Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

Location:

Chengdu, China (On-site)

Institute:

CDUT-Oxford Brookes College

Programme:

MSc in Big Data & Artificial Intelligence

Start Date:

September 2026 or earlier

We are seeking highly motivated and qualified academics to join our dynamic team at the CDUT-Oxford Brookes College. This role is at the heart of our new MSc in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, a programme designed to equip students with the advanced technical skills and theoretical foundations required to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. If you are an educator passionate about shaping the next generation of AI and data science professionals, we want to hear from you.

The Role

You will deliver high-quality, practical teaching across the programme's core modules, which cover the full spectrum of data science and AI. Your teaching portfolio will include:

• Programming and Software Tools (COMP7001): Introducing students to the principles of programming, software engineering, and the use of software libraries for data science and AI solutions.
• Principles of Data Science (COMP7035): Guiding students through data collection, processing, analysis, and visualisation methodologies, with an emphasis on data security and privacy.
• Machine Learning and Data Mining (COMP7034): Teaching students the fundamentals of machine learning algorithms, data mining techniques, and responsible AI practices, including model evaluation, bias mitigation, and ethical considerations.
• Statistical Modelling (COMP7036): Equipping students with regression analysis techniques, generalised linear models, and advanced statistical methods essential for robust data analysis.
• Research Methods (COMP7037): Preparing students to conduct rigorous, ethical research, including literature review, project planning, and understanding of professional and legal issues in computing.
• Group Software Project (COMP7029): Facilitating collaborative, live project experiences where students apply software production principles, project management, and teamwork to solve real-world problems.
• MSc Dissertation in Computing Subjects (COMP7039): Supervising students through their final research project, guiding them from proposal to final thesis.

This role requires a strong technical foundation combined with the ability to teach complex concepts in an accessible, applied manner. You will guide students through the entire data science lifecycle, from data preparation and exploratory analysis to machine learning model deployment and evaluation, always with an emphasis on ethical practice, information security, and responsible innovation.

In addition to postgraduate teaching, you will be expected to teach and mentor final-year (Level 6) undergraduate students enrolled in the dual bachelor's degree, including supervising their final year research projects.

The teaching load is up to 20 class periods per week. Due to the profile of our students, who are often working professionals, teaching may be scheduled in the evenings or on weekends. You will also provide at least 6 class periods per week of office hours for student support and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver innovative, practical, and theoretically grounded teaching across data science, machine learning, AI, and software development modules at postgraduate and undergraduate levels.
• Teach students how to use programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and data science tools to collect, process, analyse, visualise, and model complex datasets.
• Guide students in understanding the ethical, legal, and security implications of AI and data-driven systems, fostering a culture of responsible practice.
• Provide comprehensive academic support and mentorship, supervising master's dissertations and undergraduate final year research projects with a focus on applied AI and data science problems.
• Facilitate group software projects, helping students develop collaboration, project management, and technical documentation skills.
• Actively contribute to the academic environment through curriculum development, collaborative initiatives, and participation in performance reviews.
• Uphold the highest standards of education and scholarly engagement.
• Participate in staff development, including completing a staff development plan, attending training, and engaging in peer observations.
• Take part in staff appraisals and contribute to programme marketing if requested.
• Attend team meetings and fulfil administrative responsibilities as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Ensure all duties are performed to the highest standard and within agreed timelines.

Selection Criteria Essential:

• A PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of higher education teaching experience at the postgraduate level, demonstrating the ability to teach practical programming and data science skills, preferably at a Senior Lecturer level or higher.
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages for data science and AI (e.g., Python, R) and relevant libraries/frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• A strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, statistical modelling, and data mining techniques.
• Proven experience in supervising postgraduate dissertations and/or undergraduate final year research projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
• A commitment to fostering student success and a positive learning experience.
• Willingness to teach in the evenings or on weekends as required.

Desirable:

• Experience teaching within the British higher education system or on British university modules.
• Experience teaching in transnational education (TNE) or joint programme settings.
• A postgraduate degree (PhD or Master's) obtained from a British university.
• An emerging or established research profile in AI, machine learning, data science, or a related field, evidenced by publications.
• Experience with industry collaboration or applied AI/data science projects.
• Experience developing curriculum for Chinese learners in an English-medium context, with an understanding of the linguistic and cultural considerations involved.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies.
• Experience facilitating group projects or industry-sponsored live projects.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive Package: An attractive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Relocation Support: Comprehensive support including annual flight allowance. On-campus accommodation or a housing allowance may be available subject to availability and university policy at the time of appointment, and full visa/residence assistance.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for personalised professional development and career advancement.
• Research Opportunities: Potential to engage in research aligned with the institute's strategic goals.
• Lifestyle Assistance: Dedicated support team to help with all aspects of living and settling in Chengdu.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials to careers-pg@zy.cdut.edu.cn

Please submit the following:

• A detailed CV outlining your academic qualifications, teaching experience, research profile, and relevant professional experience.
• A cover letter (max. one page) explaining your teaching philosophy, preferred module(s) and how your skills and experience align with the selection criteria.

Application Deadline: May 22nd, 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our internal job application form and will receive further details on salary and benefits. For inquiries about the position, please contact Waseem Abbasi at waseem@zy.cdut.edu.cn