We are looking for up to two academics with expertise in human-computer interaction to lead research, teach and help with the running of the department.

We’re particularly looking for individuals with research interests in a core area of Human-Computer Interaction such as immersive, virtual and augmented reality, wearable computing, and fabrication of functional devices.  You will be part of the Human-Computer Interaction group within the Department of Computer Science. Your research interests might also engage with the other groups in the Department: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Visual Computing and Mathematical Foundations.

About the Human-Computer interaction Group

The department’s human-computer interaction (HCI) research group boasts a rich legacy as one of the most esteemed and accomplished HCI groups in the UK. With a track record of success spanning decades, we've consistently been at the forefront of shaping the future of how we interact with technology. The group has recently transitioned to a strong technical HCI focus and we take pride in our consistent contributions to premier HCI research venues including CHI, UIST, TOCHI, and IMWUT. These outputs are a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving innovation in the field.  

We currently specialize in a diverse range areas including:  

- Extended Reality (AR/MR/VR) including exergaming and fundamental work on understanding user experiences  

- Shape-changing interfaces   

- Interaction techniques including gaze, gestures, force input, and multimodal  

- Personal fabrication   

- Wearable devices  

- Brain-computer interfaces   

- AI/ML-driven computational interaction  

The group consists of experienced HCI leaders who have held or currently hold prestigious fellowships, alongside a vibrant cohort of emerging early career academics. Our proactive support system empowers every member, nurturing a culture of growth and innovation.  

Our group thrives on extensive interdisciplinary bonds, fostering close ties with the departments of Health, Psychology, and Chemistry, as well as the faculty of Engineering. Nestled strategically in the vibrant South West of England, the group has excellent links with industry, charitable organizations, and the NHS to help realise the full impact and potential of our research. In addition, the department and University actively support entrepreneurial endeavours and has invested considerable resource to support academics when commercialising their research.   

Join us in shaping the future of HCI. Elevate your research, broaden your horizons, and make an impact that resonates far beyond the academic realm. Together, let's redefine how humans and technology interact.

What you will do as a Lecturer:

Research
You will work with colleagues, students and researchers to develop and publish papers. You’ll apply for research funding to support your ideas. You will also find ways of opening up your research to wider society, for example, by working with industry, developing spin outs, collaborating with charities, influencing policy makers, or delivering talks and demonstrations to excite wider audiences.

Teaching
You will design and deliver teaching materials for lectures, tutorials, and labs. You’ll be educating and inspiring some of the brightest students in the country, helping to deliver an engaging experience and a supportive programme.

Helping with the running of the department
You’ll have a few internal roles to help the Department run smoothly. You might help with student placements, ethics processes, admissions, or lead a research team.

The support and growth opportunities we will give you

Training for an HEA Fellowship qualification
We will enrol you into the Pathway to HEA Fellowship, which will give you the skills and support you need for the teaching aspect of the role. The course lasts three years, after which you will become a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Mentoring
All of our staff are allocated a mentor when they join. Your mentor will support you in your day to day job, and help you progress.

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
We have developed strong networks of partners. You will be able to work with and build on these networks to help with your research and to attract more funding.

The qualifications, experience, and skills that you need for this role 

You need to have:

• a strong academic record
• a PhD, or be about to complete one

You might have:

• published papers
• experience in a post-doctoral researcher post  
• experience in tutoring as a PhD student
• experience giving lectures  
• experience leading a team or managing team members

You need to have shown the initiative and enthusiasm to:

• be a research leader – you’re keen to lead research projects, and you may even have led some already.
• take your research further – you look for ways your research can have impact in the wider world. You might have done some public engagement work, for instance, or your research may have been taken up by another organisation.

Further information

If you have any questions or you would like to talk informally about the role, please contact Professor Eamonn O’Neill, maseon@bath.ac.uk, Head of Department, or Professor Özgür Şimşek, os435@bath.ac.uk, Deputy Head of Department.

Interviews will be arranged over 17/18 October and 23/24 October.

What we can offer you:

We are an equal opportunities employer and have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations. We have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We’re working to improve the gender balance in the Department of Computer Science, and we particularly welcome applications from women. 

A family-friendly University with an increasingly agile workforce, we are open to flexible working arrangements. We’re also proud to be a disability confident leader and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require. 

We offer:

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme;
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance;
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce; 
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities.

Our campus is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and the City of Bath with its historic charm and social activity only a short distance away creates an excellent environment in which to work. Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.

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Further details:

• Job Description & Person Specification