Lecturer in Chemistry, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Faculty of Science and Engineering

We are recruiting to a Lecturer which is joint appointment between the departments of Chemistry and Computer Science (managed by the Department of Chemistry). This builds on a highly successful research programme between the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science in the areas of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (*Nature*, **2020**, *583*, 237). We are looking for individuals who will undertake research of an international standard and contribute to teaching in the Department of Chemistry and/or the Department of Computer Science (balance to depend on experience) at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

The appointment will be based on the proven research track-record or industrial experience of the candidates. We are seeking candidates with a chemistry background, broadly speaking. More important than experience in any particular area of chemistry is the ability to contribute to a joint programme spanning Chemistry and Computer Science that involves the use of autonomous robots for chemical research. As such, core skills in robotics or automation for chemistry, machine learning, or artificial intelligence are particularly desirable. We have already appointed one lecturer in this programme with a background in engineering and robotics; as such, we are looking for candidates with experience and a research vision that will complement this. 

The appointment will be joint between the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, reflecting the inherently cross-disciplinary nature of the field of ‘digital chemistry’ 

A key objective of the lectureship is to enhance the level of collaboration between these two departments in this area, and to maximise connectivity between two of our key research assets in the Faculty: The Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) and the Digital Innovation Facility (DIF). We are also seeking to broaden our external collaborations to create interdisciplinary collaborations outside the University, for example with researchers in the area of artificial intelligence (e.g. to create ‘smarter’ robots for chemistry). 

We are committed to encouraging, developing and supporting individuals in their research and academic careers. We are working to create an inclusive environment which values a diverse workforce and we recognise that many individuals value flexibility in their work/life balance. The post is full-time but may be taken up on a part-time (a minimum of 0.5 FTE) or a job share basis. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from groups underrepresented within our workforce, particularly women and people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background. There is no obligation to declare an interest in a part-time or flexible position in the application or at interview. This may be addressed after the selection process. 

We are signatories to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and so we do not permit the use of journal-based indicators when judging research quality. 

Please note that in terms of responsibilities and recognition, the position of a newly appointed lecturer in the UK is comparable to that of an assistant professor in the United States. 

The University has the right to close the vacancy early if it is deemed that there have been enough applications received.

For full details and to apply online, please click 'Apply' above.

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