About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Applied Sport and Exercise Science to contribute to the work of our sport programmes, with a particular focus on physiology and biomechanics. 
The successful candidate will have an applied background in biomechanics, physiology or a related discipline and experience of supporting teaching, preferably in the HE sector. In particular, you need to be familiar with the use of physiology and biomechanics laboratory and field-based tools for the analysis of sport and exercise performance.  

Teaching in sport, fitness and coaching at the Open University involves contributing to module teams that develop online blended learning materials. As well as contributing to the production, delivery and updating of modules, your developing research needs to appropriately underpin Sport and Fitness teaching materials. Your practical experience will be required to support the set-up, use and integration of new campus-based sports science laboratory facilities into immersive curriculum content. This laboratory initiative aims to maintain the leading-edge reputation of teaching within the School of Education, Childhood, Youth & Sport (ECYS). 

This role will be based at the Open University’s Milton Keynes campus. Whilst some work can be undertaken at home as many meetings are held online, the new laboratory facilities in Milton Keynes will need your regular attendance to realise the ambition of integrating their use into our undergraduate programmes.
 

Key Responsibilities

You will work individually and as part of a team by: 

• Working alongside colleagues to use the new sport and exercise laboratory technologies to produce module content and create immersive physiology / biomechanics learning experiences for OU students;
• Supporting colleagues with the design and presentation of audiovisual assets for modules in lab and field-based settings;
• Assisting with the development and critical review of learning materials for modules, including the updating, writing and redrafting of accessible / inclusive online resources;
• Contributing to the delivery and maintenance of existing Sport and Fitness modules and resources;
• Developing synergies between teaching and research by developing a personal research plan that aligns with one or more of the school’s research themes;
• Embedding equal opportunities across all aspects of School activities including teaching and research.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience of using biomechanics or physiology equipment such as motion capture, force platforms, and gas analysis systems to enable learning to be situated in authentic contexts.
• A higher degree in a subject area of relevance e.g., Sport and Exercise Science or related field;
• An understanding of supported open and distance learning; 
• Ability to work effectively operating flexibly and collaboratively with others; being reflective and self-critical of personal contributions;
• Excellent command of spoken and written English, with the capacity to communicate clearly and influentially with a range of stakeholders;
• Proven ability to plan and organise work to agreed deadlines, within resource constraints, and sometimes under pressure;
• An understanding of the role of new technologies within blended teaching and learning, and a commitment to innovation in this area; 
• A strong commitment to excellence in inclusive learning and teaching for a diverse student population;
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the OU mission, including equality and diversity issues;
• Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes.

Desirable:

• Research and scholarship experience – evidenced through publications and/or external income funding; 
• Fellow (or above) of the Higher Education Academy;
• A post graduate teaching qualification;
• PhD or equivalent in sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics, or related disciplines.

Essential Requirements

As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (max 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the essential/desirable criteria listed above. 

Key Information

Interview date: Week commencing 7th October

Job share and flexible working patterns will be considered. 

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required on a regular basis and in response to business needs (such as undertaking tasks in the laboratory). There will also be a requirement to attend meetings in Milton Keynes for academic community and module team meetings.

Full time starting salary is £37,099 to £38,205 per annum , with potential progression when in post to £44,263  per annum. Internal candidates already within the salary banding will remain on their current spinal point as per policy.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications. 

To apply for this role please submit the following;

CV and Supporting Statement, up to 1,000 words. You should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the above essential and desirable criteria.