Location: York 

Salary: £35,302 to £40,704 per annum (£17,651 to £20,352 pro rata)

Introduction to YSJ university

York St John University is one of the UK’s fastest-growing universities and has launched a new strategy focused on widening educational opportunity, impactful research, and contributing to a fairer society and more prosperous region.

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 AI-related and other 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. This four-year fixed-term position working 18.5 hours per week combines:

• An appointment to this role will include a tuition fee waiver/scholarship
• A condition of the post is full-time study
• Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University

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 in or closely related to:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Computer Vision

Interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged, particularly those demonstrating potential impact through the application of computing technologies to real-world challenges.

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).
• Applicants should have completed their Masters degree. Applications will also be accepted provided that all Masters assessment work is completed and marks confirmed before commencement of the PhD at York St John University in February 2027.
• 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.

Additional information

For general or supervision queries please contact Professor Theocharis Kyriacou – t.kyriacou@yorksj.ac.uk

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.

Closing Date: 17 Nov 2026

Programme/Section: Academic Associate

Salary: £35,302 to £40,704 per annum pro rata