Specialization: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

About the role

The College of Science and Engineering seeks an ambitious and dynamic Professor with internationally proven expertise in (but not limited to) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. The American University of Malta is a small and growing institition that offers unique opportunities to lead the development and growth of this field. The College supports a protfolio of programmes that spans computer science and engineering with opportunities to work in inter-disciplinary research and teaching. There exists a small group of academic faculty servicing the teaching of these programmes. It is expected that the College will quickly develop a broader portfolio of research and teaching across computer sciences in cyber security, software engineering, automation and robotics for example. 

About you

The ideal candidate will have a proven research and teaching track record in data science and artificial intelligence applications. You will be expected to be publishing in high quality international journals, attracting strategic research grant funding, teaching cutting-edge courses, and possessing the capability to advance the College’s academic and collaborative missions. You will contribute to and enhance teaching on the MSc and BSc Data Science/Computer Science programmes with specific responsibility to cover core-teaching requirements and contribute to other teaching as agreed. A professional commitment to creative, high quality teaching is expected. You will have excellent communication and leadership skills, proiven team development abilities and a willingness to work flexibly.

About AUM

The American University of Malta is small and young, existing for 8 years. It is located in the stunning medieval area of the Three Cities in Malta, close to Valletta. We believe in supporting academic freedom to create and partner in delivering life changing research and teaching. We are looking to focus on technology and professional education and we are at the beginning of a growth phase. We embrace diversity and social justive through our work and encourage creative thinking in our scholastic pursuits. We offer a unique opportunity to develop academic work that challenges, contributes to and changes thinking and practice. We are open to flexible working and we are confident of offering a high quality life style for our employees in Malta.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries with 30 days annual leave, health care insurance and a relocation package. We have a range of work life balance and professional development policies with a personal research budget given to all faculty members. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Advanced level of proficiency and communicative competence in English;

• PhD in Data Science and/or Computer Science;

• Experience of teaching Data Science and/or Computer Science; and/or related disciplines at undergraduate level;

• Experience of the administration of courses and modules in British/Western universities;

• Excellent organisation, communication and inter-personal skills;

• Ability to work under pressure;

• An excellent team player;

• A willingness to work flexibly as required. 

Desirable

• Experience of teaching undergraduate students various levels of Data Science in a Chinese university environment;

• Documented excellence in classroom teaching;

• Documented excellence as an academic and career advisor to college students;

• Experience addressing needs of students from diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Experience with assessment of student learning and programme evaluation and coordination;

• Evidence of professional publications and/or presentations in Data Science research;

• Enthusiasm for one’s field and a commitment to staying current.

• Experience in teaching Blockchain and Security modules. Such modules provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the Blockchain architectural layers involving the implementation of the primary layers, as a simulation of a basic Blockchain, to include transactions processing, blocks structuring, mining and validation. This will include asymmetric encryption, mining (Proof-of-Work), Proof-of-Stake, consensus algorithms including security, scalability, efficiency and environmental sustainability by design, smart contracts and Blockchain validation and privacy-aware integration. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications (ESSENTIAL)

• A doctoral degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Physics, Statistics or related quantitative field, with international peer-reviewed academic journal publications. 

Professional Experience (DESIRABLE)

• Professional experience in Applied and Theoretical Statistics and other Data Science relevant fields. Experience gained in an international environment will be particularly valued. 

Teaching Experience (DESIRABLE)

• Local or international business school teaching experience 

• Experience in teaching courses at the postgraduate level

• Practices participant-centered learning

• Familiarity with teaching and developing online courses 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching Responsibilities

• Undertake teaching in degree and non-degree programs

• Play an active role in the design, development, planning, and review of courses, modules, etc. for degree and non-degree programs

• Provide general guidance and support to students, and give timely and relevant feedback

• Mentor students undertaking capstone projects, learning labs, and other projects or activities 

Research Responsibilities

• Undertake scholarly and/or practice-oriented research and actively publish in internationally recognized peer-reviewed research journals

• Aim to be recognized as a thought leader in their chosen field, developing and maintaining a research profile appropriate to the discipline 

Citizenship Responsibilities

• Uphold the Institute's values in all activities, both personal and professional

• Be an active and responsible member of the Institute's collegial body and open to accepting administrative/leadership assignments if an opportunity arises

• Contribute to the management, administrative processes, and committee responsibilities of the Institute

• Actively take part in activities of Programs, Schools, and Institute 

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching:

Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in AI (e.g., artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing), and/or Data Science (e.g., big data analytics, big data systems, data mining), and/or Software Engineering (e.g., software design, construct and development, software re-engineering).

Advising students in courses, capstone projects, research and internships:

Integrate innovative pedagogical approaches, including project-based learning and online/hybrid instruction.

Research:

Build a nationally/internationally recognized research program in one or more of the following areas:

AI/ML algorithms, ethical AI, or AI applications in healthcare, robotics and cybersecurity.

Data Science (e.g., data mining, predictive modelling, scalable data systems).

Software Engineering (e.g., AI-driven development, software testing, agile methodologies).

Secure competitive external funding (Xjenza, industry partnerships, etc.).

Publish in high-impact journals/conferences (e.g., SCI, SCOPUS, ERA).

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, industry partners, and research centres.

Service:

Participate in departmental committees, curriculum development, and accreditation efforts.

Engage with professional organizations (e.g., ACM, IEEE) and community outreach initiatives.

Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department and broader academic community.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field (completed by the start date).

Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Strong research portfolio with peer-reviewed publications in AI, Data Science, or Software Engineering.

Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across disciplines.

Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

Postdoctoral research or industry experience in AI/Data Science domains.

Experience teaching courses in machine learning, data analytics, or software engineering practices.

Track record of securing external funding or collaborating on funded projects.

Proficiency with tools/frameworks (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hadoop/Spark) or software engineering tools (e.g., Git, CI/CD).

Experience in interdisciplinary research (e.g., AI for social good, healthcare informatics, data analytics, smart systems).

Application Process:

Submit the following materials via [application portal/email] by [deadline]:

Cover Letter addressing alignment with the position’s teaching, research, and diversity goals.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publications, teaching experience, and grants.

Teaching Statement (2 pages max) outlining philosophy, course development interests, and inclusive pedagogy.

Research Statement (3 pages max) describing past work, future goals, and potential funding opportunities.

Diversity Statement (1 page) detailing contributions to equity, inclusion, or outreach.

Contact Information for 3-5 professional references.

Inquiries:

Contact Dr Nabeel Talib at Nabeel.talib@aum.edu.mt for questions.