Senior Lecturer in Data Science – Databases & Machine Learning (Teaching track)

The University of Surrey is excited to be launching its first International Branch Campus at GIFT City, Gujarat, India, with the first student cohort commencing in July 2027. The campus will deliver Surrey degrees in Data Science, Business Analytics and Business Management, enabling students in India to gain a University of Surrey qualification while studying within a dynamic international learning environment at the heart of India's leading international financial services centre.

This is a permanent, full-time appointment, based at the University's new campus at GIFT City, Gujarat. The postholder will be employed by the University of Surrey and will be based full time in India.

We are seeking a talented and motivated academic to join the founding faculty of this new international campus. It is a unique opportunity to be part of the campus from its inception and to play a key role in shaping its academic culture, teaching excellence, student experience and long-term success.

The postholder will carry substantial responsibility for building the academic profile of the campus. Working directly with the Dean, they will help plan and execute the delivery of the MSc Data Science programme, which launches in July 2027, and of the MSc Financial Data Science programme that will follow it. They will report directly to the Dean of the University of Surrey GIFT City campus and will work closely with colleagues in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and the School of Mathematics and Physics in Guildford, to ensure the coordination and quality of delivery of both programmes at GIFT City.

We are looking for candidates with expertise in machine learning and data mining, database management, distributed data systems and computational business intelligence. Candidates should have a solid working knowledge of advanced machine learning methods, data mining, and database management and design, together with strong programming skills in Python. Prior teaching and pedagogical experience in the UK, Europe, the United States or other international locations is desirable.

As the campus grows, there will be significant opportunities to contribute to programme development, educational innovation, student support, industry engagement and the wider development of the University's transnational education activity. The University of Surrey views its GIFT City campus as a key strategic initiative in its mission to contribute to the GIFT City and Indian innovation ecosystems, delivering key technology skills and competencies and building effective relationships with businesses, universities and policymakers locally and nationally in India. This post will support that agenda directly, particularly in employability and industry engagement.

The University of Surrey is an outstanding international university, highly reputed for cutting-edge research, business engagement and innovative pedagogy, and our GIFT City campus will maintain the same high standards.

We welcome applications from enthusiastic, collaborative and forward-thinking academics who are passionate about delivering excellent education and making a lasting impact. If you are excited by the prospect of helping to establish a new international campus and shaping it from its very first day, we would be pleased to receive your application.

How to apply

Please apply via the University website, submitting a CV and cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role, including your relevant teaching experience, subject expertise, programme leadership experience and any experience of international collaboration or transnational education.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Prof. Abhijit Sengupta, Dean, University of Surrey GIFT City, at [email removed].

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Closing Date: 12 Nov 2026

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: Competitive Salary