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About the Role

The School of Environment Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (EEES) is a world-class centre for environment, Earth and ecosystem teaching, research and knowledge exchange, at the heart of the University’s Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Our vision is to investigate past and present environments, creating positive actions in response to the climate emergency.

We have a wide range of research interests with activity being grouped into six overlapping and interacting thematic areas: Astrobiology; Dynamic Earth; Earth System Modelling; Ecosystems; Educational Research; and Paleoenvironmental Change.

The School brings together a multi-disciplinary team of academics with expertise in a broad range of subjects, providing a stimulating, collaborative and supportive teaching and research environment in which to develop your academic career. For more details on our activities see the EEES website.

We offer undergraduate qualifications in Earth and Environmental Sciences, including an Integrated Masters’ in Environmental Science, as well as hosting PhD students and research fellows.

The role

The successful applicant will have a strong teaching, research and/or knowledge exchange portfolio (commensurate with stage of career) ideally in one or more of the following key areas: 

• sedimentology
• geological time,
• palaeobiology, paleoenvironmental change or palaeoenvironments,
• geoscience challenges and resources.

As a Lecturer in Earth Sciences, you will collaborate with colleagues in the production, presentation, assessment, and quality assurance of modules, including those in the Earth and Environmental Sciences, to collectively deliver asynchronous distance-learning in this area. You may also contribute to Natural Sciences undergraduate degree, particularly at Stage 1 which takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching Science. You will be provided with the mentorship to develop an independent research portfolio that has synergy with the research strategy of the School/University. 

Applications are encouraged from researchers who can bring existing funding such as a fixed term fellowship to the University, in such a case a successful applicant would normally transition to full academic terms and conditions on the expiry of their full-time research funding, and teaching contribution prior to this would be restricted to a level consistent with their research commitments. 

Remote and flexible working is an option, but you must be able to travel to Milton Keynes when required. 
As a distance learning University, our teaching model differs significantly from that at more traditional face-to-face universities see here for more information.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Applicants will be considered based on their track record in research, teaching and academic leadership. In line with our commitment to the Athena SWAN initiative and the Race Equality Charter, we welcome and support all applicants equally.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be expected to undertake a combination of the following duties at a level appropriate for their career stage. 
 
Teaching 

• Prepare asynchronous learning materials for the teaching and learning methodologies used by the Open University (including potentially outside their immediate area of expertise).
• Support student learning, through the delivery and maintenance of existing modules and qualifications, including the preparation of assessment materials and participation in quality assurance processes.
• Work with key stakeholders to ensure the curriculum is future-focused, integrating new technologies, including generative AI, where appropriate to enhance curriculum design, delivery, and assessment.
• Work with other academic and academic-related colleagues in the support of student engagement and progression and the enhancement of the quality of teaching, learning and pedagogic research within the School.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

• Work collaboratively to support the research environment and culture of the School.
• Establish an independent, impact-focused research and knowledge exchange programme that contributes effectively to the research and knowledge exchange activities of the School and the University.
• Enhance the national and international reputation of the School, the Faculty, and the University, through high-quality contributions to knowledge and understanding
• Contribute, where appropriate, to the societal impact of the School’s and the University’s research, through rigorous, societally engaged research activities. 

Other academic contributions

• Contribute to the academic community in the School, Faculty and University, including by undertaking a range of leadership and administrative roles from time to time.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in all their work.
• Undertake a programme of continuous professional development. 

All staff are expected to: 

• Ensure, as necessary, compliance with all relevant Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies, and Departmental Health and Safety procedures.
• Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality, diversity and inclusivity.
• Attend appropriate staff development events. 

About You

Essential Requirements

• A PhD in an area related to Earth Sciences, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience of teaching and ability to prepare and deliver teaching at undergraduate level in any area of Earth sciences, in particular sedimentology, geological time, palaeobiology, paleoenvironmental change or palaeoenvironments, or geoscience challenges and resources.
• An understanding of the role of modern technologies to deliver engaging distance learning opportunities for students, and a commitment to innovation in this area.
• Evidence of the ability to conduct world-class research and/or knowledge exchange that complements the existing research in the School and Faculty of STEM.
• Evidence of an excellent ability to attract external funding for research and/or knowledge exchange.
• A broad knowledge of developments relevant to teaching and/or research in your discipline area.
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work and to the aims, ethos, and values of the Open University.
• Excellent team working skills in a distributed environment and ability to work collaboratively and supportively with others and to agreed deadlines.

Desirable Requirements

• An understanding of supported open and distance learning and experience of producing asynchronous online and/or distance learning materials.
• Higher Education professional accreditation or equivalent teaching qualification.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, you will be expected to complete a teaching activity, deliver a presentation on your research and teaching, and will be invited to an interview. 

The interviews will take place W/C 10th November

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.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting statement (This should be no more than 1000 words, outlining why you're interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role as detailed in the above Job Description) 

   

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