Overview

As part of an ambitious strategy for growth, the Department of Computer Science is seeking to appoint a Lecturer with outstanding expertise in the field of software and hardware verification in particular, and logic and programming principles more broadly.

The Verification Group is an established research group in the department. It hosts five members of staff and two researchers (PhD students or Research Associates). Current research ranges from the mathematical and logical foundations of programming to practical verification methods and tools to support these. Particular strengths of the group include the semantics of concurrent and distributed systems, logics, algebras and formal methods for programs and software systems, verification of hybrid and cyber physical systems, verification of multi-core programs and weak memory models, as well as interactive and automated theorem proving.

You will conduct research to the highest standards. This will include securing research funding, publishing in high impact journals, supervision of research students and research project management.

Applicants will hold a PhD in Computer Science or a related area. As a Lecturer, 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 verification and other core topics in computer science.

Person Specification

Applicants should provide evidence in their applications that they meet the following criteria. We will use a range of selection methods to measure candidates’ abilities in these areas including reviewing your online application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action relevant to the post.

We are keen to attract a diverse applicant pool, and we are aware that some under-represented groups are typically less confident about applying for jobs unless they are sure they comfortably meet all the criteria. With this in mind, we encourage all potential candidates to reflect on their strengths and experience in the broadest sense, including transferable skills where appropriate, when considering their suitability for the position.

Application Process

In addition to the standard University online application form, all candidates should also submit:

• A full academic CV.
• A statement of published outputs in which you identify your three best peer reviewed publications. For one of these you should provide a short statement of no more than 100 words describing the originality, significance and rigour of the paper (the extent to which the purpose of the work is clearly articulated, an appropriate methodology for the research area has been adopted, and compelling evidence presented to show that the purpose has been achieved).

About the Team

The vision of the Department of Computer Science is to achieve research excellence and impact by translating fundamental knowledge into practice, through collaboration with end users. Research in the Department is organised into research groups, which cover interests in verification, algorithms, testing, machine learning, cybersecurity, complex systems modelling, natural language processing, speech and hearing, visual computing and organisations, information and knowledge.

We are major contributors to research institutes in the areas of robotics (Sheffield Robotics), in silico medicine (Insigneo) and assistive technologies for healthcare (CATCH). We also support a Research Software Engineering (RSE) group that provides expertise in research software and high-performance computing to the wider University. There is substantial cross-group research activity in many areas, ensuring that research is multidisciplinary and collaborative. You can read more about research in the Department at www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs/research.

The Department attracts a high level of external funding from UK Research Councils, the European Union and industry. Our record for leadership in collaborative research is outstanding. We were recently awarded a UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Speech and Language Technologies.

We offer 3-year and 4-year undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. We have a strong reputation for innovative teaching methods based on enterprise, industrial projects and problem-based learning. At Masters level we run a MSc in Advanced Computer Science, and specialised MSc programmes in Speech and Language Processing, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. The Department is a member of the Institute of Coding, a £20m UK Government initiative to improve digital skills training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly place to work, where mutual respect for diversity and equality is a shared value. In 2016 we were recognised for our work on diversity and equality with a Silver Athena SWAN award. More information on the Department of Computer Science can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/dcs.

Job Description

Methods for the verification of hardware and software systems belong to the core of computer science and form a key technology for making computing systems safe. They are currently finding their way into industrial development processes and are expected to revolutionise these in the near future. Thus, there is great potential and high demand for theoretical and application-driven research in verification, which ranges from the development of abstract mathematical models to the design of industry-strength verification tools. The University of Sheffield aims to be at the forefront of this development and has established verification as an area of prioritised growth.

We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer with outstanding expertise in the field of hardware and software verification and the broader context of logic and programming principles in order to extend or complement the existing strengths within the department. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• the verification of weak or transactional memory systems;
• the verification of concurrent systems;
• the verification of hybrid or cyber physical systems;
• quantitative verification methods (e.g. with probabilistic or stochastic features);
• development of verification tools (with interactive theorem provers, SMT solvers, model checkers);
• type-based program verification;
• related work on the semantic and mathematical foundations of computing.

Successful candidates must demonstrate a strong publication record in leading journals and conferences, and show the ability or potential to attract research funding. Experience of teaching core topics in computer science is desirable.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute fully as a teacher, researcher and leader, fulfilling at least six of the criteria (four core and at two additional criteria) of the University’s Academic Career Pathway Framework (ACP).

High Quality Teaching Practice (core)

• Demonstrate high-quality teaching practice through the effective design, delivery, assessment and evaluation research-led teaching programmes to enable effective learning. This includes identifying learning objectives, selecting appropriate curricula, teaching methods, and resources, and determining, designing and producing appropriate study material. You will also prepare and implement student assessments, ensuring effective moderation and timely feedback.
• Undertake personal tutor/pastoral responsibilities for undergraduate and postgraduate students, directing them, as required, to University support services appropriate to their needs.

Curriculum Enhancement (additional)

• Contribute to the design and development of programmes of study that are accessible, inclusive and contribute to the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy. This includes developing, revising and updating programme content and delivery, and ensuring compliance with quality standards, regulations and accreditation requirements.
• Plan teaching up to one year ahead unless there are significant teaching programme changes or new courses then plan for up to two years ahead of their introduction.

Improving Teaching Practice (additional)

• Demonstrate continuing professional development in teaching by developing and implementing ideas for improving own teaching design, delivery and assessment, in order to build pedagogic knowledge and demonstrate impact.

Research Income and Supervision (additional)

• Conduct a programme of high-quality personal research by identifying and securing varied sources of funding. Appropriate levels of research income are determined by the disciplinary or sub disciplinary norms for your department.
• Manage or co-manage external research funding over a period of grants.
• Attract high-quality research staff to support the delivery of research. Provide effective leadership and line management to research staff, including a proactive approach to training and development.
• Attract high-quality research students and provide them with effective supervision. Aim to complete one internal and one external PhD student every three years.

High Quality Outputs (core)

• Disseminate research findings through, for example high-quality publications and conference presentations. Ensure that at least one item in a rolling three-year period is judged through peer review as being internationally excellent or better in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

Research Impact (additional)

• Ensure research impact through activities that demonstrate an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life beyond academia. Activity that supports this includes undertaking meaningful public engagement activity, patent applications, consultancy contracts for institutional benefit, two-way engagement with policy makers in own research area, etc.
• Contribute to, and build cross-research group activity.

Academic Citizenship (core)

• Actively contribute to the collective vision, mission and values of the University through individual action and inclusive, collaborative working.
• Contribute to the life of the Department of Computer Science, the Faculty of Engineering and the wider University community through administration responsibilities and committee membership, as required.

Change and Innovation (additional)

• Demonstrate leadership by constructively challenging establish practice, structure and process in order to bring about positive change and improved outcomes.

Accountable Decision Making (additional)

• Through a leadership role, consistently make accountable, creative and considered decisions in response to a range of emerging issues and opportunities.

Professional Standing and Wider Engagement (core)

• Participate in and develop links with external contacts (within academic, professions or with industry) to foster collaboration, at a regional and national level.
• Be actively involved in professional activities such as refereeing papers, editing journals, refereeing research grants, external examining, organising conferences, committee membership and involvement with professional bodies.

Additional Duties

• Plan and prioritise own work, and forward plan up to five years for some tasks.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Reward Package

Terms and conditions of employment: Will be those for Grade 8 (Lecturer) staff.

Salary for this grade: Grade 8 (Lecturer): £41,526 – £49,553 per annum with potential to progress to £54,765 through sustained exceptional contribution.

This post is open ended.

This is a full-time post. 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. Therefore, we would consider flexible delivery of the role subject to meeting the business needs of the post. If you wish to explore flexible working opportunities in relation to this post, we encourage you to call or email the departmental contact listed below.

Relocation support for new staff, partners and families. The University of Sheffield recognises the importance of supporting its new staff by making the move to take up a position at the University as straightforward as possible. As well as our generous relocation packages to assist with removal costs and practicalities, we recognise that changing work location is both a practical matter and also a major life change, often affecting partners and families too. We’ll provide as much help as we can.

If you join the University you will have access to a Total Reward Package that includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development. You will have access to your own personalised portal where you can also access a comprehensive selection of benefits and offers to suit your changing lifestyle needs, for example financial wellbeing, travel options, shopping and cinema discounts.

To find out more visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/thedeal

The University is committed to tackling the global climate emergency. Our sustainability strategy forms an integral part of all we do. We strive to embed this in all areas of university life, from our students’ education, the globally impacting international research we contribute, to campus life.

We aim to empower staff to work sustainably by giving them the knowledge to make ethical decisions at work and home. Staff have the opportunity to be involved in impactful sustainability projects through the nationally recognised Green Impact scheme.

Staff have access to excellent green benefits including the cycle to work scheme with discounts and free secure bike storage, as well as many greener choices across campus. If you have an interest in this area, the university will strive to passionately support you in these commitments. Check out www.sheffield.ac.uk/sustainability for more information.

We are committed to making the University a remarkable place to work and we support this through a number of sector leading services such as Juice. 

Our innovative Health and Wellbeing service, Juice, encourages and supports staff to maintain their own positive health and wellbeing through a broad range of inclusive services and activities.

To find out more visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/juice

Our leadership development is designed to ensure that our leaders have the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by the University.

To find out more visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/sld/impact

Inclusion at Sheffield is everyone's responsibility. Our vision is to build a University community that actively attracts, engages and develops talented individuals from many different backgrounds.

We are proud of our award-winning equality, diversity and inclusion action, and 90% of staff tell us they are treated with fairness and respect (staff survey 2018). We continue working to create a fully inclusive environment where everyone can flourish.

To find out more visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/inclusion

We are the only university to feature in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-for-Profit organisations to work for 2018. In our staff survey (2018) 92% of staff said they were proud to work for the University and 83% of our staff would recommend the University as an excellent place to work. To find out more about what it’s like to work here visit remarkable.group.shef.ac.uk

Selection – Next Steps

Closing date: For details of the closing date please view this post on our web pages at www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs

Following the closing date, we will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process. Please note that due to the large number of applications that we receive, it may take up to two working weeks following the closing date before the recruiting department will be able to contact you.

It is anticipated that presentations will be held on 26th April 2021, with interviews held on

10th March 2021. Full details will be provided to invited candidates.

For more information on our application and recruitment processes visit; www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/info

Informal enquiries

For informal enquiries about this job and the recruiting department, contact:

Professor Georg Struth at g.struth@sheffield.ac.uk

For administration queries and details on the application process, contact the lead recruiter:

Jo Lawrence at j.l.lawrence@sheffield.ac.uk.

For all online application system queries and support, visit: www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/applying

Creating a remarkable place to work

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, 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.

We are consistently ranked in the top 100 of the world’s universities, but there’s so much more to us than that. By joining the University, you will be joining award-winning teams and departments who are all working together to make the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work.

Learn more here.