Reader/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Global Change Biology

To strengthen the academic base of School/Institute at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). To undertake research in line with the School/Institute’s research strategy, to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level, to contribute to School’s administration/outreach activity. (It is understood that the job purpose for a Reader will have greater emphasis on their research output, leadership and standing and less on teaching).

MAJOR DUTIES:

Teaching:

• Provide teaching as directed by the Head of School in the undergraduate programmes in the School/Faculty.
• Participate actively in postgraduate programmes/training within the School/Faculty as appropriate.
• Contribute to the enhancement of quality teaching within the subject, School or Faculty, ensuring that course design and delivery comply with the appropriate benchmarks and regulations.
• Act as internal examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Supervise research project students as required by the School.
• Undertake some teaching-related administrative tasks.

Research:

• Develop and contribute to the research strategies of the School.
• Securing external funding as a principal investigator from nationally and /or internationally competitive sources to develop and support research programme.
• Develop research proposals and funding bids in collaboration with others.
• Continue to develop a record of high quality research outputs that are at an international level of excellence.
• Sustain high quality research-related contributions through conference papers and presentations. Supervise PhD students to successful completion. Develop and facilitate a translational research portfolio as appropriate.
• Collaborate with others to develop a strong research programme.
• Develop postgraduate research and training programmes.

Other: 

• Undertake Continuous Professional Development. Administration/Contribution to the Community: Contribute significantly to the development and running of the School/area by taking on appropriate School co-ordinating roles.
• Such duties may include, for example, Advisor of Studies, QAA Aspect Co-ordinator, Module/Year/Programme Co-ordinator or other recognised official University roles.
• Play an important role in relevant aspects of administration within the School.
• Additionally he/she may be asked to undertake other administrative duties by the University from time to time.
• Serve, as appropriate, on School/Faculty/University committees.
• Act as mentor or appraiser to University advising on their personal development and ensuring that that they are meeting the standards required.
• Provide pastoral care for students within their supervision to ensure, as far as practicable, that relevant issues are dealt with in a timely, sympathetic and effective manner.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach strategy by designing or delivering Community outreach programmes and developing external links.

Planning and Organising:

• Be involved in strategic planning for the School/work unit and may contribute to the University’s strategic planning process.
• Plan, organise and deliver research, teaching, consultancy etc and ensure that resources are available to support these.
• Contribute to the management of quality, audit and other external assessments. Resource Management Responsibilities: Provide academic leadership to those working within programme areas, as course leader or equivalent, by for example co-ordinating the work of others to ensure that courses are delivered effectively or organising the work of a team by agreeing objectives and work plans.
• Develop and manage staff and resources, in support of research, teaching or outreach activities.
• Contribute along with colleagues to the overall management of the Centre in areas such as academic/business planning, resource and budget planning.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Lead and develop national and international collaborations and networks to support programmes.
• Lead and develop internationally competitive research programmes.
• Lead and develop national/international profile.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• BSc in Biological Sciences or related discipline.
• Have a relevant PhD.
• Record of high quality publications at an international level of excellence in internationally recognised journals.
• Record of successfully obtaining significant research funding or other resources to underpin research, as appropriate to the discipline, through competitive national or international peer-reviewed processes as Principal Investigator.
• Research profile which complements the research priorities of the School’s disciplinary groupings and the Institute for Global
• Food Security.
• Evidence of developing research methodologies, models, approaches and techniques.
• Experience of presenting at national and international meetings and conferences.
• Successful PhD supervision as Primary Supervisor.
• Substantial teaching experience at University level.
• Evidence of contribution to the successful delivery, enhancements or review of particular modules.
• Experience of delivering high quality teaching as evidenced by positive feedback received from for example: students, colleagues and external examiners.
• Contribution to a wide range of administrative tasks.
• Evidence of academic leadership including managing professional teams, leading initiatives, chairing/participation in committees, contributing to strategy, participating and managing relevant aspects.
• Ability to be involved in productive external collaboration with industry/community organisations/other institutions.
• Ability to provide effective leadership for groups and activities with substantial impact on finance and other resources and/or the reputation of the University.
• Understanding of resource management processes and skills to apply them effectively.
• Record of and commitment to continuing professional development.
• Good presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Ability to represent the School on a national and international basis.
• The ability to organise workload and prioritise competing demands.
• Ability to manage resources and staff.
• Commitment and enthusiasm for working collaboratively to advance the teaching and research priorities of the School/Institute.
• Must be a team player who can develop effective internal and external research and where appropriate practice links.
• Must be prepared to travel.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Completion of a PGCHET (or equivalent) or HEA membership.
• Track record of RCUK or other external research income from prestigious sources.
• Project supervision and large class teaching; laboratory teaching.
• Familiarity with current ideas in tertiary level teaching. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: It is intended to make an appointment in the area of Global Change Biology at Reader/Senior Lecturer or Lecturer level.