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1407064
LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
(FIXED TERM UNTIL 30TH JUNE 2015 AND PART TIME 0.5 FTE)
FACULTY OF HEALTH AND APPLIED SCIENCES
FRENCHAY CAMPUS
FURTHER PARTICULARS
1. INTRODUCTION
The University of the West of England (UWE) is one of Britain's most enterprising universities;
it has a successful record in co-creating new ideas and new solutions to deliver innovative
futures.
UWE works closely with business and industry to ensure that teaching and research have
direct relevance to society and the environment. We also pride ourselves on providing a
valued role for all students and staff members within UWE’s diverse and welcoming
community.
From its origins as the Merchant Venturers’ College in 1595, UWE is now one of Britain’s most
popular universities. Over the years UWE has continued to develop its academic provision to
grow and transform itself to meet the demands of modern day students and higher education
teaching.
UWE has an annual budget of £220 million, and it is the largest provider of higher education in
the south west of England. UWE also has an expanding European and international profile.
The University has a history of providing high quality education and training to students. In
parallel with traditional values of academic excellence, the University is committed to using
academic knowledge and skills to find practical solutions to problems. UWE’s researchers
make a significant contribution to advances in industry, commerce, public services and the
professions, both nationally and internationally.
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UWE students, and the knowledge and experience they gain, are vital to future economic
prosperity. The University aims to equip students for their role in the economy by putting a
fundamental value on work placements, part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities. Strong
links with employers help to keep UWE’s courses relevant and up to date, and ensure that its
graduates are highly sought after in the job market because they have the confidence, skills,
up-to-date knowledge and work experience to be attractive to employers.
The University is building up a number of partnerships with further education colleges,
collectively known as the UWE Federation. The University and the colleges have developed a
range of courses to give as many people as possible the chance to study university-level
courses at their local college, with opportunities for progression to UWE programmes. Many of
the courses have been developed in collaboration with local employers to develop the skills
and knowledge that are in demand in the region.
2. UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
SIZE AND LOCATION
With over 30,000 students and 3,491 staff, UWE is the largest university in the south west of
England, and one of the largest employers in the Bristol area.
Around half of UWE’s staff are engaged in teaching, research, knowledge exchange,
consultancy and other academic-related activities. The remaining staff members provide a
variety of professional services ranging from marketing to finance, and from international
development to human resources. These staff members also support the development and
maintenance of all of the University’s campuses.
The investment in teaching excellence is matched by a tremendous investment in facilities and
infrastructure.
UWE has four main campuses. Around 60% of our students are based at Frenchay campus,
which is on the north-eastern outskirts of Bristol and close to the M4, M5, M32 motorways with
easy access to Bristol Parkway station. UWE’s other main campuses are at Bower Ashton, St
Matthias and Glenside.
Hartpury College, an Associate School of the University, is based four miles north of
Gloucester. There is also a UWE Education Centre for Health and Social Care in Gloucester.
UWE is currently developing a new campus site which will double the size of our Frenchay
campus. The new site will provide a stimulating, green, pleasant, healthy, flexible and
sustainable environment which will set new standards of academic provision for the 21st
century. The new campus will provide contemporary facilities and improved infrastructure,
including top quality accommodation, academic, sports, social and cultural facilities.
Included in the new campus masterplan is a ground-breaking agreement with Bristol Rovers
Football Club to build a new football stadium. Costing £40m, the 20,000 seat stadium will
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include a club gym for student and community use, an all-weather jogging track, rooms for
student club activities and teaching space, and a banqueting suite and venue space.
In recent years, UWE has completed an £82 million student village (housing 2,000 students)
opened a state-of-the-art sports centre, launched a new conference and exhibition centre, and
opened a £700,000 nursery facility for staff and students.
UWE BRISTOL STRATEGY 2020
ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE, INSPIRING PEOPLE, TRANSFORMING FUTURES
We have set ourselves the ambition of being known nationally and internationally as the best
university for:
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Professionally recognised and practice-oriented programmes, which contribute to an
outstanding learning experience and generate excellent graduate employment
opportunities and outcomes for all our students.
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Connecting and working with our local and regional economy, businesses and
communities and international partners to advance knowledge, and to advance the
health, sustainability and prosperity for our locality and region.
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Being digitally advanced, agile and responsive in the way we work, embracing and
leading change to create new sustainable opportunities.
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Being inclusive and global in outlook and approach.
Our strategy sets out the priorities and enablers that will help us to realise our ambitions for
2020.
FACULTIES AND SERVICES
The University’s academic provision is delivered through four faculties:
 Arts, Creative Industries and Education
 Business and Law
 Environment and Technology
 Health and Applied Sciences
The University also has two associate faculties - Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, and the
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
The faculties are supported by the following central services:
Admissions and International Development
Corporate and Academic Services
Facilities
Financial Services
Human Resources
IT Services
Library Services
Marketing and Communications
Research, Business and Innovation
Student and Partnership Services
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3. FACULTY INFORMATION
THE FACULTY OF HEALTH AND APPLIED SCIENCES
The Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (renamed from Health and Life Sciences on
1st August 2013) was formed on 1st August 2007 and is currently led by the Pro Vice
Chancellor and Executive Dean Professor Helen Langton. The Faculty provides a home
for a broad and diverse spectrum of disciplines that have as a common focus and overall
strategic driver the health and well-being of humans and of human-kind (including
disadvantaged groups, the community, society and the environment). This broad focus
provides an integrating theme for the faculty that gives rise to true inter-disciplinary
strength. Furthermore, the Faculty is inclusive with respect to being a home for staff and
students and values both internal and external partnerships.
The Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences:
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has an excellent student and staff experience at its heart
is dedicated to the creation, application and transmission of knowledge, including
excellent research
is underpinned through appropriate partnerships and engagement with students,
customers, stake-holders, partners and employers.
The Faculty aims to:
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be recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for
research and knowledge exchange in health and applied sciences
form strong and enduring links with regional, national and international partners
provide an inspiring and motivating experience for all
provide, to a heterogeneous student body, an excellent education and learning
experience that addresses and serves individual and professional aspirations in
health and applied sciences
enable students to realise their potential through provision of access to life-long
learning
engage students in research and in the community service activities of the Faculty,
and to provide knowledge exchange and research opportunities in the environmental
sciences and in the social and public health-related sciences which address relevant
regional, national and international environmental issues.
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FACULTY STRUCTURE
There are four academic departments that constitute the faculty, one based at Frenchay
campus, two based at Glenside Campus and one split across two sites, namely:
Allied Health Professions (DAHP) - Glenside
Biological, Biomedical & Analytical Sciences (BBAS) - Frenchay
Health and Social Sciences (HaS) – Glenside & Frenchay
Nursing and Midwifery (NM) - Glenside
In addition, Nursing programmes are delivered at UWE Gloucester.
The Heads of each of these Departments sit on the Faculty Executive which comprises
the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean, the Deputy Dean and Associate Deans, the
Faculty Business Manager and the Head of Technical Services.
RESEARCH IN THE FACULTY
The Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS) has a vibrant research culture organised
primarily through the Research Centres and Institutes listed below. The extent of research
development in HAS was underlined by the results of the 2008 Research Assessment
Exercise when it led UWE submissions in the Allied Health Professions and Studies (65% of
the submissions deemed world-leading or internationally excellent), in Nursing and Midwifery
(45% world-leading or internationally excellent), in Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Science
(45% world-leading or internationally excellent) and in Social Work, Social Policy and
Administration (25% world-leading or internationally excellent). The recent REF submission
built on these strengths.
The Faculty has the following Research Centres:
 Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)
 Centre for Research in Biosciences (CRIB)
 Centre for Health and Clinical Research (CHCR)
 Centre for Understanding Social Practices (CUSP)
In addition to the centres above, the Science Communication Unit (SCU) is also located mainly
in the Faculty. The Faculty also has a partnership agreement in place with the University of
Bristol to jointly oversee and support the Centre for Child and Adolescent Health.
HAS also provides the co-Director for two of UWE’s cross-Faculty Research and Knowledge
Exchange Institutes, namely; the Institute of Bio-sensing Technology and the Institute for
Sustainability, Health and the Environment.
The Research Web Pages of the Faculty provide a detailed profile of key researchers and
main projects in all the Centres and Institutes (http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/hls/research.aspx).
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4. POST INFORMATION
LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
The Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences brings together experts from Allied Health
Professions, Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Health and Social Sciences, and
Nursing and Midwifery. We have a large number of high quality, practice orientated and
professionally-focused, undergraduate, postgraduate, and postgraduate research programmes
and a vibrant portfolio of research and knowledge exchange (RKE) projects funded by a wide
range of partners and based primarily in our Research Centres and Institutes.
THE POST
We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Science Communication on a part
time (0.5 FTE) and fixed term basis until 30th June 2015. The person appointed will join the
Department of Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences and will contribute to existing
teaching and supervision on the postgraduate programmes in science communication and
undergraduate provision in this area. Further responsibilities will include supervision of
undergraduate and postgraduate project students, contribution to the Science Communication
Unit’s portfolio of continuing professional development, and, depending on the person’s
qualifications, may contribute to teaching and student support activities on a variety of
programmes within the Department and wider Faculty. The person appointed is also expected
to engage actively in research and practice in the broad field of science communication/public
engagement.
The person appointed should be prepared to work on Saturdays as our postgraduate science
communication programmes include Saturday teaching, and may be expected to participate in
and/or organise off campus field trips linked to these modules.
The start date for this post is as soon as possible.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Purpose:
To contribute to teaching and learning in science communication and to contribute to the
development of research that underpins provision in science communication within the Science
Communication Unit.
Source and nature of management provided:
To be responsible to the Head of Department or equivalent designated nominee.
Main duties and responsibilities:
 To work in a team with other staff and contribute to the Department's teaching and learning
in science communication at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
 To contribute to the development of new taught modules and continuing professional
development programmes offered by the Science Communication Unit
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To contribute to the development of research programmes that underpin the teaching and
professional practice of science communication and public engagement
To apply for external funding for research and public engagement activities
To contribute to the academic field of science communication through conference
presentation and academic publication
To work creatively to enable and support student learning
To supervise undergraduate and postgraduate project students
To participate in the general academic administration of the Department
To contribute as appropriate to citizenship activities of the University
Generic Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of a lecturer are inherently of a professional nature and are
wide ranging and include:
 Contact with students and others to facilitate effective learning
 Tutorial guidance to students’ learning
 Proactive engagement with the research and knowledge exchange agenda of the Faculty
 Educational management and administration
 Participation in the collegiate activities of the institution (committee membership etc.)
 Participation in quality assurance procedures
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The following characteristics have been identified as necessary for the post holder to operate
successfully in this post. It would assist your application if you address them in the information
you supply, as well as highlighting any other factors that you consider relevant.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
 Lecturing/teaching experience in Higher Education (HE), in one or more of the following
areas: science museums and festivals, arts based approaches to science communication
(e.g. SciArts), inclusion and inclusivity, and/or digital communications
 An active research profile in one or more of the above areas which can be drawn on for the
purpose of teaching
 A commitment to enhancing teaching quality and standards
Desirable
 Experience of public engagement, either in relation to your own research or gained through
working with other researchers
 Experience of using technology enhanced learning tools
 Experience of research/project supervision at UG final year and beyond
 Experience of curriculum development in HE
 Experience of multi-disciplinary collaboration in teaching, research or knowledge exchange
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SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE
Essential
 Advanced knowledge in one or more of the broad fields of: science museums and festivals,
arts based approaches to public engagement, inclusion and inclusivity, and/or digital
communications
 Knowledge of a range of social science research methodologies
 Able to employ/develop innovative methods to support effective student learning
 Able to devise and deliver novel research or practice projects to strengthen and
complement current interests within the Science Communication Unit
 Excellent IT skills
 Excellent level of written, verbal and visual communication, including the ability to produce
briefing information to students and academic documentation
 Ability to organise self and others to maximise effectiveness, in an academic context
 Effective communication skills
 Comfortable with a participative, team based working and management style
Desirable
 Practical or research experience on engaging ‘hard to reach’ audiences
 Experience and understanding of processes for obtaining research grants
 Experience and understanding of academic publication
 Effective student support skills
 Experience of delivering continuous professional development courses
DISPOSITION
Essential
 Proactive teacher of science communication to students from a wide range of academic
backgrounds
 Adaptable approach
 Able to work with customers/students from a variety of different backgrounds e.g. disabled
students/staff, black and minority ethnic students/staff
 Willing to contribute proactively to the Science Communication Unit, including supporting
the development needs of junior staff
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
 PhD in Science Communication, or a related discipline
 Qualification in teaching in HE or commitment to obtaining this (e.g. by attending the UWE
Academic Development Programme)
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OTHER FACTORS
Essential
 Commitment to continuous professional and personal development
This post has been identified with the following risks, for further details please discuss with the
recruiting manager:
 Biological hazards exposure
 Contact with/use of latex
 Dermatological (skin) irritants/sensitisers
 Extensive and continual, Display Screen Equipment use
The salary for this post will be paid in a range between £30,728 and £46,400 (pro rata if
part-time), on Grade G/H.
This post is fixed term until 30th June 2015, part-time working (0.5FTE).
The University actively seeks to redeploy fixed term staff, who have at least one year’s service,
to suitable alternative posts at the expiry of their fixed term contract.
If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply on a secondment basis, please make sure you
obtain approval from your line manager before submitting your application.
All staff appointed will be subject to a probationary period during which time comprehensive
support will be given. An offer of appointment will also be subject to completion of a Post Offer
Health Questionnaire.
5. STAFF BENEFITS
Childcare Vouchers: The University runs a scheme for staff to purchase childcare vouchers
to pay for childcare through payroll.
Cycle to Work: The University runs a scheme for staff to purchase tax free bikes for
commuting purposes through payroll. For details, see Cyclescheme Ltd Terms and conditions
apply.
EAP: The University’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a major initiative offering all
staff access to a confidential telephone helpline service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The service can provide information and advice on a range of personal, emotional, family, legal
and financial issues. All calls are free and confidential.
Increments: Staff will normally receive annual increments to the top of the pay scale to which
they are assigned. This incremental progression is, however, subject to meeting the
requirements of appropriate progression criteria e.g. probation requirements, bar progression
arrangements and is subject to satisfactory performance.
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Leave for Support and Professional Staff:
Grade
New Staff
Up to and including Grade E 25 days
Grade F and above
27 days
Senior Management
35 days
Leave for Academic and Research Staff:
Grade
New Staff
Researchers Grade F
27 days
Academic and Research Staff 35 days
Grade G and above
After 5 years continuous service
30 days
30 days
35 days
After 5 years continuous service
30 days
N/A
Also, all staff receive 11 days for public holidays, and between 1 and 2½ additional days to
facilitate the closure of the University during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
All leave is pro rata for part-time employees.
Parking: There is parking in and around the University. Staff pay a small annual fee for a car
parking permit to cover all University campuses.
Pay Award: Salary scales are revised annually.
Pension: Staff will join the appropriate occupational superannuation scheme subject to its
regulations. This scheme could be the TPS, LGPS or USS. Each scheme includes an
employers' contribution and provides an index linked pension and lump sum on retirement. New
staff who have been members of the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) will only be able
to remain in that scheme if there is no more than a break of one calendar month since
contributions were last made to the USS.
Performance and Development Review: All staff have an annual review of personal and work
objectives.
6. HOW TO APPLY
If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Lucy Meredith on 0117 32 82519 or
email: Lucy5.Meredith@uwe.ac.uk
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Non EU Nationals please note:
The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are entitled to live and work
in the UK. For some vacancies (those requiring specific skills or in shortage occupations e.g.
Lecturing/Research positions) we may be able to obtain a certificate of sponsorship for a suitably
qualified applicant as part of the process of obtaining permission to work in the UK from the UK
Border Agency (UKBA). However, for most other vacancies including administrative roles it will
be unlikely that permission to work in the UK would be granted. You can check whether you
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would be eligible to work in the UK under the points-based system for migrant workers using the
UKBA points calculator.
An international candidate support website is available via this link here.
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It is normal practice to take up references only for those applicants who are short-listed for
interview. Referees with knowledge of your professional ability are preferred to those with
merely social knowledge. If you are currently employed, it will be helpful if you name a referee
who can refer to your current work. If you ask that your present employer should not be
contacted before an interview, this request will be respected.
Applications for this post must be submitted using our online eRecruitment system,
which can be accessed via our vacancies website.
The closing date is 30 May 2014 at 11.59pm.
To help us deal quickly with any queries please quote reference number 1407064 in any
communications.
Interviews normally take place within 4 weeks of the closing date. Applicants will be
informed by email regarding the status of their application in due course. If you have a
disability and would like to discuss the practical arrangements for this interview please feel free
to contact HRresourcing@uwe.ac.uk
UWE can assist with travel expenses for external applicants travelling more than 50 miles to
interview. This amount is capped to £50 for travel expenses and £50 for overnight
accommodation, if this is required. Full details are available on request. On occasion there
may be an option for a video conference interview.
UWE is committed to equality and values diversity; we aspire to creating a community of staff
and students representative of the people we serve. We believe in an inclusive university
where diversity is respected and celebrated. If you feel the same we'd like to hear from you.
Visit the equality and diversity website to find out more.
RE16.04.14
AG 28.4.14
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