Job Description POSITION DETAILS Faculty/Department Job Title Faculty of Education, enterprise and Culture - Criminology and Social Sciences Senior Lecturer - Forensic Criminology Grade Grade 8 Contract Duration Reports To Permanent Head of Department PREAMBLE The Department of Criminology and Social Sciences in the Faculty of Education, Enterprise and Culture at Plymouth Marjon University is experiencing significant development with an ambitious learning, research and engagement agenda. We are seeking someone experienced in teaching and research in Forensic Science and Criminology with professional practice experience, to support these programmes. You will be able to demonstrate particular experience in teaching and assessing Forensic Science and Criminology and across all levels, from foundation to post-graduate, with experience to include laboratory practicals and digital approaches. The applicant must demonstrate expertise from any area of Forensic Science and Criminology, but the ability to contribute to such areas as: forensic science, crime science, crime scene investigation, criminal psychology, cybercrime, policing and security, or investigations and law enforcement would be an advantage. Teach on undergraduate, taught postgraduate programmes and postgraduate research and Phd Supervision to develop effective independent learners. Lead and develop quality initiatives in line with the University s strategic plan and its strategy for learning, teaching and the student experience Undertake teaching-related administration to ensure standards in relation to the student experience and University strategies and policies. Undertake research, knowledge exchange, and other scholarly activity to contribute to the development of new areas in the relevant subject field, delivering commercial enterprise activity where appropriate. CONTEXT 1. Substantial experience in teaching Forensic Science and Criminology in higher education using a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, simulation-based learning, laboratory practicals and on-line; and engagement in digitally enabled learning to support students. Page 1 of 5
2. Ability and experience of designing effective and innovative teaching, laboratory and assessment materials for students on Forensic Science and criminology programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. 3. Experience in Statistical methods appropriate to forensic science 4. Substantial experience of the Forensic Science and Criminology service industry (ideally with court reporting responsibilities) or research laboratory. 5. Engagement with relevant professional body activities related to current forensic professional practice. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Learning & Teaching Input to the overall development of the programme(s) through the development and delivery of new and innovative modules; ensure that content reflects current knowledge and practice, meets departmental objectives and learning outcomes and enhances student feedback. Use a variety of creative learning and teaching methods/materials (e.g. web-based and blended learning); challenge ideas, foster debate and encourage students to develop skills in critical discourse and rational thinking. Develop appropriate and challenging assessments that measure student performance and achievement of learning outcomes; set students work, assess and make sound judgements about progress, providing feedback that is honest, detailed and constructive. Be the designated Personal Academic Tutor for a group of students, maintaining an overview of their progress and providing advice and support on academic and pastoral issues, to ensure their success. This will include signposting students to other support services in the University as appropriate. Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance and enhancement procedures to uphold University standards and ensure that the curriculum portfolio remains current and that assessment procedures are relevant. Supervise the work of taught postgraduate and/or research students, as required, to support the development of students research skills. Research & Knowledge Exchange Use initiative, creativity and judgement in the development of research proposals and/or enterprise bids to secure research funding and/or generate additional income for the University as appropriate; Communicate research effectively through writing, publishing, or disseminating via other means, results of research; undertake other research-related activities such as acting as a referee and contributing to peer assessment for appropriate journals. Develop new, innovative objectives and methodologies for research and enterprise projects that meet funding criteria, support departmental strategy and further scholarly activity in the area. Participate in formal networks; build relationships with external agencies and contacts in order to identify sources of funding and engage in collaborative work or projects that will generate income and enhance the reputation of the University. Teamworking To contribute to departmental strategic decision making; to encourage the achievement of goals by setting an example, working flexibly with colleagues in the Faculty and the University. Page 2 of 5
Extend and enhance the work of the department by taking a lead role in promoting programmes and encouraging staff to develop innovative approaches to activities such as student recruitment and retention. Co-ordinate others and plan assessment deadlines and specific teaching arrangements; ensure student needs and expectations are met, and that time and resources are used effectively. Actively engage with the Peer Observation Policy and Professional Developmental Review to support the development of self and others and to ensure high quality learning and teaching. Introduce new colleagues to the department by providing support, training and mentoring on the skills, processes, and activities relevant to the department. Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards in order to contribute to the decisionmaking process and to develop productive working relationships within and across teams. MISCELLANEOUS You are responsible for: Taking due care of yourself and others in respect of Health & Safety. Applying the University s Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct. Promoting high levels of customer care within your own areas of work. Co-operating with the PDR process, engaging in the setting of objectives in order to assist in the monitoring of your performance and development. Undertaking any relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld. Engaging with the University s commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint. Engaging with the University s commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role. REVIEW This is a description of the job at the time of issue. It is the University s practice periodically to review and update job descriptions to ensure that they accurately reflect the current nature of the job and requirements of the University and to incorporate reasonable changes where required, in consultation with the job holder. Page 3 of 5
Person Specification In order to be shortlisted you must demonstrate that you meet all the essential criteria and as many of the desirable criteria as possible. Where we have a large number of applications that meet all of the essential criteria, we will then use the desirable criteria to produce the shortlist. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria will be included on the shortlist. SELECTION CRITERIA Rank Item Relevant Criteria 1. Educated to Doctoral or professional equivalent level in a relevant subject area for example Forensic, Chemical or Biological Science (or related area); Criminology or equivalent extensive professional practice experience as a Forensic Scientist. Recognising the range of professional fields that potential staff may come from, we may consider applications from candidates with comparable professional experience. 2. Evidence of continuing professional development in Forensic Science and criminology 3. A PGCE, Certificate of Education, PGCAP or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or commitment to obtain within three years of appointment). 4. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of specialist knowledge of the relevant discipline or subject field (including current practice) to work within established programmes and write authoritatively in the area. 5. Ability to communicate complex information with clarity to a range of diverse audiences, both orally and in writing. 6. Ability to lead the work of a team, co-ordinating effort and resources to deliver objectives. 7. A sustained period of experience teaching in the relevant area which should include experience of the following: Devising innovative teaching solutions that have impacted positively on learning Applying creativity in the design of programmes Developing appropriate assessments Challenging ideas, fostering debate and encouraging students to develop skills in critical discourse and rational thinking Page 4 of 5
Supervising the work of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students, providing support and feedback Providing appropriate pastoral support 8. Experience of using initiative, creativity and judgement when undertaking research and scholarly activities, including: Preparation of successful proposals and applications to external bodies to secure funding Communicating research effectively through a range of outlets 9. Engagement with relevant professional body activities related to current forensic professional practice. 10. Knowledge of crime science issues and their relevance for the teaching of criminology. 11. A thorough knowledge of laboratory working, criminal investigation and intelligence within the broader framework of criminology. 1. Knowledge of web-based learning methods and relevant packages (for e.g. Moodle). Desirable 2. Experience of contributing to and implementing quality assurance procedures. 3. Experience of developing partnerships with internal and external agencies Version Control Date Created April 2018 Date Reviewed Page 5 of 5