POSITION DESCRIPTION Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Biometrics) Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Sciences June 2017
POSITION DESCRIPTION Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Biometrics) Context Lincoln University is New Zealand s specialist, land-based University with a proud tradition as New Zealand s third oldest tertiary institution, founded in 1878 as a School of Agriculture. Today it is a research-led institution with an emphasis on land-based disciplines and their associated industries - agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, bio-technology, environmental science, environmental management, tourism, landscape architecture, sport & recreation and commerce. Lincoln University has three (3) Academic Faculties, two (2) Research Centres, two (2) Divisions and sixteen (16) Corporate Service Units, and draws its students from throughout New Zealand and from over 60 countries. The University has a student roll of around 3,500 and approximately 700 staff. Lincoln University is an EEO employer and actively seeks to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. The Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences comprises four departments: Agricultural Sciences; Ecology; Soil and Physical Sciences and Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences. The Faculty has control of or access to over 1,000 ha land, including dryland and irrigated sheep farms, a deer farm, and commercial and research dairy farms which, together with specialized field and laboratory facilities for agronomy and animal nutritional studies are used in both teaching and research. The Department of Agricultural Sciences is responsible for teaching and research in the plant and animal sciences and in crop and livestock production. The teaching and research brings a strategic and applied focus to the technologies which are of particular relevance to New Zealand s low-cost export-oriented land-based industries. This position, within the Department of Agricultural Sciences, is designed to strengthen the ability of the Faculty to provide biometrics teaching at undergraduate level as well as to provide advice and assistance in experimental design and analysis for the research programmes of postgraduate students and academic staff. Purpose The Lecturer/Senior Lecturer has an academic role in the University that focuses on research, teaching and administration responsibilities, with the latter broadly encompassing service to the University and community including industry and professional communities. The positions exist to further the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge and understanding by: Initiating, developing and conducting high quality research, collaborating with others in and outside the University; Advancing and enhancing the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students; Contributing to the supervision of postgraduate students research; Contributing to the wider functioning of the University. There are also expectations of academic staff with respect to extension and other professional activities. The depth and balance of responsibilities will change in relation to the seniority and development of the staff member. 2
Key Outputs Research Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) Actively engage in research which contributes to and advances the University s research culture and research outputs in the Faculty. Contribute to the Department and Faculty research programme by conducting research on relevant topics as agreed with the Head of Department and Faculty Dean. Prepare and publish research findings in peer reviewed outlets, e.g., journals, books. Preferably, these core tasks are complemented by one or more of the following: Prepare bids and secure funding from national and international sources. Engage in collaborative research ventures with industry partners and other service providers, regionally, nationally and internationally as appropriate. Participate in consultancy activity as appropriate within the guidelines specified by the Head of the Department, Dean of the Faculty and the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Scholarship and Research). Teaching Teaching is in the area of both undergraduate and post graduate courses in biometrics and experimental design. Facilitate student learning in line with the Faculty s and University s goals and objectives. Teach relevant courses as agreed with the Head of Department and will include Coordination, delivery and examination of QMET201 and QMET306 undergraduate courses. The incumbent may also provide statistical input to the LINC courses and possibly have some involvement with QMET summer school teaching. Supervise postgraduate students research to the standard required by the Head of Department and Faculty guidelines. Maintain office hours in support of student learning and development, and assist individual students by providing course advice, guidance and assistance with academic matters, when appropriate. Key Performance Indicators Research has been developed to the extent that it occupies an agreed proportion of the appointee s working time and is yielding demonstrable outputs including publication in high quality refereed journals and other peer reviewed outlets. Research findings are presented at national and international conferences, subject to available resources. Funding where relevant is being secured from research grants and contracts. Participation in consultancy activity as appropriate within the guidelines specified. Student learning is facilitated in line with the Departmental, Faculty and University goals and objectives. Postgraduate research is supervised to the standard set with the Faculty Postgraduate committee and the University. Achieves above average student teaching evaluations. 3
Key Outputs Administration / Service Contribute to the quality management programmes within the Department, Faculty and University. Assist students by providing course advice, guidance and assistance with academic problems. Contribute to the functioning of the Department and Faculty through participation in meetings, seminars and workshops. Comply with all legal and University requirements in respect of the administration and management of all university records. Health & Safety Become familiar, and comply, with all Lincoln University H&S policies and procedures and legislative requirements in respect of occupational H&S. Treaty of Waitangi Support the University to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Other Any other duties as may be required and as agreed with the Head of Department and/or the Dean of the Faculty. Key Performance Indicators Participation, where the opportunity arises or when requested, in a Faculty or University committee. Participates fully in Department and Faculty meetings, seminars and workshops as required. Participates in student recruitment programmes, registration and course advising as required. All legal and University requirements are complied with in respect of the administration and management of all university records. Demonstrates familiarity and compliance with all H&S policies and procedures, and this includes: Notifying the University of any hazard that has come to the employee s attention; Using protective clothing/apparatus where procedures or common sense would warrant this; Immediate notification of infectious diseases. Demonstrates, and encourages others to demonstrate, support for the University s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Any other duties that may be agreed are carried out in a professional manner. Staff Supervised This academic role is usually not responsible for the supervision of staff. Key Relationships The Lecturer/Senior Lecturer is expected to establish effective working relationships with: Staff in the Department of Agricultural Sciences Staff in the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences Faculty students Other organisations involved in agriculture 4
Accountability The Lecturer/Senior Lecturer reports to the Head of Department of Agricultural Sciences and thence to the Dean of the Faculty. Person Specification Qualifications A PhD in a relevant discipline. Professional attributes Research Supervision Teaching Demonstrated potential to / proven ability to - initiate, develop and conduct quality research, and publish the results in peer reviewed outlets and present the results at conferences and other events. An outstanding research record, including a significant number of published works, evidence of superior leadership skills and excellence in research. The ability to identify research opportunities and to encourage their realisation. Evidence of ability to initiate and secure funding from research grants and contracts, from both national and international sources. Evidence of effective engagement in collaborative work, with internal colleagues, industry partners and other service providers. Evidence of involvement in designing and developing academic course materials for students. Demonstrated experience of supporting student learning and development, and assisting individual students by providing course advice, guidance and assistance with academic matters. Evidence of potential to contribute effectively to postgraduate thesis supervision. Proven ability to provide effective postgraduate thesis supervision. A strong record in postgraduate thesis supervision. Proven ability to stimulate, encourage and facilitate learning by both large and small, student groups, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Ability to teach within a multi-and inter-disciplinary setting. A proven research record including a significant number of published works, evidence of superior leadership skills and excellence in research, teaching and policy development. Specific discipline expertise A preference exists for applicants who, in addition to the above qualifications, have knowledge of, and experience in the statistical analytical techniques appropriate for a research group concerned with biological research and its development for application in agricultural systems. Excellent knowledge of the philosophical, methodological and practical aspects of research and teaching biometrics at tertiary level. A successful track record of having taught, researched, and consulted in the areas of Relationship management Demonstrated interest in developing and maintaining relationships with relevant government, industry and community organisations and professional associations; 5
Proven ability to engage effectively with government, industry organisations and professional associations is preferred. Personal Attributes The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and work cooperatively in the Department/Faculty team is essential; The ability to stimulate, encourage and facilitate learning by both large and small student groups; The ability to communicate effectively and maintain good working relationships with all students and staff of the University and also external organisations; The ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds; The ability to anticipate events and identify desirable outcomes developing a course of action resulting in the achievement of those outcomes; The ability to achieve identified goals within a specified timeframe; Planning the ability to anticipate events and identify desirable outcomes by developing a course of action resulting in the achievement of those outcomes; Actively supports the University to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi; The ability to work within the LU policies and procedures and promote a respectful working environment. 6