Part time fixed term
Location: York
Salary: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum (£17,305 to £19,953 pro rata)
Introduction to YSJ university
York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.
The School
Computer and Data Science is part of York Business School. Current undergraduate programmes include Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Data Science, with new pathways planned for 2027. Teaching is informed by active research and professional practice, emphasising inclusive learning, employability, applied experience, and authentic assessment through industry partnerships.
Students benefit from specialist computing laboratories, cybersecurity facilities, collaborative software development environments, and industry-standard technologies. Research strengths include:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Software Engineering
- Games and Games Technologies
The School maintains strong partnerships with industry to support collaborative projects, knowledge exchange, and real-world learning opportunities.
The Role
York St John University seeks to appoint an Academic Associate in Computer Science or a related discipline, starting in September 2026. This four-year fixed-term position combines:
- A full-time, tuition fee-waived PhD
- A 0.5 FTE teaching and assessment role on undergraduate programmes
Academic Associates undertake doctoral research under the supervision of the Computer and Data Science research team while gaining teaching experience. During teaching semesters, timetabled duties will not exceed six contact hours per week across two working days and may include seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Training and development opportunities are provided to support teaching skills and professional growth.
Research Areas
Applications are invited from candidates proposing research aligned with the School’s strengths, including:
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Games and Games Technologies
Interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged, particularly those demonstrating potential impact through the application of computing technologies to real-world challenges. Topics may include digital inclusion, responsible innovation, sustainable technologies, health and wellbeing, education, cybersecurity, public services, and social good.
Applicants should submit a research proposal of approximately 1,500 words demonstrating knowledge of current developments in their chosen field and readiness to undertake significant research. Prospective candidates are encouraged to discuss their ideas with relevant academic staff before applying.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A first-class or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline (or an equivalent overseas qualification).
- Applications are welcome from candidates currently studying for a Masters degree, provided that all assessment work is completed and marks confirmed before commencement of the PhD at York St John University.
- A high level of English proficiency sufficient for doctoral research, teaching, administration, and effective communication.
The University is committed to inclusion and will consider flexible working or job-share requests. Appointment is subject to acceptance onto a PhD programme at York St John University.
For further information:
Dr Theocharis Kyriacou – t.kyriacou@yorksj.ac.uk
Additional information
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.
This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we encourage you to please apply as early as possible as we may consider closing earlier if we receive a high level of applications. If the vacancy is closed earlier, all pending applicants will be notified and provided with 24 hours' notice to submit an application.
Application process support
We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.
If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk. Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point in the process please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs My Computer My Way (abilitynet.org.uk)
Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can be helpful in shaping your responses, but we encourage you to share your answers in your own words.
Our benefits package
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -
- Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
- Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
- Pension scheme
- Health Cash Plan after six months service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
- On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
- Relocation expenses package for certain roles
- Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)
Further information about life at YSJ
Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.
Read more about our culture, inclusive community, working arrangements and benefits for York St John employees
Read the latest news, views and stories from our staff and students.
Read more about our commitment to managing and reducing our environmental impact and to promoting sustainable development wherever we can.