Job Description
The Role
The purpose of this role is to provide lecturing and administrative duties to support the Department of Information Studies. With previous teaching experience commensurate with the grade of Associate Lecturer, the successful candidate will be an effective communicator, with an ability to deliver lectures and tutorials effectively to large and small student groups at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and provide assessment guidance and feedback. The successful candidate will also be able to deliver and support the delivery of learning materials to distance learning students, primarily online but also at in-person events attended by distance learners. The successful candidate will be able to draw on existing teaching materials and develop new materials to suit undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The successful candidate will be highly organised, adaptable and an effective team member, with the ability and flexibility to prioritise a changing workload.
The Department of Information Studies is a busy teaching and research focused department offering professionally accredited courses in information and library studies, archives and records administration, and cultural heritage studies. Courses are offered at postgraduate and undergraduate levels, in full time (campus-based) and flexible distance learning modes. Distance learning courses are aimed at those working in the information sector and structured to allow study to fit around the demands of the workplace. We also offer a range of modules for standalone CPD. The successful candidate for the role/s will be adaptable and collegial, able to work as part of a team and take on a range of teaching, pastoral and administrative roles as directed by the Head of Department.
Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.
What you’ll do
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
1. To deliver teaching within a clear framework, to postgraduate and undergraduate students, in full time (in-person) and distance learning modes of delivery, across a range of information, library, archive, and heritage programmes.
2. To develop appropriate teaching materials, for both full time (in-person) and distance learning modes of delivery.
3. To set and mark assessments.
4. To plan own work within the constraints of the course and the team.
5. To provide feedback to students on their progress.
6. To undertake module co-ordination duties and module / course leadership duties.
7. To undertake student recruitment activities (e.g. attendance at open days, school visits, etc).
8. To undertake the role of personal tutor and related duties.
9. To undertake administrative tasks and roles as appropriate to the role and as directed by the Head of Department or their representative.
10. To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
11. To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
12. To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
13. Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
14. It should be noted that this is a busy teaching and research active department supporting a diverse range of students undertaking study in different modes of learning both on and off campus. Therefore there is an expectation that occasional work outside standard working hours will be a part of this role, as directed by the Head of Department or their representative.
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
Essential
15. A Postgraduate professionally accredited, degree in Information Studies or a related area – Information Science, Information Management, Information and Library Studies, Archives and Records Management, Museum and Gallery studies
16. A demonstrable subject specialism in one or more of the following areas of Information Studies teaching and research: (core areas) archives and records management; information retrieval and resource discovery, library systems and cataloguing, metadata and resource discovery, artificial intelligence, collection management, marketing of collections and services, digital information and digital preservation, promotion and outreach in archive and/or library services, social media, media and information literacy, library or archive services, research methods; (optional areas) children and young people’s reading, health information management, legal/business information services,
17. Experience of design and delivery of Information Studies subjects or other relevant professional experience.
18. Proven ability to meet targets and manage workload.
19. Ability and willingness to teach outside specialist area in the broader discipline, and across different degree schemes, in different modes of delivery.
20. Ability and willingness to work with colleagues in collaborative teaching and research projects and contribute to the department’s teaching and research culture.
21. A proven ability to work with colleagues in a team environment.
22. A proven ability to communicate at different levels to different audiences.
23. Commitment to own professional development.
24. Willingness to develop a strong teaching and pedagogical profile.
25. A willingness to adapt to department and university pedagogical frameworks and ways of working.
26. A proven ability to present material succinctly and cogently.
27. To contribute to the Department’s student employability initiatives.
28. To contribute to and support the Department’s student welfare and attendance monitoring, safeguarding, and welfare activities.
29. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.
Desirable
30. PhD (or close to completing) in a closely related area
31. Previous experience of development of distance learning teaching materials and support of distance learners.
32. Professional/practitioner experience in the information, library, archive and heritage sector.
33. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C2.*
*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:
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
34. Flexible working policy
35. 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
36. Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
37. Commitment to Professional Development
38. Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
39. Staff recognition and reward schemes
40. Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
41. Staff relocation bursary
42. Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
43. 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
Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.