Teaching Fellow
Candidate Brief
Job reference:
<>
Location:
York, UK
Based at:
<>
Department:
<Department>
Closing date:
<date>
Interview date:
<date>
Contents
Introduction
The Department
The Role
Person specification
The University of York
Appointment Details
Application Process
Section
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1.
Introduction
Brief background summary of the post - e.g. new post or replacement.
Summary of the purpose of the post e.g. area of expertise the role holder will be required to lead on
Departments are advised to keep this section brief – an overview to encourage candidates to read further
– more information can be provided in the sections on the Department and the Role]
2.
The Department
The Department of <department> is (include brief description, including information about Departmental
size, structure and staff composition) The Department has <number> undergraduate and <number>
postgraduate students (including <number> PhD students). Average A level grades requested at
undergraduate level are <grades>.
Research in the Department was ranked <> in the RAE (you may wish to include information about other
Departmental awards and accolades e.g., ranking in University league tables, NSS information, Athena
Swan etc)
The Department covers < > (include information on Departmental interests and particular strengths in
research, information on research groupings, information on)
You may wish to include a paragraph about the research area to which the post is being recruited.
The Department offers courses in (include information on undergraduate and postgraduate courses,
teaching style).
The Department Management Team includes <
The Department is located in <
Departments/Institutions)
>
> (Include information on facilities and any other related
Please include information on future plans, developments or approaches specific to the department.
Further information about the department is available at: <insert web link>
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3.
The Role
The Main Purpose of the Role:

To lecture, lead seminars, tutorials and other forms of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching

To develop and apply innovative and appropriate teaching techniques and material which create
interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students

To carry out on-going curriculum review, including module content and materials and contribute to
the development of teaching and learning strategies

To undertake effectively a range of administrative responsibilities

Further points specific to the post – Department to provide
Key Responsibilities or Duties:
Role holders may be required to undertake some, or all of the duties outlined below:
Teaching and Promotion of Learning

To support the teaching objectives of the department by delivering teaching through allocated
lectures, tutorials and other forms of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Set and mark
coursework and exams, providing constructive feedback to students.

To develop where appropriate revisions to existing modules or courses in terms of design, content,
structure, forms of delivery, method of assessment

To develop own teaching materials, methods and approaches, with guidance. Obtain and analyse
feedback on own teaching design and delivery to facilitate this.

To contribute to the development of new teaching approaches and course proposals and to the
design of curricula which are academically excellent, coherent and intellectually challenging.

To ensure that course design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the
University and department
Administrative and support responsibilities

To provide – with mentoring - supervision to students, giving advice on study skills and helping with
learning problems. To identify the learning needs of students and define learning objectives.

To supervise student projects, field trips and, where appropriate, placements

To undertake various administrative responsibilities as requested by the Head of Department.
Involvement in scholarship and development

To investigate innovative teaching, learning and assessment methods and techniques in the sector,
and pedagogic research generally, bringing new insights to the department.
 To make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events
 Further points specific to the post – Department to provide
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4.
The Person
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
 Postgraduate degree in [subject area] or
equivalent experience

Desirable
 PhD in [subject area]
Appropriate academic professional and
teaching qualification or a willingness to
complete the Postgraduate Certificate in
Academic Practice
Knowledge
 Detailed knowledge in [subject area]
sufficient to develop teaching and provide
relevant learning support to students
across different levels of academic ability
List desirable role-specific
knowledge
Skills/abilities/
competencies

Highly developed communication skills to
engage effectively with a wide ranging
audience, both orally and in writing, using
a range of media.
List desirable role-specific skills

Ability to design and deliver teaching
material either across a range of modules
or within a subject area

Ability to supervise the work of students,
provide advice on study skills and assist
with learning problems

Ability to contribute to the design of
course material, content and new
teaching approaches in the department

Ability to manage and deliver own
teaching

Ability to plan, manage, organise and
assess own teaching contributions
Experience
Personal
attributes

Experience in teaching and learning in
HE at undergraduate and/ or
postgraduate level or in an evidenced
similar context

Experience of using different delivery
techniques to enthuse and engage
students

Evidence of successful planning and
designing teaching material




Attention to detail and commitment to
high quality
Creativity, initiative and judgement in
applying appropriate approaches to
teaching, learning support and scholarly
activities
Collaborative ethos
List other desirable role-specific
experience
List desirable role-specific personal
attributes
Positive attitude to colleagues and
students
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5.

Willingness to work proactively with
colleagues in other work areas/institutions

Ability to plan and prioritise own work in
order to meet deadlines

Commitment to personal development
and updating of knowledge and skills
The University of York
The University of York is one of the UK’s leading universities. It has an excellent reputation in teaching
and research and was placed in the top ten UK universities by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise
(RAE). It regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide and is the highest ranked UK university in
the Times Higher world ranking of universities under 50 years old. In 2010 York was named ‘University of
the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards in recognition of its drive to combine academic
excellence with social inclusion, strong record of scientific discovery, and investment into the arts and
humanities. In 2012, York was invited to join The Russell Group of leading research-intensive
universities.
From its inception, the University has concentrated on strong viable departments and teaching and
research of the highest quality. York intends to retain its leading research-intensive position and to
develop its global reputation through:
-
Continued growth in student numbers - much of it focused on postgraduate and international
students.
Significant research expansion and spin-out activity as the University develops the potential of its
intellectual property.
Focusing on the University’s four strategic objectives of excellence, internationalisation, inclusivity
and sustainability.
Founded in 1963 with just 200 students, the University now has approximately 3,500 staff, 16,000
students and over 30 academic departments and research centres. The University has a collegiate
system in which most staff and all students are members of one of eight colleges.
The Campus
The University is located in a beautiful landscaped park close to the historic city of York, a much sought
after destination for work and study. The University has city centre premises at the medieval King's
Manor and, since 2000, York has added 20 new buildings to its Heslington West campus, as well as
embarking on an ambitious £750m campus expansion at Heslington East. This development will increase
student capacity, drive up research income and provide more world-class facilities for the 21st century.
The City of York
The historic walled City of York is a year round destination which is home to world-class museums,
attractions and vibrant entertainment and festivals. It successfully combines a riverside location, beautiful
parks and pedestrianised streets with a lively café/bar/restaurant culture and wide selection of shops. The
city and surrounding areas offer a variety of housing, excellent range of schools, and comprehensive
health care facilities.
York has excellent road and rail links and is easily accessible from all parts of the UK. It is roughly 2
hours by rail from London, Edinburgh and Manchester and within easy reach of international airports at
Manchester and Leeds-Bradford. For more information visit: www.visityork.org
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6.
Appointment Details
Salary is in the range <£ to £ - HR to insert> a year on grade <HR to insert> of the University’s salary
scales.
The post is <full-time/part-time> and the hours of work are <hours> per week.
[Fixed-term contracts only] The post is available for a period of <months/years>.
The annual holiday entitlement is 38 days, including 8 statutory public holidays. The leave year is
October to September. If the post is part-time, or appointment is made part-way through the year, holiday
entitlement will be reduced pro rata.
The candidate appointed may, immediately upon starting his/her employment, join USS (the Universities’
Superannuation Scheme). Membership of the Final Salary section involves a personal contribution of
7.50% of salary. If you have not previously been a member of USS, or do not meet the criteria for re-entry
to the Final Salary section, you will join the Career Revalued Benefits section which involves a 6.50%
personal contribution. Both sections have a 16% employer contribution, and are offered via salary
exchange. Retired members of USS may not re-join, and may be automatically enrolled into The People’s
Pension, subject to meeting the Government’s criteria.
7.
The Application Process
<Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to: <Name> (<>@york.ac.uk; + 44 (0)1904 <>).>
Making your application
The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on <HR to add date>.
When you are ready to start your application, click on the ‘Apply now’ button and you will be guided
through the stages of the application form. You will also be asked to upload a letter of application
outlining your suitability for the job and your curriculum vitae.
References
You will be asked to provide the names and contact details of two referees able to comment on your
suitability for the role, including your current or most recent line manager (for example, the head of your
department or research group) or your supervisor if you are a student. In the event that you are offered a
position, we will also seek an employment reference from your current or most recent employer.
Interviews
It is anticipated that interviews for the post will be held on <date> or <as soon as possible and certainly
no later than two months after the closing date for applications>. Applicants who are shortlisted for
interview will be sent details of time and venue as soon as possible after the closing date.
If you have any queries regarding your application, please contact HR Services (email:
recruitment@york.ac.uk or telephone: +44 (0)1904 324835).
8.
Criminal Convictions (if DBS check required – HR to include)
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This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare
both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.
Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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