Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences

Job Purpose

The University of Birmingham is continuing to make strategic investments across its research base in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences. Applications are invited from candidates to strengthen and expand our Geosystems theme expertise in the broad field of tectonics, including volcanic and magmatic processes and geophysics.

It is expected that the appointee will actively collaborate with Geosystems staff to further develop the quality and impact of our research themes within the international research community. Our current research in tectonics is focused on plate boundary tectonics, particularly continental breakup and seafloor spreading, and the accompanying processes of magma generation, transport and eruption. This research is underpinned by expertise in seismic imaging and interpretation, igneous petrology, mantle dynamics, structural geology and rock magnetism.

We would welcome candidates with a clear independent research agenda that would complement the existing group. The appointee would be encouraged to develop new research facilities with academic and technical staff in the Geosystems research theme.

Evidence of a strong track record in publishing work of the highest academic quality and impact is essential, and (for a senior appointment) obtaining external research funding is important. In addition to demonstrating internationally excellent research, applicants must have a commitment to delivering excellent teaching and learning in Earth Sciences (Geology) at all levels, including the delivery of field-based teaching (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher research degrees).

Applicants must be able to communicate the relevance and impact of their research to stakeholders. The successful candidate will be involved in administrative tasks (appropriate to their appointment grade) to support delivery of research and teaching within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. The appointee should be able to show evidence of a growing international research networks and be ready to engage successfully with European partners and funding agencies.

Person Specification

Lecturer

• Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research/teaching area (usually PhD) or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive research/teaching experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/ research
• Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels

Research

• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods

Teaching

• Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues

Management Administration

• Ability to contribute to School/Departmental management processes
• Ability to assess and organise resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes

Senior Lecturer

• Demonstrated competence in Research; Learning and Teaching; and Management and Administration; and excellence in at least two of these areas.

Research requirements

An excellent national reputation and a developing international profile through significant original research work and a clear record of impact. Evidence of success under the following headings, as appropriate to the discipline:

• High level peer esteem as evidenced by

- Excellent reputation in the UK and often internationally, reflected in sustained high quality output, level of innovation, impact on subject and recognition
- An excellent and sustained record of peer reviewed research publications

• Successful and sustained supervision of doctoral students to completion
• Substantial and sustained research income generation, e.g. through research grants, contracts, research consultancy or other external funding
• Sustained high value impact knowledge transfer and enterprise that is of manifest benefit to the College and University

Learning and teaching requirements

An excellent teaching profile and performance in terms of both impact and quality. The teaching quality demonstrated to be informed by an appropriate level of scholarship. Evidence of success under the following headings:

• High national reputation for the development of teaching and learning excellence within the discipline
• Successful and sustained use of a range of appropriate teaching methods, and assessment strategies that promote high quality learning, including learning that is flexible, distinctive and current and stimulates learners’ natural curiosity
• Significant and sustained contribution to one or more of the following: strategic development of new programmes; approaches to learning; the development of learning resources
• High quality and sustained contributions to fostering excellence in teaching activities more widely, i.e. in the Department/School or College and/or externally
• Track record of substantial and sustained high value impact on the enhancement of the student experience, and/or employability
• Mentoring and expert advice which develops the skills of colleagues in teaching and in fostering learning

Management and administration-related requirements

• Demonstrated significant achievement in management and administration-related activities, which may include leadership of activities/initiatives. Evidence of success under the following headings
• Successful and sustained performance in significant administrative/managerial role (s) (e.g. exams officer)
• Significant and sustained high quality innovative contributions to the management/administration of the Department/School/College or University
• Successful and sustained contribution to the corporate life of the School/College/University, displaying willingness to contribute actively to committees, collaborative teaching and administrative tasks