Lecturer in Planetary Science

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: Fixed Term for 29 months at full-time (1.0 FTE) or 36 months at 0.8 FTE

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About the Role 

As a Lecturer in Planetary Sciences, you will collaborate with colleagues in the production, delivery and assessment of modules within our Natural Sciences and Physics qualifications. You will be involved in the development of new content for the replacement of our Stage 2 distance learning planetary science module, and may also be asked to contribute to other areas of physics, planetary and space science or interdisciplinary science curriculum at various undergraduate or postgraduate levels. 

In addition to contributing to teaching within the School of Physical Sciences, you will be expected to carry out independent research and/or scholarship in an area that aligns with the strategic research priorities of the School of Physical Sciences. 

Remote and flexible working is an option, but you must be able to travel to Milton Keynes whenever required. As this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office, there is an expectation that the role holder will work on campus up to 3 days per week. 

Key Responsibilities

Teaching

• Contribute to the development and delivery of curriculum at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels in physical sciences, particularly in the area of planetary science, but potentially also outside your immediate area of expertise.
• Prepare asynchronous learning materials for the teaching and learning methodologies used by the Open University, including using new technologies as appropriate to enhance curriculum design and delivery.
• 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.

Research

• Undertake a self-directed programme of research and/or scholarship, aligned with the strategic research priorities of the School of Physical Sciences. 

Other academic contributions

• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion principles in all your work.
• Contribute effectively to the academic community through engagement with relevant academic or management fora and with appropriate administrative tasks.
• Undertake a programme of appropriate professional development. 

About You 

Essential

• A PhD in planetary sciences or a closely related discipline.
• Experience of teaching in planetary sciences or related areas, and enthusiasm for distance learning by adults and the application of new technologies to teaching and supporting students.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely on topics in planetary sciences in an informed and inspiring manner with careful attention to detail, and the ability to prepare assessment material.
• A track record in research commensurate with career stage, in an area which complements and enhances existing physical sciences research at the Open University.
• An ability to work collaboratively, collegially and adaptively with others in an interdisciplinary context.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in a variety of contexts, including the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism.
• An ability to plan, organise and complete work to agreed deadlines.
• Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.

 Desirable

• Experience with Geographical Information System (GIS) software and its applications to planetary science.
• 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.

Work location

The role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office and there is an expectation that the role holder will work on campus up to 3 days per week. 

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Early closing date notification

How to apply

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

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above. You may find it helpful to list each point and give an example for how you meet that requirement.)

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

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.