Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice

Closing date: Friday 10^th February 2023 at midnight

Interview date: Friday 3^rd March 2023

About our University

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest growing universities in the UK over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The team

The Teaching and Learning Enhancement Team is the core team at York St John advising on and developing educational enhancements in our schools. The Team works closely with our Pro Vice Chancellor: Education and the Learning and Teaching Leads within each school, and plays a key role supporting the institution’s Learning, Teaching and Student Experience (LTSE) Strategy and annual Action Plan. We are seeking to recruit a new colleague to be a vital part of this small, central department, which is committed to nurturing and championing educational and staff development that is socially just, equitable and inclusive.

The role

Applications are welcomed from candidates wishing to be considered at either Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level (you will be asked to state your preference at application).

Reporting to the Head of Teaching and Learning Enhancement, the post holder will develop and enhance academic practice at YSJU by collaborating with staff teams and student representatives across the institution in order to support staff to enhance their practice and gain professional recognition. In addition, they will develop innovative, technologically enhanced curricula, and contribute to and evaluate a range of strategic projects. Participation in university committees, working groups and communities of practice relevant to learning, teaching and assessment will be key, in addition to networking and sharing good practice regionally, nationally and internationally.

The post holder will have the opportunity to develop their own distinct portfolio of work appropriate to their teaching and research interests, professional experience and expertise and in line with our strategic priorities. For this post, we would particularly welcome applications from colleagues with experience of undertaking work to address educational inequalities in Higher Education (such as awarding and progression gaps), and a strong interest in and commitment to taking forward the decolonial and anti-racist pedagogical work that is rooted in York St John’s social justice mission and which sits at the heart of our institutional strategy.

Further explication of the potential scope of work may be found in the associated Job Descriptions.

Required skills and experience

For appointment at Senior Lecturer level, successful candidates will have:

• A PhD/doctorate or equivalent industry experience
• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and evidence of work commensurate with Senior Fellowship
• Extensive experience of and a passion for teaching and learning support at Higher Education level, with a sustained record of effectively deploying a range of inclusive pedagogic techniques (including appropriate use of technology); enthusing and engaging students with diverse experiences of and approaches to learning; and, supporting staff in their pedagogic development
• Thorough and sustained knowledge and understanding of the critical, theoretical and practical issues relevant to Academic Practice in Higher Education as outlined in the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning in UK HE (UKPSF)

For appointment at Lecturer level, successful candidates will have:

• A PhD/doctorate (or one nearing completion) or equivalent industry experience
• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or willingness to pursue this during the probationary period)
• Substantive experience of and an enthusiasm for teaching and learning support at Higher Education level, with the ability to evidence a broad understanding of effective and inclusive pedagogic techniques, including appropriate use of technology, to engage a diverse range of students and support staff to enhance their teaching
• Sound and broadly based knowledge and understanding of the critical, theoretical and practical issues relevant to Academic Practice in Higher Education as outlined in the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning in UK HE (UKPSF)

Additionally, they will share our values of fairness, sustainability and inspiring others to succeed.

Additional Information:

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Ruth Windscheffel, Head of Teaching and Learning Enhancement, via e-mail at r.windscheffel@yorksj.ac.uk.

The interviews will be held in person in York. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to make a short presentation, lead a panel discussion and attend for a formal interview. Further guidance about the process will be provided to candidates who progress to interview stage.

If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk.  Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point  in the process please do not hesitate to contact us.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including:

• Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
• Pension scheme
• Health Cash Plan after one years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Relocation expenses package for certain roles

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities to support staff from different backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form.