Lecturer in Liberal Arts/Natural Sciences and Engineering/Physical Sciences

The post-holder joins the University of Birmingham on an appointment which draws together Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences (LANS) and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) on a 50/50 basis, enabling the two units to develop the interdisciplinary potential across the different areas of scientific expertise. They will support the students on project and other course work within LANS, EPS, the University, and outside the academy.

The post-holder will support and grow capacity for public engagement and communication between the university and a wide range of audiences and stakeholders, whilst also framing new directions for interdisciplinary learning by contributing to interdisciplinary taught and project-based modules.

The post offers an opportunity to facilitate student project work which spans and connects LANS and EPS, creating exciting inter-, trans-, and meta-disciplinary teaching and learning opportunities. The post-holder will perform the role of academic lead for LANS, and within the College of EPS providing support for LANS students studying EPS subjects. This role will also involve supporting interdisciplinary projects for students who are interested in developing their research interests in science, technology and engineering. The post-holder will thus develop strong networks connecting LANS and EPS academic staff and students which will enable LANS students to undertake dissertations (or independent research projects) with lead researchers within the College, with the interdisciplinary framework being facilitated by the post-holder.

In addition, there are LANS and EPS students who aspire to working within publishing and journalism in general. The post-holder would supervise these students in project work to extend their skills in these areas.

In addition, there are LANS and EPS students who aspire to working within publishing and journalism in general. The post-holder would supervise these students in project work to extend their skills in these areas.

This new post represents a strategic investment enabling coherent and deeply embedded collaboration between LANS and EPS; it supports the University’s strategic interdisciplinary research and teaching goals, and underpins EPS’ commitment to making new knowledge accessible and with meaningful outcomes for a range of stakeholders.

• PhD (or equivalent expertise in industry) in any of the disciplines within EPS, ideally with interdisciplinary aspect.
• Proven high level analytical capability
• Ability to design and deliver module materials successfully
• Proven ability to assess and organise resources effectively
• Understanding of, and ability to contribute to, broader management/administration processes
• Outstanding communication skills
• Proven networking skills
• Expertise in science communication and public engagement
• Expertise in science and technology studies
• General knowledge of principles of journalism and communication
• Specialist knowledge in science communication, public engagement, and evaluation (1) in the sphere of science writing (as distinct from communication in other forms), and (2) as they relate to at least one discipline in Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Practitioner experience in science communication, public engagement and evaluation. (While desirable, this alone is insufficient for appointment to this academic and research post.)