Senior Lecturer in Computer Sciences

Stockholm University

Sweden

About the Department

For more information about us, please visit: Department of Computer and System Sciences

Subject Description

The rapid development of generative AI (artificial intelligence) is bringing about major changes in programming and software development, and also major changes in how these subjects are taught.

Large Language Models (LLMs) in AI are increasingly used to generate code, write documentation, create test cases and analyze data. This means that the work of programmers/system developers is changing by spending less time writing actual code, and more time instructing AI tools, reviewing and quality-assuring code. It also means completely new workflows where the programmer/system developer must interact with the AI tools in an appropriate way.

However, the opaque decision-making processes for AI models pose challenges for programmers/system developers to understand, validate and effectively utilize AI-generated code. The transparency and interpretability of AI-powered programming tools is important for creating trust in generated code, facilitating debugging and ensuring software quality.

With the advent of AI tools for programming/system development, teaching in these areas needs to change. It is important that we use AI tools in an educational and responsible way to teach students how to program and develop systems appropriately using AI tools. There is currently a risk that students learn to use AI tools uncritically without understanding and being able to take responsibility for the generated code.

Main Responsibilities

The main tasks are research, teaching, course development, course responsibility and supervision, with a focus on programming and software development where programmers/system developers and AI tools collaborate effectively.

The holder is expected to contribute to the unit's research in the area. The holder should be skilled both in the design and development of such systems and in the planning, implementation and publication of research studies based on them.

The position also includes teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including course responsibility and supervision of student theses.

The position is divided between research (55 percent) and teaching (45 percent).

Qualification Requirements

Eligible applicants for the position of Associate Senior Lecturer should hold a PhD in Computer and Systems Sciences or have equivalent research skills. Priority will be given in the first instance, to applicants who received a PhD or equivalent qualifications no more than seven years before the deadline for applications. However, an applicant who has received such a degree earlier may be considered under special circumstances.

The applicant must have the ability to cooperate with colleagues as well as other abilities that are required in order successfully to meet the demands of the position.

Assessment Criteria

Special emphasis will be placed on research skills demonstrated through the applicants own research with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects within the subject area.

Strong emphasis will be placed on skills both in the design and development of AI-based systems as well as in the planning, implementation, and publication of research studies based on them.

Strong emphasis will be placed on teaching proficiency within the focus of the call, demonstrated through one's own teaching and supervision at undergraduate and graduate levels. Teaching expertise must be well documented in a way that makes it possible to assess the quality of the pedagogical activities.

Strong emphasis will be placed on a detailed research plan covering the employment period.

Strong emphasis will be placed on a documented ability to cooperate well with colleagues and fellow researchers.

Strong emphasis will be placed on having successfully planned, applied for and obtained research project funds from external research funding bodies.

Emphasis will be placed on administrative skills and proven collaboration with the surrounding society and dissemination of research and development findings.

It is a merit to have completed at least 7.5 higher education credits in teaching and learning in higher education or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge.

It is a merit to have a documented ability of using Swedish in speech and writing at a professional level. This is demonstrated, for example, by documented experience of teaching in Swedish or a certificate of language skills corresponding to at least B2 level (CEFR).

About the Employment

Employment as an associate senior lecturer is limited to four years in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) (HF). The purpose of the position is to enable the associate senior lecturer to develop independence as a researcher and acquire the necessary qualifications for appointment to another more senior teaching position.

An associate senior lecturer at Stockholm University can apply for and ought to be promoted to senior lecturer for an indefinite term of employment if she or he meets the demands for promotion in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the Rules of Employment for the Recruitment and Promotion of Teachers at Stockholm University (AOSU) and Specific criteria for promotion from associate senior lecturer/assistant professor to senior lecturer/associate professor adopted by the The Board of Human Science (Dnr SU FV-1464-23). Note that the promotion criteria are the same regardless of the length of the employment.

The length of the employment is four years.

Additional Information

An applicant who does not have at least 7.5 higher education credits in teaching and learning in higher education, and is not deemed to have acquired equivalent knowledge, must complete such training within the first two years of employment.

Proficiency in Swedish is not a requirement for the position, but the applicant has to be ready to take on administrative and pedagogical tasks that demand an understanding and usage of Swedish after two years of employment.

The Faculty of Social Sciences strives for a gender balance, women are therefore encouraged to apply for this position.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from:

Professor Jelena Zdravkovic, Head of the Department
Phone: +46 16 49 94
Email: jelenaz@dsv.su.se

For questions regarding the application process:

Johan Magnéli, Administrator
Phone: +46 8 16 40 57
Email: johan.magneli@su.se

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the University’s instructions, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

We would appreciate it if your application is written in English. Since it will be examined by international experts, English is the working language.

Teaching positions: Instruction and application template.
The University’s rules of employment and instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

In the event of a discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation, the Swedish version takes precedence.

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