Job Description
Deputy Director of Postgraduate
Studies (CEM / SET / PABS)
The Job
This role is to support the Director of Postgraduate Studies (DPS) who
leads the University of Brighton’s Doctoral College activities for the three
academic schools which were part of the dissolved Faculty of Science
and Engineering: the School of Computing, Mathematics and
Engineering; the School of Environment and Technology; and the School
of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. The Doctoral College Area
Office on the Moulsecoomb Campus is located on the Mezzanine Floor of
the Cockcroft Building.
The post is fixed term for one calendar year. It is anticipated that postholder will help
to formulate the proposed implementation strategy as the university reorganises
research infrastructure into the Colleges of Social Science; Life, Health and Physical
Science and; Arts and Humanities.
Reporting to the DPS, this position offers an opportunity to support postgraduate
researcher development which includes:
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The maintenance and, in consultation with the DPS, the further development
of the researcher development framework, including coordinating and
developing PGR supervisory capacity;
Developing opportunities to provide external financial support for PGR
studentships;
Quality assurance and resource management for postgraduate research
degrees.
You will also be expected to deputise for the DPS as required, in particular in chairing
a significant number of individual student progression reviews and taking
responsibility for other agreed areas of activity.
Given the pivotal role that this position embraces, your work will involve a number of
key interactions and extensive communication in the following activities:
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Supporting the operational leadership of the postgraduate research student
experience;
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Contributing to developing the research environment for PGR students and
Early Career Researchers, particularly in science and engineering;
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Contributing to engagement with external bodies associated with
postgraduate education, researcher development and the disciplinary and
methodological remits of this area.
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You will therefore need:
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To work closely with the DPS to support the development of postgraduate
research activities and the effective co-ordination and monitoring of the
student experience and progression;
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To be familiar and act in accordance with current University and Doctoral
College policies and procedures in chairing postgraduate research student
admissions, enrolment, induction, annual progress reviews, MPhil/PhD
transfer, thesis outline and completion plan meetings, as required;
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To remain fully informed of national and international debates relating to
postgraduate studies and doctoral research in appropriate fields, including
different types of doctoral study (e.g. Professional Doctorates or practice-led
research), and seek ways of incorporating best practice into the Brighton
Doctoral College;
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To remain fully informed of Research Council, EASE engagements and other
funding opportunities in support of postgraduate research training and
doctoral work; to engage with senior academics in the disciplines within your
remit to disseminate such findings and to advise and assist in the quality
assurance of content and in the completion of all applications for external
funding for studentships.
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To support the recruitment of high-quality research students, in line with
BDC, school, faculty and university objectives and liaising with senior staff in
the area over support arrangements for students being admitted;
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To support the development, design and delivery, monitoring and review of
the research environment for PGR and the researcher development
framework across the spectrum of disciplines related to science and
engineering, to include:
i.
Developing postgraduate research student training and expertise in
line with national and international best practice;
ii. Ensuring a high quality PGR student experience, meeting student
expectations and needs, aligned to the strategic and operational plans
of the faculty and university;
iii. Promoting academic and intellectual currency and rigorous standards
appropriate to the level and nature of the MPhil, Prof Doc and PhD
awards.
iv. Supporting the production/revision of the student handbook for your
area.
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To support and augment supervisory teams in the provision of support and
pastoral care for PGR students and to liaise with Student Services, as
required, in the best interests of the students
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To be responsible, with the DPS, for quality assurance and enhancement
processes and related initiatives associated with the delivery of the student
experience and to provide reports on these activities for internal and external
consumption.
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Appointment process
In recognition of the seniority and responsibility expected, expressions of interest/ are
sought from permanent members of Academic Staff currently at Principal
Lecturer/Principal Research Fellow (AC4) or above.
The role will be offered as a secondment opportunity for a period of one year from 1
January 2015 (or date of appointment). It is anticipated that the role will encompass
approximately 50% of the roleholder’s working time. It is envisaged that the DDPS
roleholder will continue to be responsible to their existing line management for the
remaining part of their contractual duties, where applicable.
It is expected that the Deputy Director of Postgraduate Studies will be:
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A research active member of staff with a strong track record of personal
research commensurate with the criteria for inclusion in the REF.
Currently appointed at the University of Brighton as a permanent member of
academic staff.
Currently included on the university register of approved supervisors.
A track record of supervision of Doctoral Students.
And ideally, have:
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Supervised doctoral students to completion.
Subject based expertise to complement the knowledge and experience of the
Doctoral College team.
Some experience in research leadership and management.
Experience in researcher development (for example, an interest in
development of research training methods; involvement in the URTF and/or
school/faculty researcher development programs).
Familiarity with the University’s MRes provision.
Experience in mentoring and developing colleagues at the Early Career
Researcher stage.
Success in attracting Research Studentships.
Expressions of interest should include a full curriculum vitae and a covering letter that
serves to highlight the specific skills and achievements aligning with the Deputy DPS
role description. The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is Wednesday 28
January 2015 and they should be sent to Professor David Arnold, Dean of the
Doctoral College (D.Arnold@brighton.ac.uk)
Following expressions of interest, a selection/interview process will be scheduled. It
would assist if applicants could list any dates where it would be impossible for them
to attend a selection process owing to other internal or external commitments.
Informal queries about the role should be directed to Professor Neil Ravenscroft,
Director of Postgraduate Studies (SET/CEM/PABS) in the first instance, or Professor
David Arnold, Dean of the Doctoral College.
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