Lecturer in Environmental Monitoring & Detection Technologies
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Advert Reference Number: 824
Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid
Department: School of Engineering & Innovation
Closing Date: 11 January 2026
Weekly Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 3 years from start date
About the Role
The School of Engineering & Innovation within the STEM Faculty at The Open University is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Environmental Monitoring & Detection Technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to join a world leader in distance teaching and learning and the largest provider of higher education in the UK.
The successful candidate will join an energetic and committed team of academics contributing to the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate distance‑learning curriculum in renewable energy, environmental management, environmental engineering, the latest technologies for measuring environmental impact, systems monitoring, and related areas.
Teaching Responsibilities
Teaching at The Open University is a team‑based collaborative process, fully supporting the training and induction of new staff. The teaching component of the Lecturer role primarily involves maintaining and updating existing curriculum and authoring new curriculum for students studying remotely. While there are some online and face‑to‑face opportunities for student engagement, direct student tuition is usually provided by our team of Associate Lecturers.
Research and Innovation
The successful candidate will be encouraged to contribute ideas for experiments to use in our OpenEngineering remote‑access teaching laboratory, helping with the development of the state‑of‑the‑art facility and maintaining its world‑leading status. Candidates will be research‑active and have relevant publications in one or more of the following fields: (i) remote sensing of environmental pollution; (ii) using technology to track environmental events; (iii) online systems to monitor the environment with machine learning. You will be expected to undertake research that leads to high‑ranking peer‑reviewed journal publications and contribute to future REF submissions.
You will need to be resident in the UK at the time of appointment and will be based at the Open University campus in Milton Keynes. A hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role; the successful candidate may work from home and the office, but some attendance on campus will be required—typically a minimum of 2 days per week in response to business needs.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain distance‑learning curriculum in remote sensing and environmental monitoring.
* Collaborate with Associate Lecturers to deliver high‑quality tuition and support student learning.
* Contribute to the design and operation of the OpenEngineering remote‑access laboratory.
* Secure and manage external research and enterprise funding.
* Publish in high‑ranking peer‑reviewed journals and support REF submissions.
Skills and Experience
* A PhD in Remote Sensing, Environmental Monitoring, or a closely related discipline.
* A Masters degree or a good Honours degree in a relevant area.
* A strong commitment to inclusive learning for a diverse student population.
* Demonstrable passion for teaching in distance learning or face‑to‑face environments.
* Ability to develop new distance‑learning material at all levels.
* Demonstrable knowledge of developments within the discipline areas relevant to teaching, research, and knowledge exchange activities.
* Proven ability to carry out research in remote sensing or the latest technological approaches to monitoring the environment.
* A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange commensurate with the position.
* Expertise in monitoring environmental impacts remotely using technological approaches.
* Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary contexts both in person and online.
* Leadership potential in teaching and/or research.
* Experience in supervising research students and managing research budgets, appropriate to career stage.
* Evidence of successful external funding applications.
* High publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
* Higher Education Academy professional accreditation or equivalent qualification.
* Experience creating social media communications and engaging external audiences.
* Experience of working with and influencing sectors beyond Higher Education.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
* Supporting Statement – explain why you are interested in this role and provide examples of how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Work Location
A hybrid working pattern may be adopted for this role where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. Some attendance on the Milton Keynes campus will be required (minimum 2 days per week). Flexible working arrangements such as job shares, part‑time, or compressed hours can be discussed.
Next Step in the Recruitment Process
If shortlisted, interviews will take place onsite in Milton Keynes on 6 March. Prior to this, you will need to complete and present a presentation to the School; the date for this will be confirmed.
Early Closing Date Notification
The advert may close earlier than the published closing date if a satisfactory number of applications are received. Early applications are encouraged.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment where all in our OU community can reach their potential. We particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups and ensure a supportive workplace through policies, services, and staff networks.
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