Academic Track Lecturers

Academic Track Lecturers Vacancy Ref : 024310 Department : Division Of Pathway Medicine Grade/Pay Scale : Ue08 (£37,756 - £45,053) Position Type : Full Time Date Posted : 10-Jan-2014 Closing Date : 10-Feb-2014 Employment Category : Fixed Term Vacancy Details Academic Track Lecturers Vacancy Ref: : 024310 Closing Date : 10-Feb-2014 Contact Person : Prof Sue Welburn Contact Number : Contact Email : Sue.Welburn@ed.ac.uk The University of Edinburgh is an exciting, vibrant research-led academic community offering opportunities to work with leading international academics whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biomedical Sciences is mostly located in the central George Square area, hosting the Centre for Integrative Physiology (CIP), the Centre for Neuroregeneration (CNR), the Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems (CCNS) and the Division of Pathway Medicine (DPM). We wish to appoint a new Lecturer to support teaching and research in the School of Biomedical Sciences in the area of Medical Microbiology. The post-holder will be expected to develop, deliver and assess undergraduate and postgraduate courses and contribute to the academic administration of teaching activities. Individuals will be expected to deliver an independent research programme that complements research priorities within the School of Biomedical Sciences, as evidenced by publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals and the ability to obtain external grant funding. The post requires a degree and a PhD in a subject related to Medical Microbiology. Experience in teaching in a Higher Education Institution would be a requirement. This post is for five years, subject to a review at the end of year three. It is intended that the post-holder will then move to a standard University academic open-ended contract at the end of year five. Applications should be made online at www.jobs.ed.ac.uk to meet the closing date below. CANDIDATE INFORMATION This post is aimed at early career individuals of the highest potential who have begun to establish a reputation for quality research in the field of Medical Microbiology and who have a proven commitment to university level learning and teaching. It is essential that the successful candidate’s research furthers the reputation of the Research Centre and the University and that she or he has a strong commitment to postgraduate and undergraduate training. The post is for a fixed term of 5 years, subject to satisfactory formal review at the end of year 3. At the end of the 5 year period the post-holder will transfer to an open-ended lectureship if performance standards are maintained. The post is available with immediate effect and it is expected that successful applicant will be in post by no later than May 2014. Limited start-up research funds might be available appropriate to the discipline. The post-holder will be mentored towards gaining research grant support and in the development of teaching and administration expertise. A sufficient amount of teaching and administration will be required in the first 3 years to allow a judgement to be made on continuation to a full academic position. Individuals with postdoctoral experience would normally be appointed at Grade 8. Exceptionally, an appointment at Grade 9 may occur for someone with extensive experience of research leadership. The Grade of appointment will be reviewed at the end of 3 years. The University’s generic Academic Grade 8 profiles states: Roles at this level are held by individuals experienced in research and/or teaching. In some cases, the contribution spans research and teaching. In others there may be a concentration on one or the other. In all cases, there will normally be accountability for the design, delivery and quality of at least a whole course, small research project or part of a larger research project, with measurable outcomes, as well as for contributing to the development of wider programmes/portfolios, supervising doctoral students or developing more high quality teaching. There may be responsibility for representing the work of the University in the specific field locally and nationally in appropriate networks and/or in public engagement activities and for contributing to the wider academic community beyond the University. Applications containing a detailed CV, a 1-page outline of a proposed research programme and a concise statement explaining teaching experience should be made online at www.jobs.ed.ac.uk to meet the closing date. In addition to the formal interview, all interviewees will be required to give a presentation to the panel and further information will be provided along with the invitation to interview. Applicants who wish to discuss specific issues about the posts and research interests should contact Professor Sue Welburn (Sue.Welburn@ed.ac.uk). Job Purpose To develop, deliver and assess undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University of Edinburgh. Deliver an independent research programme that complements research priorities within the School of Biomedical Sciences, evidenced by publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals and the ability to (or potential to) obtain external grant funding. Contribute to the academic administration of teaching activities, including taking a role as a Personal Tutor and, once established, undertake further duties such as course or programme organiser. Contribute to the development of new teaching and research opportunities in a specific discipline within Biomedical Sciences. Main Responsibilities Approx. % of time 1. Organise, deliver and assess undergraduate and postgraduate courses within own and related subject areas to allow the School to deliver required teaching. 35% 2. Contribute to the academic administration of teaching activities to ensure the continual development of the course and maintain synergies with other courses. 10% 3. Provide academic support and advice to students by being a Personal Tutor. 5% 4. Deliver an independent, externally-funded research program. 40% 5. Supervise and assess undergraduate and MSc dissertations. Once established in post, supervision of PhD students. 10% Planning and Organising Set own objectives and plan own workload over the short-term (weekly) and long-term (annual), within the broad framework set by line manager. Prepare course material and teaching so that they are delivered at the correct level and within relevant deadlines. Undertake specific co-ordinating roles with other course organisers and lecturers to ensure delivery of programme, courses and assessments. Contribute to the development of teaching materials and innovative assessment methods. Establish and manage a program of research, including identification of suitable funding opportunities. Problem Solving Negotiate and resolve difficulties in promoting collaborative activities across university academic units and beyond in developing undergraduate teaching. The significant application of prior knowledge and accumulated expertise to solve unique research problems. An enhanced level of initiative and problem solving approach is needed to develop new techniques and novel approaches in response to emerging research issues. Ensure that innovative teaching materials and assessment methods developed for the current academic year are adapted to accommodate increases in student numbers in future years. Actively assess and monitor the rate at which each student can learn new skills and adapt existing skills. Decision Making Decide on prioritisation of own work and set own targets within a broadly-agreed strategy. Responsible for the majority of decisions relating to the research programme including devising an appropriate experimental strategy, prioritising experiments and deciding when and where to publish research results. Appropriate acquisition of research-related equipment and consumables to ensure the smooth running of a research group. Manage the supervision of postgraduate students and mentorship of junior project staff. Construct appropriate assessment for courses. Decide on changes to course content in relation to feedback from students, staff and External Examiners. Raise issues of concern directly with students and to know when/if to contact colleagues for advice. Key Contacts/Relationships Develop and maintain relationships with key academics in UoE working in areas relevant to main responsibilities. Form and maintain contacts with the relevant external research community. Liaise with course administrator to ensure the efficient and effective running of courses and make sure that the most appropriate course framework (documentation, timetable) is put in place for each year. Interact with other academic staff and School management, over course design, content and the identification of staff who will contribute to the course. Liaise with the Programme Organisers over the development of course material across the School of Biomedical Sciences. Negotiate with external partners and funders to agree contributions and potential cross-over collaborations and knowledge transfer events. Person Specification The post requires a PhD (or equivalent) in Medical Microbiology or a related Biomedical Sciences discipline. Experience in teaching in a Higher Education Institution with evidence of innovation in teaching delivery and assessment. Proven track record in research, evidenced by publications in leading international journals and evidence of obtaining (of having the capability to obtain) external research funding. Extensive experience of developing and applying theory, models, techniques and analytical methods as appropriate to the field of research. Good project management skills and experience of co-ordinating resources other than self (e.g. people, budgets) Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills. A postgraduate teaching qualification would be desirable. Dimensions The post has a direct relationship with all aspects of the remit of the Biomedical Teaching Organisation (BMTO) particularly with respect to the development of teaching and learning for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. With the current strategic plans leading to an increase in BSc Medical Sciences numbers, assuming responsibility for entire four years of BSc Biomedical Sciences programmes and continuing delivery of intercalating programmes the BMTO will be responsible for approximately 1100 undergraduate students and 300 taught postgraduate students. The post holder must be able to deliver teaching at all levels in Medical Microbiology especially in the area of bacteriology and host defence. The post holder will be expected to establish and maintain a program of research in Medical Microbiology or related area relevant to the School of Biomedical Sciences or other Schools in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine. Job Context and any other relevant information With current plans to increase student numbers and requirements to ensure effective and efficient teaching in an environment that enhances the student experience this post is of critical importance to the School, College and wider University. Pension Scheme This role is grade UE08 and therefore the post holder is automatically included in membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subject to the USS membership criteria, unless they indicate that they choose not to join the Scheme. For further information please visit our Pensions website. Salary The role is grade UE08 and attracts an annual salary of £37,756 - £45,053 for 35 hours, each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week. This post is available on a fixed term basis, for 60 months. Application Procedure All applicants should apply online via our Vacancy Website. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments. Closing date: 10 February 2014 at 5pm. We anticipate interviews will be held in 1 to 2 weeks after closing date. You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not. Eligibility to Work In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK). To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview. For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website This post meets UK Border Agency criteria for sponsorship by the University of Edinburgh. Even if you are not currently eligible to work in the UK, it may be possible for the University of Edinburgh to sponsor you to obtain a Tier 2 (General) visa to enable you to take up the appointment should you be successful at interview. For applicants interested in sponsorship information is available on our Working in the UK website However, if you have previously been sponsored by an employer within the UK but your leave has expired or lapsed and you are no longer in the UK, according to UK Border Agency rules you can cannot apply for sponsorship under any category of Tier 2 for a period of 12 months after the date your leave has expired or lapsed. The University reserves the right to vary the candidate information or make no appointment at all. Neither in part, nor in whole does this information form part of any contract between the University and any individual. Division of Pathway Medicine The Division of Pathway Medicine (DPM) is a research centre in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. The Division was officially formed on 1st February 2007 following the success and growth of the Scottish Centre for Genomic Technology and Informatics (GTI). The new division builds on the work of GTI and incorporates the activities of new investigators who joined the centre in 2006. The Division has already proved itself successful in obtaining funding for projects in new areas of research. We are conducting pioneering research programmes in: • Pathway Biology of Infection and Immunity - the study of host-pathogen interaction in immune cells and the modeling of molecular pathways that control immune cell function in health and disease. • Biochip Medicine in Systemic response to disease - the development of advanced biochip techniques and platforms for translating genomic and pathway research into clinical healthcare. The central goal of the Division of Pathway Medicine is to integrate post-genomic science with medicine in order to provide a better understanding of disease processes. This will provide the basis for the development of new medical innovations for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/pathway-medicine The School of Biomedical Sciences The School of Biomedical Sciences (SBMS), which is headed by Professor Gareth Leng, employs around 220 staff mostly located in the central George Square area. The School hosts the Centre for Integrative Physiology (CIP, Head: Professor Mike Shipston), the Centre for Neuroregeneration (CNR, Head: Professor Peter Brophy), the Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems (CCNS, Director: Professor Richard Morris FRS) and the Division of Pathway Medicine (DPM, Head: Professor Peter Ghazal) and also has strong links with Edinburgh Infectious Diseases (EID, Head: Professor Rick Maizels). Research themes within the School include: Genes and Development; Membrane Biology; Neural Control Systems; Cognition, Learning and Synaptic Plasticity; Neuropharmacology; Basic and Clinical Virology; and Bacterial Pathogenesis and Chemotherapy. Also within the School is the Biomedical Teaching Organisation (BMTO) which plays a vital role in the administration, coordination and implementation of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. The BMTO is responsible for the BSc Medical Sciences programme, twelve BSc Biological Sciences Honours Programmes, eight Bachelor of Medical Sciences Honours programmes, four BSc Veterinary Sciences Honours Programmes and fourteen Biomedical Sciences courses delivered to first to third year undergraduates. In addition the BMTO has responsibility for the taught postgraduate programmes run by the School. The School is located across a number of sites: the Chancellor’s Building and Queen’s Medical Research Institute at Little France; the Medical School extension in Teviot Place; the Hugh Robson Building, George Square; No 1 George Square and the Ashworth Building at Kings Buildings. In RAE 2008, our staff were entered in 2 main categories of assessment. In Neuroscience & Psychiatry 65% of our staff were rated at 3*/4* (internationally excellent/world-leading), which is 6th in the UK. In Hospital-based Clinical Subjects 80% of our staff were rated at 3*/4*, which is 1st overall. We currently attract 76 research grants, worth a combined £37m. The School holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, in recognition of excellence in science, engineering and technology employment in higher education relating to supporting women in science. http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-department/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/biomedical The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk) traces its origins back nearly 500 years (Darwin, Simpson and Conan-Doyle were students here) and is internationally renowned for its research and teaching. Headed by Professor Sir John Savill, the only conjoint Medical and Veterinary Medical School in the UK employs over 2300 academic and support staff within the College and the four Schools; Biomedical Sciences ; Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences; Clinical Sciences and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/biomedical http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/molecular-clinical-med http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/clinical-sciences http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/vet-school The undergraduate medicine teaching programme in the College enjoys a very high reputation nationally and internationally, with over 1,300 students enrolled on the MBChB and Intercalated courses and nearly 1000 on the Veterinary Sciences BVS and related programmes. In addition, approximately 2000 students are currently enrolled in the College’s taught and research post-graduate courses, including an extensive range of online distance learning diplomas and degrees. They are trained by over 1000 outstanding academic staff. Details of PhDs, research programmes and studentships are available through our major interdisciplinary research institutes and centres (http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/research/institutes/centres). The academic disciplines within Medicine are largely concentrated in the two teaching hospital campuses in Edinburgh, the New Royal Infirmary at Little France and the Western General Hospital. Both have extensive new infrastructure with major new research institutes and state of the art research facilities on clinical sites. Edinburgh hosts a number of prestigious MRC and BHF Research Centres. The approach is interdisciplinary, with basic and clinical researchers working together at the laboratory bench and in our clinical research facilities to address major themes in basic, clinical and translational medicine. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science on the new Easter Bush campus houses outstanding teaching and clinical facilities as well as the splendid Roslin Institute, one of the world’s leading veterinary research centres. The College is the UK’s only conjoint medical and veterinary school which affords outstanding opportunities to address ‘One Health’ and Global Health problems of the highest international priority. Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 In RAE 2008, the College was placed first of 28 submissions in the UK, in Hospital-Based Clinical Subjects. Of all those submitted at the international level 80% of the submission were judged world-leading (4-star, 40%) or internationally excellent (3-star, 40%) levels. The College was placed fourth in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science, but was the first-placed veterinary school (by 4*) and delivered the largest volume of 4* research in the whole UK. The College was also sixth in the UK in Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology, an area further reinforced by the advent of Edinburgh Neuroscience to coalesce the University’s neuroscience activities. The University of Edinburgh For more than four centuries, our people and their achievements have rewritten history time and again. They’ve explored space, revolutionised surgery, published era-defining books, paved the way for life-saving medical breakthroughs and introduced to the world many inventions, discoveries and ideas from penicillin to Dolly the sheep. We have believed that anything is possible. We still do. The latest Research Assessment Exercise highlighted our place at the forefront of international research. This adds to our international reputation for the quality of our teaching and our student experience excellence. As a member of staff you will be part of one of the world's leading universities, with 22 Schools spread over 3 Colleges that offer more than 500 undergraduate and 160 postgraduate courses to over 30,000 students each year. Professional services are critical to this success as well as our world-class teaching, research and student facilities. In fact, we are one of the top employers in Edinburgh, with over 11,700 people spread across a wide range of academic and supporting roles. As a world-changing, world-leading university we are an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent, develop and reward success and integrate academic, professional and personal career goals, as well as give your career the benefit of a great and distinguished reputation. The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.