Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
7337
Job title:
Teaching Fellow in Inorganic Chemistry
Reports to:
Head of Department via Head of Discipline
Salary:
£36,382 - £44,016 p.a.
Terms and conditions:
Academic
Grade:
3
Duration of post:
Fixed term contract until 31 October 2013
Working hours:
Full time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
29 September 2011
Type of application form accepted:
Short
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Fiona McGavin
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2. Summary of duties
You will contribute to the design and delivery of OU modules at undergraduate and
postgraduate level in the Chemistry and Analytical Sciences pathway of the Natural Science
programme. You will also be expected to be involved in projects developing new approaches
to teaching and learning through eSTEeM (Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering,
Entrepreneurship, Mathematics), an initiative to bring together academics within the Faculties
of Science, and Mathematics, Computing and Technology. Candidates should be prepared to
bring an imaginative approach to the challenge of presenting Science courses and
programmes for a wide range of adult students of different backgrounds.
In particular, you will be expected to:
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Be an active member of the Discipline of Chemistry and Analytical Sciences, and of
the Department of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences to which the discipline belongs;
Contribute to the presentation of the 60 point module S205 Our Molecular World, a
Level 2 general chemistry module;
Contribute to discussions on the content and structure of a revised Level 2 general
chemistry module;
Contribute to the presentation of the 20 point S347 Metals and Life, a Level 3 inorganic
and bioinorganic chemistry module;
Participate in on-line forums and tutorials which form part of these modules;
Take an active role in a team developing and delivering context and problem based
learning within the general areas of chemistry and analytical science;
Become an active member of eSTEeM. You will be encouraged to contribute to and
lead projects within this area, exploring the frontiers of STEM education.
All staff are expected to:
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Comply with the University’s Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies in the
performance of their duties;
Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other
person who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work;
Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory
Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and
Safety arrangements are complied with;
Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity;
Attend appropriate staff development events and undertake appropriate training where
necessary to improve your skills in delivering distance learning.
3. Person specification
Essential
1. A higher degree in Chemistry or a closely related field;
2. Experience of undergraduate teaching in inorganic chemistry or a closely related subject;
3. An ability to write fluently in order to contribute to chemistry teaching at all levels with in
the OU portfolio;
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4. Good oral communication skills;
5. Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across intra- and inter-faculty boundaries and to
develop relationships and networks;
6. The ability to use information and communication technology in teaching and supporting
students;
7. An up-to-date knowledge of developments within the field of chemical education;
8. A commitment to furthering the University’s policies relating to diversity and equal
opportunities;
9. The commitment and ability to work as part of a team;
Desirable
1. Specialism in inorganic or bioinorganic chemistry;
2. Experience of supporting students in a distance learning environment;
3. Experience of supporting learners from a wide range of academic backgrounds and
abilities;
4. Experience in the development and delivery of context or problem based learning;
5. Experience in scholarship activities;
6. Interest in multimedia presentation of teaching material, particularly for distance teaching;
7. Familiarity with communications for synchronous working.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
Faculty of Science
The Faculty has a staff of about 310, comprising of around 115 academic staff (central
and regional/national) with the balance made up of research staff, curriculum managers,
laboratory staff, administrators and clerical staff. There are also varying numbers of
research students and visiting academic staff.
The Faculty has three departments, each with constituent discipline groups:
Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems
 Earth Science
 Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
 Brain & Behavioural Sciences
 Cell & Molecular Biology
 Chemistry & Analytical Sciences
 Human Biology
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Department of Physical Sciences
 Astronomy
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Physics
Planetary & Space Sciences
Science Curriculum
The Faculty currently supports a broad-based Natural Sciences programme. Within this
there are 5 undergraduate discipline-based pathways; Life Sciences, Health Sciences,
Chemistry and Analytical Science, Geosciences, and Physical Science.
At post-graduate level, the Faculty supports an MSc programme which currently has 3
strands – Science Studies, Frontiers in Medical Science, and Health Physics.
The Faculty also supports foundation degrees in Health Sciences (including paramedic
and operating theatre practice) and Analytical Science.
Science Research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics
that brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas
through three major research groupings:
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The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Biomedical Research Network (BRN)
Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics
(eSTEeM)
Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to
find solutions to specific scientific and technological problems. In addition, the Faculty of
Science is supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly
developing in response to external research opportunities.
eSTEeM (http://www.open.ac.uk/about/teaching-and-learning/esteem/ ) is an initiative to
bring together academics within Science and the Faculty of Maths, Computing and
Technology to develop new approaches to teaching and learning. This centre builds on
existing collaborations developed within the Centres for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning (CETLs) based at the OU and with other Faculties, aiming to embed new
approaches around priority areas such as e-assessment, online experimentation, etc.
Department of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences
Head of Department: Dr Hilary MacQueen
The Department is made up of 46 academics who undertake teaching, research and
scholarship across a wide range of scientific and pedagogic areas. In addition, there are
currently 6 post-doctoral researchers and 19 full-time research students. The
Department comprises four constituent discipline groups, Brain & Behavioural Sciences,
Cell & Molecular Biology, Chemistry & Analytical Sciences and Human Biology.
Our Teaching
The Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences presents a large number of
modules that contribute to the BSc Natural Sciences and the BSc Health Sciences. We
also offer all four of the Faculty of Science’s Foundation degrees, and we are at the
forefront of employer engagement within the university. We present all the 15-credit
Long-Term Conditions modules, and many of the Science Short Modules (10 credits
each). We also contribute to several modules at Masters level, in the MSc qualifications
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in Science, Science and Society, Professional Science, Medicinal Chemistry and
Psychology.
Compulsory modules in the Chemistry and Analytical Science pathway of the B.Sc.
Natural Sciences degree are the general chemistry module, S205 The Molecular World
(60 points), S345 Chemical Change and Environmental Applications(20 points), S346
Drug Design and Synthesis (20 points), S347 Metals and Life (20 points) and SXC288
Practical Science: Chemistry and Analysis. A new Analytical Science module S 240
Analytical Sciences: Health, Heritage and Environment is available from February 2012.
At postgraduate level, the Department also runs a full PhD research degree programme
with students supported by the BBSRC, MRC, charities (such as Research into Ageing
and The Migraine Trust) and The Open University.
Members of the Department have made many pedagogic innovations, particularly
relating to the on-line delivery of practical science and work-based learning, and its
assessment.
The Chemistry and Analytical Science Discipline was rated as Excellent in the national
Teaching Quality Assessments (one of only 12 of the 72 assessed chemistry
departments in England to reach this standard) and a Royal Society of Chemistry
Higher Education Teaching Award for 2000 went to a member of the Department.
Our Research
Members of the Department conduct research within all three of the Faculty’s major
research centres, CEPSAR, BRN and eSTEeM. Our research teams comprise
biologists, chemists, physicists and psychologists who contribute to a vibrant and
interdisciplinary research community. Our laboratory facilities include molecular
genetics and DNA-sequencing laboratories, tissue culture/time-lapse suites, electron,
confocal and atomic force microscopes, histology and morphometric laboratories and a
radiation suite which houses a cell harvester, beta scintillation and gamma counters.
We have an impressive range of GC/LC-MS and liquid chromatography instruments, a
range of spectroscopy instruments, and an X-ray diffraction facility.
The Department offers a range of specialist skills and expertise across the life, health
and chemical sciences. We are keen to involve external partners in our research
through their involvement in collaborative research projects, sponsored PhD
studentships and contract research projects. Much of our research is based on very
successful collaborations with other universities and institutes and with industry, both
nationally and internationally. Recent research funding in the Department has come
from, amongst others, the BBSRC, EU Framework 6&7, World Cancer Research Fund,
Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust, Multiple Sclerosis Society, MRC, the Royal Society,
NAAR/Autism Speaks, Research into Ageing and NIMH. Our industrial research
partners include Regen, Cyclacel Ltd, Human Factors International, Eusa Pharma
(Europe) Ltd, Hill Group Aggregate, Entec UK Ltd, Charles Church, Black & Veatch,
TAP, Dow-Corning, BP and Hichrom).
Our Outreach
Members of the Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences were in the
vanguard of developing health education in sub-Saharan Africa through the HEAT
project:
http://www8.open.ac.uk/africa/heat/
The Department has strong links in this part of the world and elsewhere, and we are
developing a number of opportunities for collaborative teaching and research projects.
Closer to home we have many links with schools and communities across the UK. We
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have also benefited enormously from our long-standing relationship with the BBC,
which enables us to disseminate our teaching and research.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Elaine Moore on +44 (0) 1908 655028 or email e.a.moore@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Fiona McGavin on
+44 (0)1908 858110 or email science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Your application should include:
 Completed application form (short version)
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Covering letter detailing how you meet the person specification
Curriculum Vitae
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 29 September 2011
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Fiona McGavin
Department/Unit: Deanery, Faculty of Science
Address:
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Prof Hazel Rymer. The other members of the interview
panel will be Dr Hilary MacQueen, Dr Elaine Moore and two members of other Departments.
The interviews are likely to be hed in the week commencing 31 October 2011.
The selection process for this post will include appraisal of a piece of written work on a
specified topic. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for an interview.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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