If you’re planning a UK PhD and also want real university teaching experience, a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD is one of the strongest pathways. You complete your doctorate while building teaching skills through supported lab/teaching delivery—an excellent foundation for an academic career.
The University of Reading (Department of Computer Science) is currently recruiting for a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Computer Science linked to a full-time PhD. The role combines paid teaching support (up to 20 hours per week maximum) with doctoral research on pre-defined, cutting-edge problems across several AI-focused themes.
Author: Dr Niaz Chowdhury (LinkedIn)
Designation: Lecturer (Computer Science)
Affiliation: Ulster University (Birmingham), UK
At a glance
- Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant in Computer Science (PhD)
- University: University of Reading (Department of Computer Science)
- Location: Reading, UK
- Qualification type: PhD
- Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
- Funding amount: £36,636 pro rata, per annum
- Hours: Part-time (variable across the year, up to 20 hours/week max)
- Announced on: 13 February 2026
- Closing date: 8 March 2026 (23:59)
- Interview date: To be confirmed (Contact Professor James Ferryman)
- Reference: SRF52351
- Contacts:
- Professor Shadi Basurra (Head of Department): s.s.basurra@reading.ac.uk
- Professor James Ferryman: j.m.ferryman@reading.ac.uk
Why this opportunity stands out
1) A clear split between teaching and research
This role is designed so you can grow in both areas:
- Around one quarter of your time supports teaching (labs and related activities)
- Around three-quarters is dedicated to your PhD research within the department
This balance suits applicants who want to graduate with both research outputs and teaching credibility.
2) No previous teaching experience is required
Many students assume they need a long teaching background to apply. Here, the University confirms that candidates will receive training in teaching and pedagogy—no prior teaching experience is necessary.
3) Strong researcher-development support
Alongside supervision, you’ll have access to development opportunities, including MSc-level learning where appropriate and researcher training via the University’s dedicated support structures. This can be particularly valuable if you’re transitioning from taught study into doctoral-level research.
PhD research themes
As part of the application process, you must select three themes from the list below, rank them in order of preference, and include this ranking in your covering letter:
- Trustworthy and Responsible AI
- AI for Health
- AI for Environmental Science and Sustainability
- AI for Digital Humanities
- AI for Embedded / Edge Computing
This theme-ranking requirement is important—make sure it is clearly stated in your covering letter.
Funding and fees: what international students should understand
This GTA pathway is structured as a funded four-year programme for eligible applicants, combining employment (GTA teaching support) with doctoral study.
- PhD fees are waived at the Home level
- International students typically receive a Home/ROI fee waiver, but can pay the international fee difference through other alternative routes.
Working hours and Student visa practicality
The announcement states that the role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, which is why many international applicants will realistically rely on the Student visa route (where eligible). In the UK, Student visa holders studying at degree level or above are commonly permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, which aligns closely with the GTA workload cap in this role. (ukcisa.org.uk)
(Always check the conditions printed on your visa and your university’s guidance, but the structure of this GTA role is consistent with typical Student visa term-time working limits.) (ukcisa.org.uk)
Who should apply?
This position is suited to ambitious computer scientists ready to combine research and teaching. You’ll be a strong match if you can demonstrate:
- A solid academic background suitable for PhD admission in Computer Science (or a closely related discipline)
- Genuine interest in one or more of the advertised AI theme areas
- The ability to balance responsibilities: teaching support at peak times plus sustained doctoral research progress
- Strong communication skills and motivation to support students in lab-based learning
How to apply (important steps)
To apply effectively:
- Prepare a strong CV that demonstrates research readiness (projects, dissertation, tools, publications if any)
- Write a focused covering letter that:
- clearly explains your motivation for a GTA PhD
- highlights your fit for Reading’s research environment
- selects and ranks three themes from the list above
- Submit your application before the deadline: 8 March 2026 at 23:59
For questions, contact:
- Professor Shadi Basurra: s.s.basurra@reading.ac.uk
- Professor James Ferryman: j.m.ferryman@reading.ac.uk
Deadline reminder
The application deadline is 8 March 2026 (23:59). With the theme-ranking requirement and the competitive nature of GTA PhDs, it’s best to prepare early and submit a polished application.
