutionary computation,
• Randomised search heuristics,
• Automated algorithm selection, generation and configuration (parameter tuning).

Algorithmic game theory

• Mechanism design and combinatorial auctions.

The role is supported with a generous startup package, including funding for conference travel and equipment and a PhD scholarship (paying UK fees and stipend for 3.5 years).

Sheffield provides a great environment for computer science research. In the recent UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 99% of our research was rated in the highest two categories (4* and 3*), meaning that it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Half of our research outputs were judged to be world-leading. We were rated as 8th in the UK (out of 90 institutions) for the quality of our research environment, and 70% of our impact was judged to be outstanding.

You will hold a PhD in computer science or a related area, and you will be able to conduct research to the highest standards. You will secure research funding, publish in high impact journals and conferences, supervise research students and manage research projects. As a teacher, you will play a key role in maintaining our reputation for high-quality teaching by designing, delivering and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate-level courses in computer science. We seek candidates who will be able to make a distinctive individual contribution to our algorithms research portfolio.

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience. The Department of Computer Science holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to equality and diversity.

This role has been identified as a full-time post, but we are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities with our staff which benefit both the individual and the University.