Associate Lecturers in Physics (Level 2/3)

Change your career, change lives 

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. 

The role 

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University is looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers with expertise in physics. 

The position is part-time in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 FTE and would involve teaching one or more modules. There are likely to be a need across one or more the following modules. 

SXPS288       Remote Experiments in physics and space           30 credits, level 2 
SM380 Quantum physics                                                                30 credits, level 3 
SM381 Electromagnetism                                                               30 credits, level 3 

The position is home-based, has no fixed core hours. It is for 2 years in the first instance, with a probation period of two years. The annual salary and workload are fixed, but there are significant workload peaks and troughs, mainly linked to providing marking and assessment feedback. This is likely to include exam and end of module marking tasks. Other tasks will be required such as focused student support (individual and forum), peer mentoring and working with the module team on assessment activities and quality improvement. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The appropriate level of FTE will be discussed at interview, and there is the possibility of increasing the FTE later. The starting full-time salary is £38,249 paid pro rata based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, the position is paid over the full calendar year. 

Contract will start from September 2025. 

Appointments to the position will be subject to student registrations. 

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. To ensure they remain up to date with developments in their academic field, Associate Lecturers are allocated 6 days (pro-rata) per annum for AL-led (i.e. self-directed) Academic Currency and 1 day, plus 5 days pro rata, per annum for Agreed Academic Currency and Professional Development.  

Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 27 days holiday per annum (pro rata) with variable (pro rata) Bank holidays and an attractive pensions proposition. 

How to apply 

Please click 'Apply’ button above to be redirected to our application page.

Closing date for application: 30 May 2025 at 12 noon   

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.

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