Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, NLP, Reinforcement Learning, and AI Security)
Join to apply for the Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, NLP, Reinforcement Learning, and AI Security) role at University of Bath.
The Department of Computer Science wishes to appoint academics to strengthen our rapidly growing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Research Group. We are looking for academics at the Lecturer and Senior Lecturer level, with expertise in Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning and/or AI Security to lead research, teach and help with the running of the department.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Research Group
The AI & Machine Learning Research Group at the University of Bath has grown significantly over recent years and includes experienced AI researchers such as Prof Nello Cristianini, Prof Özgür Şimşek and Prof Mike Tipping alongside a strong and growing group of early career researchers. This supportive and inclusive environment provides many opportunities to develop and progress. Our research is organised into four groups: Artificial Intelligence, Human‑Computer Interaction, Mathematical Foundations, and Visual Computing.
We are a highly collaborative team, working not only with other researchers in our department but across the university and beyond. The Department of Computer Science hosts the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Accountable, Responsible and Transparent Artificial Intelligence (ART‑AI), which brings together AI challenges across science, engineering, humanities and social sciences. You will have opportunities to collaborate with partners such as Google AI, DeepMind, the FCA, ONS, NHS, and universities including São Paulo, Zhejiang and Tsinghua.
As a department, we will offer you support and growth opportunities, including career mentoring, opportunities to progress, manage, lead and access to our network of application sector partners—including entertainment, sport, healthcare and technologies.
What You Will Do
Research
You will work with colleagues, students and researchers to develop and publish papers. You will apply for research funding to support your ideas. You will find ways of making your research available to society, for example, by working with industry, developing spin‑outs, collaborating with charities, influencing policymakers or delivering talks and demonstrations to inform and excite wider audiences.
Teaching
You will design and deliver teaching materials for lectures, tutorials and labs. You will be educating and inspiring some of the brightest students in the country, delivering an engaging experience and a supportive programme.
Helping with the running of the department
You will have a few internal roles to help the Department run smoothly. For instance, you might help with student placements, ethics processes, recruitment and admissions or lead a research team.
The support and growth opportunities we will give you
- Training for an HEA fellowship qualification – New Lecturers will be enrolled into the Pathway to HEA Fellowship. Senior Lecturers will have the option to do so.
- Mentoring – All staff are allocated a mentor when they join.
- Opportunities to progress, manage and lead – We’re a growing team and there are lots of opportunities to grow with us.
- Opportunities to collaborate and build on our networks – You will be able to work with and build on these networks to help with your research and to attract more funding.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate for both Lecturer and Senior Lecturer positions will hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline, along with a UG degree or equivalent experience. Membership in a professional body and a higher education teaching qualification (e.g., PGCert, FHEA) are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate substantial research experience in their field, with an emerging track record for Lecturers and an established research profile with funding success for Senior Lecturers. A deep conceptual understanding of their subject, alongside experience teaching at UG/PG levels, is essential. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to form positive collaborations, are required. Senior Lecturers should also exhibit academic leadership and a clear research vision. Both roles demand excellent organisational and administrative skills. A commitment to excellence in research and teaching, student experience, and ethical professional conduct is essential. Additionally, Senior Lecturers must have up‑to‑date knowledge of modern teaching methodologies, including learning technologies, and a strong research strategy.
Contact
If you have any questions or you would like to talk informally about the role, please contact Professor Eamonn O’Neill, , Head of Department, or Professor Özgür Şimşek, , Deputy Head of Department and Head of the AI and Machine Learning Research Group.
Interview dates
Potential interview dates: Online discussion on 11th March 2026 and on‑campus discussions on 20th and 21st April 2026.
Equal Opportunities
The University of Bath is an equal opportunities employer – we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We’re working to improve the gender balance in the Department of Computer Science, and we particularly welcome applications from women. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
Benefits
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family‑friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan to help with immigration expenses
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.
