The Role
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly-motivated member of academic staff to join the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, to participate in development and teaching of a new degree scheme in Biomedical Sciences (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/life-sciences/study-with-us/). The successful applicant will deliver teaching on undergraduate degree courses, with a focus on biomedical science, particularly blood science and transfusion, and contribute to the effective administration of the department as appropriate.
To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr Joe Ironside, Head of the Department of Life Sciences, at jei@aber.ac.uk.
Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.
The Department and University
The Department of Life Sciences (DLS, https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/life-sciences/) at Aberystwyth University, which has a long tradition of excellence in biological, ecological, agricultural and biomedical teaching. Staff in DLS conduct basic, strategic and applied research across the full span of the modern life sciences, from subcellular biochemistry to the impact of environmental change on organisms, populations and ecosystems.
The Department offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate courses across the full spectrum of the life sciences, including: Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biology, Microbiology, Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science, Nursing, Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, Zoology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Animal Behaviour, Wildlife Conservation, Ecology and Plant Science (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/life-sciences/study-with-us/ug-study/). This is complemented by a range of postgraduate (MSc and MRes) courses https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/life-sciences/study-with-us/pg-study/).
Staff and students in the Department have access to state-of-the-art biological research facilities https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/life-sciences/our-facilities/. These include advanced bio-imaging and microscopy suites, high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms and gene expression/manipulation capabilities, proteomics, metabolomics, phenomics and spectroscopic platforms, as well as extensive modern laboratories, and a small mammal research facility. Facilities for healthcare sciences include a movement analysis laboratory, physiology laboratories, a human health and performance laboratory, and an in-house wellbeing and health assessment research unit that undertakes projects to promote health and well‑being in the community. These facilities are used to support projects that involve collaboration with local University Health Boards.
What you’ll do
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the Department and University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
Successful applicants would be expected to deliver the following principal duties:
* Deliver engaging and impactful teaching on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
* Undertake marking, assessment and examination work and provide timely feedback to students.
* Participate in, and contribute to, the planning, design, development and review of module and course content.
* Identify areas for module and course revision, improvement or innovation in order to meet student and/or employer expectations.
* Be responsible for the co‑ordination, delivery, leadership and assessment of modules relevant to the subject area, including co‑ordinating the work of colleagues where necessary.
* Act as a personal tutor to students, providing academic support and pastoral care, ensuring that appropriate internal or external specialist support is sought where appropriate.
* Contribute to internal and external quality management processes, including the accreditation of courses where relevant.
* Prepare, organise and assist with field trips, including residential visits, and student placements as appropriate.
* Provide effective guidance, mentorship and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students.
* Contribute to the effective running of the Department, including attending and contributing to group meetings, collaborating with colleagues to identify and respond to students’ needs, participating in and contributing to decisions on academic matters.
* Contribute effectively to the organisation and running of Departmental events, including (but not limited to) open days, visit days, and graduation ceremonies.
* Work effectively with colleagues within and beyond the Department, including attending team meetings as required, and work cooperatively with Professional Services and technical team colleagues.
* Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
* Be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, demonstrating an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
* Be committed to your own development through engagement with the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme (ECS) and Continuous Personal Development (CPD) opportunities.
* Undertake any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
Essential
1. Current or previous membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
2. Currently or previously registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a biomedical scientist.
3. Professional experience as a practising biomedical scientist
4. A degree in a subject relevant to biomedical science
5. An ability to teach a range of topics in biomedical science, including haematology and blood transfusion.
6. Demonstration of engagement with relevant CPD and a willingness to work towards a formal teaching qualification if not already held (e.g. PGCTHE).
7. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.
Desirable
1. A PhD in a discipline that is relevant to Biomedical Science.
2. Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Specialist Diploma in Haematology & Blood Transfusion or equivalent
3. Experience of teaching biomedical science, particularly haematology, immunology, pathology and/or bacteriology.
4. Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of the HEA (FHEA or SFHEA) and / or a formal teaching (e.g. PGCE) or higher education qualification (e.g. PGCTHE).
5. Understanding of, and commitment to, contemporary approaches to student learning.
6. A track record of research in a biological discipline that is relevant to Biomedical Science.
7. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A2, or evidence to demonstrate an on‑going commitment to learning Welsh to this level.
*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/
How to apply
To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.
Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Benefits
* Flexible working policy
* 36.5 – hour week for full‑time roles
* Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
* Commitment to Professional Development
* Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
* Staff recognition and reward schemes
* Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
* Staff relocation bursary
* Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
* Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.
Please keep reading
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.
We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Employment Visa
We welcome international applicants who are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.
Under the points‑based system, this role meets the criteria to be sponsored by AU for an SWR application. Please be advised that AU will only support the Certificate of Sponsorship for any employment visas and will not support the payment of the employment visa for the offered candidate and/or dependants.
Any prospective candidates coming to work for AU under the SWR will require a minimum of 70 points, made up of the following:
* Skilled Worker Route Points‑Based System
o Mandatory / Non‑tradeable Criteria (50 points)
+ Job offer from a UK licensed sponsor (20 points) — Yes
+ Job is above the minimum sponsorable skill level (20 points) — Yes
+ Appointed candidate to have appropriate knowledge of the English language* (10 points) — Yes
o Tradeable Criteria (dependent on candidate appointed)
+ Salary meets minimum threshold (20 points)
+ The candidate holds a PhD in a subject relevant to the job (10 points)
+ The candidate holds a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job (20 points)
+ The advertised role is on the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) (20 points)
* *Appropriate knowledge is classed as the following
o A national of a majority English speaking country
o Having an academic degree taught in English (if an overseas degree, must be verified by NARIC)
o Completing and passing an English language test at Level B1 or above.
For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
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