Assistant Professor Transformative Technologies, Innovation and Global Affairs (Research and Education)

Salary:

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £45,585 to £54,395 with potential progression once in post to £61,198

Role Summary

The School of Government at the University of Birmingham welcomes applications at Assistant Professor level from candidates with academic interests at the intersection of transformative technologies, innovation, and global affairs.

We are seeking to appoint exceptional candidates to contribute to the Data Science Initiative in the College of Social Sciences, which aims to expand research and practice focused on transformative technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence) and data science in the social sciences. This forms part of a sustained and increasing programme of investment in data science and AI research at the University of Birmingham. As our Data Science Initiative expands, we aim to build up our position in the global ecosystem where cutting-edge technology perspectives interface with society, businesses, and government issues. 

Transformative technologies bear immense potential to solve global problems, but they also pose new unforeseen risks. Recent advancements in AI have the potential to fundamentally transform the public and private sector, including personal and collective spheres. This technological leap requires well-thought-out approaches, policies, regulations, and other responses, both domestically and internationally. It calls on academic, industry and governmental partners to develop responsible technologies that deliver for the good of humanity.

To this end, we are creating an academic position with a significant focus on government and business engagement, and domestic and international partnerships. An Assistant Professor appointment in this role would act as a bridge between academia, industry, and government - three sectors that frequently operate in separate silos but stand to gain significantly from increased collaboration. They would expedite knowledge transfer, promote the application of our research, and cultivate an understanding of how AI can be harnessed to address national and global challenges.

You will contribute to a range of research, teaching and administration. In addition you will be expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, developing and maintaining generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students, and ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others can carry out theirs.

Person Specification

Successful candidates will normally possess a higher Degree in a relevant discipline area or equivalent qualifications, a well-established research trajectory, evidenced by an outstanding record of publications, a passion for and capacity to conduct original research and to lead a research group. They will exhibit exceptional teaching proficiency and commitment to academic supervision. We are looking for individuals who are current and emerging leaders in the field.

All applications must contain the following supporting documents via the online application system:

• Cover letter addressing your suitability for the role.
• Full CV.
• Teaching statement (up to 2 pages).
• Contact details for three referees. 
• Research statement (up to 2 pages).

Informal enquires to Professor René Lindstädt (Head of School of Government) at R.Lindstaedt@bham.ac.uk; Professor Slava Jankin (School of Government and IIDSAI) at v.jankin@bham.ac.uk; Dr. Timea Nochta (INLOGOV) - t.nochta@bham.ac.uk. 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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