Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Games (0028-25) - Derby, DE22 1GB

University of Derby
Derby
5 months ago
Applications closed

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Games (0028-25) - Derby, DE22 1GBAbout the UniversityWe have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.About the College/DepartmentOur College of Science and Engineering is made up of the School of Science, School of Computing, School of Sport and Exercise Science, and School of Engineering. We are the University’s STEM College, in a city with a strong STEM heritage that hosts some of the world\\s leading STEM companies, and in a region with STEM at the centre of its economic growth plan.The Discipline of Computing and Mathematics sits at the leading edge of teaching, research, and innovation, with a strong academic reputation in undergraduate and postgraduate education, research, and knowledge transfer.  The Discipline delivers an expanding range of programmes including undergraduate degrees in Computer Games, Computer Games Modelling and Animation, Computer Science, and Information Technology.  We offer traditional campus-based programmes at our modern campus in the heart of Derby including our new custom built Computer Games Laboratory located at the Institute of Technology.  The city of Derby is one of the historic heartlands of the Computer Games Industry with a number of world leading games companies in the region publishing some of the most famous titles.   Many of our colleagues are active in enterprise and research and have international profiles, maintaining close links with industry regionally, national, and internationally, as part of the Fourth Pillar of the University Strategy.This is an exciting time in Computing and Mathematics at the University of Derby.  Building on recent REF, KEF and TEF success, we are investing in, and growing a number of key areas.  This includes the £13m Institute of Technology that opened in 2023, expanding our Data Sciences Research Centre, and further growing our areas of expertise in a number of areas including Computer Games & Immersive Technologies.About the RoleTo support this expansion we are investing in an appointment at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level in Computer Games Programming or Computer Games Design. The successful candidate will have interests in areas such as Unity or Unreal, C#, 2D and 3D design tools, sound design tools, immersive technologies, game play, and other tools and best practice at the leading edge of the Computer Games Industry and/or applications of Computer Games technology to diverse sectors.As a Lecturer, you will have potential to deliver a high quality student focussed student experience, a growing reputation and record of excellence which demonstrates an emerging contribution to the furtherance of knowledge in your discipline, potential to grow this reputation with the production of high quality outputs or enterprise activities, and potential to attract or contribute to external projects.As a Senior Lecturer, you will be able to evidence the progression, development, and impact of this contribution both in teaching, and in research/enterprise.In this role, with your teaching, innovation, enterprise, and emerging leadership skills, you will contribute to raising the national and international profile of our School and University. You will support the ongoing development and delivery of our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, mentor students and colleagues, and become a key member of our team. You will engage with a variety of responsibilities including teaching, education, research, enterprise, and administrative duties in alignment with the School strategy and goals.Anticipated interview date: 14th May 2025. Interviews will be held on-site at our Markeaton Street campus.About YouWe are looking for a dedicated professional with a PhD in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience, ideally with published game titles. Candidates should demonstrate potential to secure external funding or lead enterprise activities and have a growing profile within academia or the games industry.A strong commitment to enhancing the student experience, supporting attainment, and driving engagement is essential. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, along with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively. A commitment to continuous academic and professional development, the ability to develop project proposals, and experience collaborating with regional, national, or international networks, and a desire to develop leadership and mentoring skills, will be key to success in this role.BenefitsGenerous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Teacher’s Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymDiscounted access to Devonshire SpaCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional developmentKey ContactFor further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Alistair McEwan, Head of Discipline - Computing and Mathematics via  For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via InformationThis role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£38,700 per annum).If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less than the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if: Your job is on the Immigration Skills ListYou’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional trainingYou have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher educationPlease note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.For more information, visit our website.The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody\\s concern.Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here. Closing Date: 27 Apr 2025 Area: Teaching and Research Salary: £38,249 to £55,755 per annum

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Why the UK Could Be the World’s Next AI Jobs Hub

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly moved from research labs into boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals, and homes. It is already reshaping economies and transforming industries at a scale comparable to the industrial revolution or the rise of the internet. Around the world, countries are competing fiercely to lead in AI innovation and reap its economic, social, and strategic benefits. The United Kingdom is uniquely positioned in this race. With a rich heritage in computing, world-class universities, forward-thinking government policy, and a growing ecosystem of startups and enterprises, the UK has many of the elements needed to become the world’s next AI hub. Yet competition is intense, particularly from the United States and China. Success will depend on how effectively the UK can scale its strengths, close its gaps, and seize opportunities in the years ahead. This article explores why the UK could be the world’s next global hub for artificial intelligence, what challenges it must overcome, and what this means for businesses, researchers, and job seekers.

The Best Free Tools & Platforms to Practise AI Skills in 2025/26

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the UK and worldwide. Whether you are a student exploring AI for the first time, a graduate looking to build your portfolio, or an experienced professional upskilling for career growth, having access to free tools and platforms to practise AI skills can make a huge difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best free resources available in 2025, covering AI coding platforms, datasets, cloud tools, no-code AI platforms, online communities, and learning hubs. These tools allow you to practise everything from machine learning models and natural language processing (NLP) to computer vision, reinforcement learning, and large language model (LLM) fine-tuning—without needing a huge budget. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap of where to start practising your AI skills for free, how to build real-world projects, and which platforms can help you land your next AI job.

Top 10 Skills in Artificial Intelligence According to LinkedIn & Indeed Job Postings

Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche field reserved for research labs or tech giants—it has become a cornerstone of business strategy across the UK. From finance and healthcare to manufacturing and retail, employers are rapidly expanding their AI teams and competing for talent. But here’s the challenge: AI is evolving so quickly that the skills in demand today may look different from those of just a few years ago. Whether you’re a graduate looking to enter the industry, a mid-career professional pivoting into AI, or an experienced engineer wanting to stay ahead, it’s essential to know what employers are actually asking for in their job ads. That’s where platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed provide valuable insight. By analysing thousands of job postings across the UK, they reveal the most frequently requested skills and emerging trends. This article distils those findings into the Top 10 AI skills employers are prioritising in 2025—and shows you how to present them effectively on your CV, in interviews, and in your portfolio.