Professors, Senior Lecturers & Lecturers in Data Science

POST DETAILS

Full-time, Fixed-term

THE POST

Stirling College, Chengdu University is looking for Professors, Senior Lecturers and Lecturers in Data Science to deliver modules on its BSc (Hons) Data Science programme, with the possibility of contributing to postgraduate teaching within the MSc Big Data programme where appropriate.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contextualising University of Stirling modules for delivery in China, selecting and developing appropriate learning materials and activities that reflect the contemporary data science environment in China and incorporating these into the programme, and in some instances developing material for completely new modules.

The BSc (Hons) Data Science award covers a range of areas including:

• Databases and data warehousing
• Scripting and programming
• Code performance analysis
• User interface design
• Statistics
• Machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision
• Information management
• Computer security
• Computer networks
• Research methods in computing science
• Artificial Intelligence

In addition to undergraduate teaching, staff may also have the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of postgraduate modules on the MSc Big Data programme. Postgraduate teaching may include advanced topics such as large-scale data systems, advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and applied data science research methods.

THE JOINT INSTITUTE

We are a Transnational Education (TNE) partnership between the University of Stirling and Chengdu University founded in 2021, following approval by the Chinese Ministry of Education. With a supportive and collegial culture and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities for our staff, we apply the rigorous academic standards of the University of Stirling's and the quality of student experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Stirling College is a thriving TNE institution, offering three undergraduate programmes, namely, BSc (Hons) Data Science, BA (Hons) Digital Media, and BA (Hons) Sports Studies, as well as postgraduate programmes including the MSc Big Data and MSc in Sport Management. We have over 1,100 students enrolled on these programmes and a diverse team of 70 staff members from 20 different countries, most of whom hold a PhD.

For non-Chinese nationals, we offer an attractive remuneration package, including free accommodation and flight allowance, in addition to salary paid on a monthly basis. Also, low tax rates and living cost allow them to build up significant savings compared to many countries outside China. We also offer Chinese language and culture classes to help new staff integrate into local social and cultural environment, enriching their life on and off campus.

Our commitment to staff support is evident, as seen in our recent onboarding experience survey where new staff reported being either satisfied or highly satisfied with the support they received when settling into their new roles with us.

We actively promote an environment of inclusivity and equality, where everyone’s contributions are valued. Our institution prides itself on supporting the professional and personal growth of its staff. Regular CPD sessions, peer observations, and individually tailored career plans are just a few of the ways we ensure our staff continue to grow with their roles.

We also offer clear pathways for promotion and encourage long-term career development within the organisation, making Stirling College a place where you can build and advance your career over the years.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Deliver up to twenty hours teaching per week (Monday to Friday) and be available in the staff office for at least six hours per week for student consultation.
• Contribute to module delivery and dissertation supervision on the MSc Big Data programme where appropriate.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, student-centred classes, including compiling relevant teaching materials.
• Develop, invigilate, mark, and second-mark assessments within agreed deadlines.
• Supervise undergraduate final-year projects and, where required, supervise postgraduate dissertations within the MSc Big Data programme.
• Participate in CPD activities, including completing a staff development plan, attending training, and engaging in peer observations.
• Take part in regular staff appraisal meetings and contribute to programme marketing when requested.
• Attend team meetings and undertake administrative responsibilities as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Ensure all duties are performed to the highest standard and within agreed timeline.

Please note that appointed staff need to be adaptable and actively participate in college activities, recognising the constantly evolving nature of international higher education. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as and when needed. This job description is subject to periodic review and may be updated in consultation with the line manager to reflect the institution's needs.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The successful candidate will normally demonstrate the following characteristics:

• For Professor and Senior Lecturer Positions – Candidates should have a PhD degree in a relevant subject area.
• For Lecturer Positions – at least a Master’s degree in a relevant subject area. We prefer recent PhD graduate or those who are pursuing a PhD.
• At least 2 years of Higher Education teaching experience in a relevant field.
• Track record of planning and delivering engaging, student-centred sessions in English.
• Experience of formulating assessment tasks in line with learning outcomes.
• Ability to contextualise learning for a Chinese context.
• Non-native English-speaking candidates should be able to evidence possession of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience of postgraduate teaching or supervising in data science, artificial intelligence, or big data-related areas is desirable.
• Experience in programme development, peer support and mentoring.
• Relevant industry experience.
• Experience of teaching in a UK/International Higher Education Institution.
• Certificated teaching qualification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary & Benefits

The position is a full-time teaching post based in Chengdu with a teaching load of up to twenty class hours per week, a competitive salary, an annual flight allowance and an apartment or apartment allowance for non-Chinese nationals.

We offer all full-time staff the opportunity to study for a full MA in Education (subject to line manager approval and overall teaching performance). All staff hold an individually negotiated development plan, regular peer observations are conducted throughout the semesters, and various CPD sessions are organised in-house or with external speakers throughout the year.

About the City

Chengdu is considered one of the most cities to live in China, home to the Giant Pandas and renowned for its delicious and varied cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and a wealth of cultural heritage, and is served by an extensive, clean and efficient metro system. The university is situated in a large and modern campus adjacent to a sizeable park on the outskirts of the city about 20 minutes from the city centre by metro. See more information about Chengdu at: https://www.gochengdu.cn/en

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to felicia.xu@stir.ac.uk, careers@stir.cdu.edu.cn

Candidates are encouraged to submit applications at their earliest convenience. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We prefer to appoint staff who intend to stay for several years.

The partnership is an equal opportunities employer, but successful candidates must meet the requirements for a Chinese work permit.

Number of Vacancies: 1-2