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The Open University is the UK’s largest university and is a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences (LHCS) is part of the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It brings together a multi-disciplinary team of academics with expertise in neurosciences, cancer biology, cardiovascular biology, evolutionary biology, global health, bioinformatics, as well as organic, medicinal, inorganic and materials chemistry, providing a stimulating, collaborative and supportive teaching and research environment. The School offers undergraduate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry, Health Sciences and Natural Sciences and a postgraduate qualification in Mental Health Sciences, as well as hosting PhD students. Members of the School were submitted to REF2021 in Units of Assessment A3 (Allied Health Professions) and B12 (Engineering). For more information about our School, our research and our facilities please see https://www.open.ac.uk/science/life-health-chemical-sciences/.

The role

As part of an expansion of our curriculum, we are seeking to appoint a lecturer to join the School to support teaching in the area of clinical microbiology for a new undergraduate qualification in Biomedical Sciences and to contribute to our research profile.

In particular, the post-holder will be expected to:

• Be an active member of the School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences.
• Work as part of one or more teams, to contribute to the design, production, and presentation of asynchronous online materials for our Biomedical Sciences modules and other modules in our Biology and Health Sciences programmes.
• Work with key stakeholders and new technologies to ensure our curriculum is future-focussed and innovative in its approach.
• Develop a research portfolio that has synergy with the School’s research strategy, attracting external funding and enhancing our reputation.
• Contribute to the University’s submission to future Research Excellence Framework exercises.

You can find out more about our distance learning teaching model, which differs to that at more traditional face-to-face universities, at https://www.open.ac.uk/stem/life-health-chemical-sciences/about-us/our-teaching-model

Please refer to the Job Description for a full list of essential and desirable criteria for candidates. Research and/or teaching experience in a clinical or medical setting, although not essential, would be desirable.

If you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Gemma Sherriff-Jones at Resourcing Hub on 01908 655544 or [email protected] quoting the reference VRF 20974.

What you get in return

The Open University offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your academic career in a collaborative environment.

On top of a competitive salary and pension scheme, we offer a great range of benefits that support our employees including 33 days holiday per annum (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days, flexible working, fee waiver for all OU courses and qualifications, childcare vouchers, cycle-to-work scheme and secure bike parking, free on-site car parking, on-site nurseries, and many different sports and leisure clubs offering discounts and other benefits.

If applicable, you will be encouraged and given the time, resources, and support to develop and apply for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy through the OU’s internal scheme (Applaud).

How to apply

Unless otherwise stated in the advert, all applications are completed online via the OU Job’s page and following the instructions below and clicking the “APPLY NOW” link below. Applications submitted via 3rd party websites will not be considered.

Access details for disabled applicants are available from the Resourching Hub, telephone: 01908 655544, quoting the vacancy reference above.

To apply for this role please submit the following as one document.

• A personal statement (up to 1,500 words) in which you set out why you’re interested in this role and evidence of how you have the skills and experience listed in the job description. You may find it helpful to list each point and give an example for how you meet that requirement. Alternatively, you might find it easier to put your application into the form of a table.
• A curriculum vitae that includes details of academic qualifications, teaching and research experience, grants received and publications.

To ensure your file is uploaded to our system correctly, please make sure your document is saved with the following file name as appropriate to the vacancy you are applying for: reference, surname, first initial.

You will need to have your documents ready ahead of submitting the electronic application.

Remember to attach your CV and Personal Statement as ONE DOCUMENT.

You will receive updates regarding your application from [email protected]. Please ensure this email address is added to your list of trusted senders. Please also keep an eye on your junk folder to ensure you do not miss any important updates regarding this role.

You can view your application communications on the Candidate portal.

Closing date: 3rd July at 12:00 (noon)

Interview date: Week commencing, 17th July 2023

The selection process for those shortlisted for interview will include:

The written teaching text and presentation will be discussed with you as part of the interview process.

Candidates will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date whether they have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will be sent to shortlisted candidates.

Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all our staff can reach their potential and attract diverse candidates. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.

We offer a range of inclusive employment policies which include family and carer friendly flexible working arrangements and have many supportive staff networks and wellbeing services. We also endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity. Our Staff Benefits page under Employment provides further links and information.