Doctoral Teaching Assistant

Faculty of Science and Engineering 

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences, at the University of Plymouth, invites applications for a number of Doctoral Teaching Assistantship positions. 

The School is advertising for at least 3 Doctoral Teaching Assistantships (DTAs) to join its postgraduate research community of over 70 researchers who work across a variety of disciplines recognised as world-leading in Biological Sciences, Marine Biology and Marine Sciences. The School is comprised of over 70 academics, 40 technical staff and around 1,200 students. Facilities include a £4.65 million Marine Station with several research boats and diving facilities, alongside newly refurbished, state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. 

It is anticipated that these positions will be spread across the three main areas of the school (Biological Sciences, Marine Biology, Marine Science). Both teaching and PhD activities will be undertaken concurrently. The positions will consist of (i) a part time (0.65 FTE - actual salary (£22,078) teaching contract at Grade 6; and (ii) a part-time PhD (0.35 FTE) offered for a 5 year period (covering 4 years of doctoral study plus 1 year writing up). 

In addition to the PhD Fee Scholarship, you will be trained to undertake teaching within a relevant subject area alongside our Undergraduate Programme teams as well as participating in our research activities. You will not be expected to teach more than the hours indicated as part of the fractional post you are applying for (factoring for 8 weeks holiday entitlement). This will be paid at Grade 6 on the University's pay spine. Research training will be supported through the University's Doctoral College, and the Researcher development programme, and you may be required to attend a 'research skills' module. 

You will pursue a PhD degree supported by world class research teams and gain professional teaching experience within one or more of the areas indicated above. 

You are required to have a good honours degree (1st Class or an Upper 2:1) and possibly a Masters degree in a relevant subject, and a strong wish to pursue one of the advertised PhD projects. You will likely also be interested in a career in the Higher Education Sector, specifically in teaching and research, and thus need to possess excellent communication and team working skills. You must select one of the 4 PhD projects listed below and explain in your application why this topic is of interest, and what you feel you can bring to the project. You are encouraged to make contact with the relevant PhD supervisor before application. 

Potential DTA PhD projects:

1.  ‘New Normal’ of the High Seas: Assessing impacts of 14 years of Sargassum blooms on previously unstructured open waters of the Tropical North Atlantic Lead Supervisor, Dr Lauren Biermann - lauren.biermann-1@plymouth.ac.uk
2.  The role of large-scale climate drivers in coastal evolution Lead Supervisor, Dr Nieves G. Valiente - nieves.garciavaliente@plymouth.ac.uk
3. Monitoring health and unlocking social behaviour in bottlenose dolphins with interdisciplinary next generation technology Lead Supervisor, Dr Nicola Quick - nicola.quick@plymouth.ac.uk
4. Understanding the role of environment in determining rice blast disease outcomes Lead Supervisor, Dr George Littlejohn – george.littlejohn@plymouth.ac.uk 

Unfortunately we cannot provide sponsorship for these posts, candidates must therefore hold the right to work and study in the UK. 

Please use the 'Apply' button at the top of this page to submit an application (see below). 

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles. These roles are also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team. 

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. 

For an informal discussion to find out more about these roles then please contact Dr Mick Hanley by email at mehanley@plymouth.ac.uk. 

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 10^th June 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not. 

These are part-time, fixed-term positions for 5 years, due to funding, working 24 hours a week. 

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here. 

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages. 

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

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