Professor of AI in Learning

The Open University is seeking to recruit a Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Learning to join the Institute of Educational Technology (IET). 

This is an exciting opportunity for an established academic to lead the development and growth of AI in the world-leading IET at the OU. IET is a global leader in the field of pedagogy, known for advancing open and distance learning globally. Since IET was established in 1970 we have been central to The Open University’s mission to be the world leader in researching, innovating and delivering supported, open and distance learning. Since then, we have contributed to research across many significant developments within education, driving understanding of how innovative technology can support learning, teaching and assessment.

As a senior colleague, you will play a significant role in enhancing and developing the strong research culture within IET, the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS), and OU more broadly. You will continue to advance your own research while building and further strengthening the thriving research programme of AI, learning analytics and design within IET. You will lead this research programme for which IET has a thriving community of colleagues who engage in AI, learning analytics and design research and contribute to understanding how students and educators learn, looking to REF2029 and the research environment beyond.  We are looking for someone who has an established track record in publications and research and knowledge exchange income, including grant capture, who can further build the research programme. Someone who will lead, develop, and work with established Professors and colleagues within IET and across the OU. 

Through your own achievements and your supportive leadership, you will contribute to the IET’s increased success in obtaining external funding, produce high quality research outputs, ensure the impact of IET’s research, and undertake external engagement activities. You will also contribute to the recruitment and support of research students and will take a key role in mentoring new and career-early staff and helping more established colleagues develop their careers. In addition, you will also support the Associate Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, Associate Director of Quality Enhancement and Innovation, and Associate Director, Curriculum in developing new AI applications, teaching materials, evaluations and impact studies approved by the University.

You will have an active and compelling research agenda that engages with contemporary developments in AI in education and/or learning. You will have an established international research reputation and an impressive record of publications with a commitment to the dissemination of research to stakeholders and beneficiaries beyond academia. You will have a significant record of success in securing external funding income. Your excellent leadership record will include demonstrable achievements in assisting the development of more junior colleagues. You will be able to lead and contribute to the development of quality enhancement and curriculum projects. 

This role will report into the Associate Director, Research and Knowledge Exchange. 

This professorial appointment is expected to contribute positively to research, teaching and academic management in the following ways:  

Research 

• Contribute significantly to the research profile and 2029 Research Excellence Framework submissions of IET through a strong record of high-quality publications, alongside the effective dissemination and application of AI, learning analytics and design research by other routes.
• Actively engage/lead in grant bidding and other income generating activities in line with IET and WELS research strategies, alongside activity to support and encourage others to bid more effectively.
• Play a leadership and mentoring role in the development and delivery of a sustainable research strategy for the research programme of AI, learning analytics and design within IET.
• Work effectively and collaboratively to develop a shared research culture by fostering existing research strengths and growing new excellence, including through research mentoring of academics in IET, especially new and career-early staff.
• Supervise research students.  

• To contribute to teaching by producing online course materials and/or supporting the Quality Enhancement and Innovation activities in IET as agreed in consultation with the Director of IET.
• To contribute to institutional-level strategy and projects on AI in teaching and learning. 

 Academic Leadership 

• Provide core intellectual leadership on AI within IET and WELS.
• Represent IET and the University externally in ways that enhance the standing and reputation of the University nationally and internationally.  
• Consistently contribute in positive ways to the development of a collegial and engaged academic community in IET, WELS and the University.

Candidates interested in applying for the role of Professor of AI in Learning should be able to demonstrate the essential skills and experience listed below.  

Essential 

• An established and successful programme of high-quality research in a field that complements and extends the current research programmes of IET.
• An internationally excellent research profile, including high quality outputs suitable for a REF submission to the appropriate unit of assessment.
• Evidence of research achievements that have considerable reach, external significance, and outstanding impact.
• Strong AI expertise - understanding the architecture and designing AI systems (machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, programming, big data analysis etc).
• Strong understanding of the principles of learning and applications to designing and/or evaluating AI systems.
• Evidence of exemplary academic leadership, innovation and outstanding performance within their subject area or discipline, for example through: 

1. Giving keynote speeches and plenary addresses
2. Membership of editorial boards or academic presses
3. Undertaking professional activities that recognise their professional standing within the discipline or subject area
4. Management of a major strategic project
5. Leadership and management of major interdisciplinary project

• Significant success in obtaining external research income (including acting as Principal Investigator on significant grants won in peer review).
• An excellent record of successful supervision of research students.
• A record of intellectual leadership in collaborative settings.
• A record of developing innovative and effective teaching and learning materials.
• An excellent record of assisting staff development and mentoring new and career-early staff.
• A record of leadership at an organisational and/or strategic level with demonstrable results, including enabling others to succeed with achieving objectives.
• A doctorate in an area related to educational technology/AI.
• Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.
• A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position.

Desirable 

• Ability to combine a range of research approaches to effectively understand learning and learner experiences with AI.
• A record of active membership of appropriate external bodies and networks e.g. AIED, SoLAR, ACM, IEEE.
• Established Professorial experience at another higher education institution.
• Senior Fellowship (or higher) of the UK Higher Education Academy, or equivalent teaching experience/standing in the UK or in another country.

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

The role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office and there is an expectation that the role holder will work on campus at least 3 days per week. 

If shortlised, we anticipate interviews taking place onsite in Milton Keynes W/C 18th May. During this week, we would also expect a presentation to be delivered to the recruitment panel. 

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 2000 words and should outline how your skills and experience to date meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above)

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