Assistant Professor in Computer Science

Job Description

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit enthusiastic academics with experience of teaching Computer Science, ideally with a background in Data Science and/or Software Engineering. Successful candidates will be additionally expected to build research over time.

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to launch new postgraduate degrees, so a key remit of a successful candidate will be to lead the development of new programmes and courses for the Malaysia campus while developing strong links to colleagues at the UK and Dubai campuses to deliver high quality learning and teaching, to contribute to the continued development of the programmes offered to students, and to develop research in association with the Academic Schools in the UK.

Programmes will be delivered in English and so fluency in English is essential. An induction programme will be delivered to all new academic staff on Heriot-Watt's standards and values, and to give practical experience on preparation, delivery and assessment of teaching. The role will be based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Undertake teaching, assessment setting and marking on academic programmes. Support colleagues in other campuses in the delivery of courses and other activities to support the delivery of HWUM's aims.
- Develop new postgraduate degrees, and relevant courses and materials in appropriate formats. Contribute to the content, design and delivery of the curriculum, and the quality of teaching and learning, in consultation with colleagues and within the international structures and mechanisms established by the University. Review teaching design and delivery by obtaining and analysing feedback from students and peers.
- Mentor and supervise students, providing effective, well documented and timely feedback, both formative and summative. Provide pastoral support, recognising when to refer a student for further support. Play a key role in the delivery and support of an excellent student learning experience at HWUM.
- Develop the level of subject expertise in line with latest development in research, and ensure these developments are reflected in teaching materials and methods.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in Malaysia, at other campuses, and with external networks both for the exchange of information, to share learning, and to form relationships for future collaboration.

All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values of: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.

Education & Qualifications

Essential

- PhD in Computer Science or other related computing disciplines

Desirable

- Industry experience in related fields

Experience

Essential

- Minimum 3 years teaching or training experience.
- Clear communicator with good presentation skills and ability to explain concepts well.

Desirable

- More than 5 years’ experience teaching in higher education (Computer Science discipline).
- Ability to deliver and teach computing courses such as Programming, Software Engineering, Database Management, Algorithm Design.

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

Essential

- Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
- Able to operate within Heriot Watt University Malaysia and liaise closely with other campuses.
- Familiarity with programming and algorithms.

Desirable

- An ability to apply knowledge acquired from research into teaching materials and methods.
- Willingness and potential to identify and develop independent/collaborative portfolio of research.
- Familiarity with Java, Python, UML, SQL.

Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.

Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.

Other Relevant Information

We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 19 October 2026.

For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my .

For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm

Application Process

Applications should be submitted to Careers system.

Applications must be submitted by 17 October 2026 . If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 23 October 2026 then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.