JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Reader
DEPARTMENT
School of Life Sciences
LOCATION:
Brayford Pool
REPORTS TO:
Head of School
GRADE:
Grade 9
DATE:
March 2012
Context
The newly-founded School of Life Sciences forms an important part of the College of
Science. Its portfolio of research and teaching covers a wide spectrum of Biological
Sciences and elements of Physical Science. It is undergoing a challenging transition,
bringing together a number of subject areas and introducing others, with a business plan
designed to establish a ‘top 50’ profile. During the next few years it will need to
successfully manage a number of changes. First, to establish a coherent, efficient and
attractive integrated portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with strong
teaching quality benchmarks, including appropriate professional accreditation and high
national student satisfaction rankings. Second, increase student entry tariffs, while
maintaining or increasing recruitment in a challenging market. Third, establish a strong
research profile including a competitive performance in REF 2013 with at least 70% of
staff submitted at grade point average 2.5 or above. Fourth, significantly increase external
income generation. Fifth, significantly increase international student recruitment. Overall, it
must establish a “top 50” profile within the next few years.
Job Purpose
The Reader will contribute to the academic activities of the School, with a particular focus
on research and research leadership, but also to teaching and learning and enterprise.
The precise requirements will change over time according to the needs of the School and
the individual. Key responsibilities are listed below; any variation or specific focus within
these duties will be determined in consultation with the Head of School.
Key Responsibilities

Maintain an outstanding personal research profile, producing high impact publications
of sufficient volume and quality to maintain a strong international reputation, and to
submit with a 3* rating to the Research Excellence Framework 2013;

Secure external research income, in line with School targets, manage resulting
projects, project staff, research students and budgets;

Provide leadership in research, taking responsibility for major areas of activity. Specific
duties will be determined in consultation with the Head of School, and may vary from
time to time, but will typically include tasks such as:
o
Management of a major area of research activity, e.g. research student
development;
o
Leading a research centre or research group;

Collaborate with colleagues within the School, the College and University, and with
external organizations (including internationally) in the advancement of scientific
knowledge;

Support the School’s international development, including forging international
research links and participating in international liaison activities as required;

Develop research through “impact” activities, including patenting, licensing and
commercialization;

Line management of academic staff, including mentoring, appraisal, development and
day to day issues;

Representation of the School on committees and working groups at University level for
specific initiatives and areas of responsibility;

Membership of appropriate bodies, including professional associations, editorships of
journals, conference programme committees, grant review panels

Plan, design and deliver effective teaching within programmes in relevant discipline
areas, achieving good levels of student progression and satisfaction, ensuring that
content is informed by current developments and research, and that teaching methods
are consistent with University policies on teaching and learning, assessing student
work;

Undertake student support and tutoring, including acting as a first line of advice and
referring to appropriate University services as necessary;

Collaborate with colleagues in curriculum development, the advancement of the
discipline within the University, academic administration including contribution to
programme and/or unit management duties;

Supervise student projects and placements at undergraduate and postgraduate level;

Undertake continuous professional development, including training, peer observation,
mentoring and other activities to enhance own skills and others;

Establish contacts with the wider community, undertake publicity and recruitment
activities, including interviews and open days, promote the interests of the University
externally;

Take part in relevant internal boards, committees and working groups at School or
University level as required;

Liaise with subject librarians, central timetabling and other services to ensure
resources available are appropriately deployed;

Actively follow and promote University policies and procedures;

Maintain external professional profile, including membership of appropriate
professional bodies, committees, refereeing and other scholarly activities;

Undertake other such academic duties as may reasonably be assigned and that are
commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.
Key Working Relationships
Internal
Head of School
Head of College
School academic, administrative and technical staff
Support Services Staff
Colleagues on University committees and working groups
External
Relevant academic and professional groups
Relevant national, regional and international networks
External examiners
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN - PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title:
Reader
Date:
March 2012
Selection Criteria
Knowledge and qualifications:
 Good relevant honours degree or equivalent
 PhD in relevant discipline
 Depth and breadth of subject understanding
 Evidence of continuing professional development
 HE Teaching qualification
 In Depth Knowledge of Higher Education
Experience:
 Appropriate academic outputs of standing to play key
role in successful REF return
 Involvement in successful grant funding applications
 Relevant teaching in Higher Education
 Curriculum development
 Development and innovation of teaching and learning
methods
 Interdisciplinary work relevant to the Department
 Demonstrable research interest in a relevant area of
work, with good strategic ‘fit’
 Research supervision
 Industrial project and research collaboration
experience, “impact” activities
Essential
(E) or
Desirable
(D)
Application
(A)
Interview
(I)
E
E
E
E
D
D
A
A
A
A
A
A/I
E
A
A
A
A/I
A/I
E
E
D
D
A/I
A/I
D
E
A/I
A/I
E
D
Skills:










Ability to lead others in a collegiate environment,
building trust and commitment and inspiring others
Outstanding academic expertise in subject area of
international excellence
Ability to teach and assess across the range of taught
levels offered
Ability to contribute to curriculum development
Ability to support students in their study through
academic counselling
Ability to supervise research students
Ability to work on own initiative
Ability to develop independent novel research
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good organisational and time management skills
Personal Qualities:
E
A/I
E
A/I
E
A/I
E
E
A/I
A/I
E
E
E
E
E
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
I




Positive approach, inspiring confidence and
commitment in others
Enthusiasm and commitment
Team working
Flexibility and adaptability
E
I
E
E
E
I
I
I
Essential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job.
Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the postholder to possess and will be
considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirement s