Professor of Computer Science and Head of Department

Ref: 7855

University of Reading

Reading, UK

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Role coordinated by:

Tadhg Waddington

Research Associate

t: +44 (0) 20 7340 7369

e: tadhg.waddington@perrettlaver.com

Primary Practice Group: Higher Education and Research

Salary & Benefits: Competitive

Closing Date: 22/05/2025

The University of Reading is looking for a new Head of Department of Computer Science at an exciting time in the Department's development. The new Head of Department will have the opportunity to maintain the current growth momentum, whilst building on existing, successful strategies in both research and teaching excellence, taking advantage of our School's strength in environmental sciences to build strategic partnerships that will reshape our programme portfolio and enhance the student experience. 

The appointment as Head of Department will be for an initial term of 5 years, with an underlying permanent position as Professor of Computer Science. 

The successful candidate will have a clear vision for the Department of Computer Science to thrive in a competitive teaching and research environment and the leadership skills and experience needed to work within a complex organisation to co-develop and deliver this vision with existing staff and new staff recruited to develop the Department. In addition, the ability to identify and manage competing priorities, and to lead, manage and communicate effectively with colleagues holding different perspectives will be essential. 

It is an exciting time to be joining the Department. The Department has strong research activity in Advanced Computing for the Environmental Sciences (with excellent links to the Met Office, ECMWF and national providers of high-performance computing) and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (including Computer Vision). Our teaching portfolio includes BSc Computer Science, BSc Data Science, and MSc programmes in Data Science & Advanced Computing, Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence, and Applied AI for Business. The Department is expecting to advertise for several academic posts during 2025 to 2027 and the new Head of Department will play a key role in shaping and recruiting to those positions. 

We are particularly interested in candidates with research expertise in strategically important areas to the department including Data Science and Artificial Intelligence applied to Environmental Science, Health, Security and Digital Humanities.  

How to Apply 

Perrett Laver are supporting the recruitment to this post. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tadhg Waddington at tadhg.waddington@perrettlaver.com or +44(0)20 7340 736. 

Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification. The closing date for applications is Thursday 22nd May at 9:00am BST

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