Professor of AI in Learning (AI)

TL;DR

Professor of AI in Learning (AI): Lead the development and growth of AI research programme in learning analytics and design with an accent on advancing open and distance learning through innovative technology. Focus on securing external funding, producing high-impact publications, mentoring staff and students, and contributing to AI applications in teaching and assessment.

Location: Hybrid in Milton Keynes, UK - contractually aligned to Milton Keynes office with expectation to work on campus at least 3 days per week. Interviews onsite in Milton Keynes.

Salary: £77,277 to £86,527

Company

UK’s largest university and world leader in flexible part-time education, open and distance learning research, and pedagogy innovation.

What you will do

• Lead AI, learning analytics, and design research programme, contributing to high-quality publications and REF2029 submissions.
• Engage in grant bidding, secure external funding as Principal Investigator, and mentor others in income generation.
• Provide intellectual leadership on AI within IET and WELS, representing the university externally.
• Supervise research students and mentor new and early-career staff to build research culture.
• Contribute to teaching by developing online materials and supporting AI projects in quality enhancement and innovation.
• Develop new AI applications, teaching materials, evaluations, and impact studies.

Requirements

• Doctorate in educational technology/AI or related area.
• Established international research reputation in AI in education/learning with high-quality publications and REF-suitable outputs.
• Strong AI expertise including machine learning, deep learning, NLP, programming, big data analysis.
• Strong understanding of learning principles for designing/evaluating AI systems.
• Significant success securing external research grants and supervising students.
• Proven academic leadership, mentoring, staff development, and collaborative project management.
• Record of innovative teaching materials and external engagement.

Nice to have

• Experience combining research approaches for AI in learner experiences.
• Membership in AIED, SoLAR, ACM, IEEE or similar networks.
• Established professorial experience at another HE institution.
• Senior Fellowship of UK Higher Education Academy or equivalent.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working discussions including job share, part-time, compressed hours.
• Range of benefits for work-life balance including staff perks detailed on benefits page.
• Collegial academic community focused on research excellence and innovation.
• Policies supporting equality and adjustments for applications/recruitment.

Hiring process

• Submit CV and supporting statement (max 2000 words) addressing essential/desirable criteria.
• If shortlisted, onsite interviews in Milton Keynes w/c 18th May with presentation to panel.