Candidate Brief for the position of: Hourly-Paid Part time Assistant Lecturer Panel in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences Dublin Institute of Technology 1
Dublin Institute of Technology DIT at a glance A history in Dublin city, dating back to 1887, in its current form since 1992 9% of all higher education students in Ireland 20% of student population come from outside Ireland 15% of DIT students are mature learners Students registered on programmes in four Colleges - Arts and Tourism; Business; Engineering and Built Environment; Sciences and Health One of the national degree-awarding bodies in higher education Circa 2,500 staff members of academic, administrative and support staff 800 students and academic staff actively engaged in research Ranked in the top 3% of universities internationally 4000 + graduates each year Active in civic and industry engagement Annual budget circa 170M For further detail, please see our DIT profile 2
Dublin Institute of Technology DIT is committed to responding to the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in Irish higher education, engaging positively in institutional collaboration both nationally and internationally, and in developing a strategy of widening participation and community engagement. We have commenced the next stage of our development with the first phase of relocation of activities to our new integrated, state-of-the-art campus at Grangegorman, in Dublin s city centre. In addition, through the convergence of DIT with its partners, Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown (ITB) and Institute of Technology, Tallaght (ITT), plans are well underway to create one of the first Technological Universities in Ireland. The Technological University for Dublin will be a unitary university providing educational opportunities for a diverse base of learners and creating a new style of graduate prepared for fulfilling careers in a rapidly changing knowledge economy. College of Sciences & Health The College of Sciences and Health at the Dublin Institute of Technology was established in 2010 and is located at DIT s Kevin Street and Cathal Brugha Street sites. The College builds on 120 years of experience in science and technology education and now offers practical, professional and careeroriented education, training and research in mathematics, computing, sciences and health. The mission of the College is to support economic and societal development by providing highly skilled graduates, trained researchers and an up-skilled workforce capable of anticipating and meeting demand in competitive global sectors including Food, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, ICT, Green Technology, Financial Services, Education and the Allied Health Professions. The programmes that are currently offered by the College demonstrate the breath of opportunity available to prospective students in our College. Our strengths come from our excellent teaching staff, our successful research profile and our close ties with industry, the professions and the health sector. Almost all of our programmes are linked with industry and relevant professions through placement opportunities and other engagement activities, and our research is guided and informed by the needs of relevant sectors. School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences The School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences provides degree, postgraduate and short training programmes in all areas of chemical and pharmaceutical sciences. The School delivers a number of degrees at ordinary, honours and master s degree level. These programmes make full use of the extensive laboratory facilities available as well as providing a broad background to theory and specific case studies. The School has particular expertise in many aspects of Forensic Chemistry, Environmental Science, Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical and Pharmaceutical Analysis. Undergraduate teaching laboratories in these subject areas are complemented by various initiatives including on-line learning, external placements and community-based activities. The School has a long tradition of producing work ready graduates who are valued by industry. 3
Job Description Role Overview The School of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences is seeking to create a panel of hourly-paid Assistant Lecturers in Chemistry to cover available hours that may arise during the course of the academic session 2017/2018 and/or 2018/2019. The position will involve lecturing or laboratory teaching or delivery of tutorials on the suite of programmes offered by the School at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Principal Accountabilities (a) (b) (c) (d) Teaching the subjects specified and in accordance with the timetable issued (this may be amended from time to time by the Institute following consultation and reasonable notice of any change). In addition it will be necessary to spend whatever time is required in preparation and correction in order that teaching may be carried out effectively. Carrying out assessment, monitoring and evaluation of examinations work and providing an academic and consultative support to students in their learning activities. This includes participation in Examination Boards where appropriate. Providing academic input on existing and new courses and course development as appropriate. Participating in committees appropriate to courses and meetings convened by management as appropriate. (e) Maintaining appropriate records and making available information as required by management. Person Specification The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills, talent and abilities as outlined below: Knowledge A first or second class honours degree in Chemistry from a recognised degree awarding authority or an approved equivalent qualification (Essential) And or A Master s degree in Chemistry from a recognised degree awarding authority or an approved equivalent qualification. A PhD/or PhD track in a relevant area. [Note: Master s Degrees must have been obtained by thesis/examination] 4
Experience Experience subsequent to obtaining an honours primary degree in a relevant discipline Experience in lecturing and / or as the main laboratory practical supervisor at third level post qualification Demonstrable academic and/ or industrial experience Skills and Abilities Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written Effective public presentation skills and experience Experience of e-learning education management systems such as Webcourses or Blackboard Good understanding of the operation of chemical laboratories particularly in relation to safety, health and welfare Ability to work on own initiative and as part of an undergraduate and postgraduate teaching team An enthusiastic team player with the ability to network with colleagues and other stakeholders Eligibility to compete Citizenship / Permit Requirement: Eligibility to compete is open to candidates who are citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. The EEA comprises member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Other candidates may be eligible to compete subject to their having or obtaining an appropriate work permit for the nature and duration of the position. Former Public Service employees: Eligibility to compete may be affected where applicants were formerly employed by the Irish Public Service and previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme including: - Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) - Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010) - Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes. This is a non-exhaustive list and any queries should be directed to an applicant s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance. 5
Terms and Conditions of Employment A full statement of terms and conditions of employment will be given to the successful applicant in accordance with the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001. This contract post is subject to public policy in respect of recruitment on the public sectors (for example as outlined in the Employment Control Framework for Higher Education Sector published by the Higher Education Authority pursuant to the Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotions in the Public Service). It is a condition of this contract post, that if the Institute is obliged to terminate the post for reasons outside of its control (such as State policy), a redundancy will arise in respect of this position. The main terms and conditions of employment are as follows: Tenure: These posts will be specified purpose, fixed term or fixed term specified purpose in nature. Location: This HPAL post which may become available will be currently located in DIT, Kevin St, although you may be re-assigned at the discretion of the Institute. In September 2019, the Cathal Brugha Street Campus, the Kevin Street Campus and part of the Rathmines Campus will transfer to the Campus in Grangegorman. Through legislation to be published shortly, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) and Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT) will merge into a single institution to form the new Dublin Institute of Technology, prior to seeking designation as a Technological University for Dublin. Thereafter, staff may be assigned or re-assigned to any of the buildings/centres in the new Dublin Institute of Technology, at the discretion of the Institute. For further information please see www.tu4dublin.ie and www.dit.ie/grangegorman Salary: The post will be remunerated at the hourly rate approved by the Minister for Education and Skills: 64.63 for those with previous Public Service experience prior to 1st January 2011 in the same or an analogous grade, role, position. 58.32 per hour for those hired into the Public Service for the first time on or after 1st January 2011. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Hours of work: The appointee will be required to teach such hours during the academic year as have or may be determined by the Head of School/Assistant Head of School in the College up to a max of 18 hours per week. 6
The Head of School/Assistant Head of School or other designated officer shall determine the academic term(s) in which the appointee will be required to teach. Probation: The terms of the Institute s Staff Induction and Probation Policy will apply. Pension The appointee will have no entitlement to join the Institute s occupational pension scheme/s. However, a PRSA (Personal Retirement Savings Accounts) scheme is in place; a PRSA is a contract between an individual and the authorised PRSA provider in the form of an investment account which may be used to save for the individual s retirement. The Institute has appointed Cornmarket Financial Services as PRSA provider and they currently offer the Eagle Star/Zurich PRSA. For further information, please contact our Pensions Section via e-mail at pensions@dit.ie. Applicants should note that they will be required to complete a Pre-Employment Declaration to confirm whether or not they have previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme of incentivised early retirement or enhanced redundancy payment. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Irish Public Service employment. Sick Leave: Hourly Paid employees have no entitlement to sick pay. The Institute must be notified on or before the morning of the first day of absence. Other conditions: Nature of the post: These posts will be specified purpose, fixed term or fixed term specified purpose in nature, subject to the terms of the provisions of the Dublin Institute of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006 and any subsequent Acts replacing or amending these Acts and any orders and regulations made under these Acts will apply. Duties: The appointee shall carry out such duties as are assigned to him/her in accordance with collective agreements arrived at from time to time and authorised by the Minister for Education and Science. 7
Application Process Application Form Applications should be sent to goretti.murphy@dit.ie. Correspondence from the School regarding your application will be by email. Please ensure that the security filters on your email provider will accept emails from DIT. Closing Date The closing date for applications is Monday June 12 th 2017 at 5pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Interviews will take place on Monday June 19 th 2017. Additional Required Documentation: The following should also be submitted with your application form: - A curriculum vitae (three pages maximum) - A one page covering letter outlining your relevant qualifications and the skill set and expertise you would bring to the role - Copies of Transcripts showing 1st or 2nd class honours degree or equivalent Contact information For further information about this post please contact: Prof Declan McCormack, declan.mccormack@dit.ie, 01-402 4778 For queries regarding the application process, please contact the School Office between 9.30 am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday or email goretti.murphy@dit.ie Further Information for Candidates A panel may be formed from which appropriate fixed term, specified purpose or fixed term specified purpose vacancies which may arise over the next 2 academic years may be filled. Canvassing will automatically disqualify. You are also advised that you can only submit one application per competition. Should you have any issues with your submission, please contact us. Shortlisting of applicants may take place, on the basis of information supplied in the application form. It is Institute policy to seek written references from your referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Candidates are advised to please ensure the nominated referees are aware of this requirement. DIT is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller community. DIT operates a policy of Garda Vetting & Disclosure of Criminal Convictions. All applicants will be asked to disclose criminal convictions and may have to undergo Garda Vetting as part of the selection process. 8