Lecturer in Forensic Science

The Biomedical and Forensic Subject area is a dynamic and growing group with expertise spanning a wide range of topics from human health to forensic science. Our staff combine professional practice with active research, ensuring that teaching is underpinned by real-world insight and cutting-edge knowledge. We deliver a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are highly valued by students and recognised by employers, with specialist facilities that support practical, hands-on learning.

We are seeking a passionate Lecturer in Forensic Science to inspire the next generation of industry leaders. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of high-quality teaching, curriculum development, and research within their specialist field. You will deliver engaging and innovative teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, support student learning and development, and contribute to the School's research and enterprise activities. You will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional development, research activity, and industry collaboration.

We are especially keen to speak to applicants with experience in Crime Scene Investigation and General and Applied Statistical Approaches, although other applications are not excluded.

Principal Accountabilities

Learning / Teaching:
- Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects/modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
- Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
- Ensure that module/programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
- Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
- Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the 'Derby Graduate'.
- Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Research / Scholarship:
- Engage in individual research and collaborate both internally and externally on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.
- Sustain and enhance the reputation of the University by publishing in appropriate quality journals and presenting at scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences and other similar events.
- Develop and maintain contacts and relationships with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.
- Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.

Other:
- Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate.
- Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
- Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.
- Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.
- Contribute to effective cross College/University working.
- Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications:
- Good Honours Degree in relevant subject discipline or equivalent.
- Fellowship of the Advanced HE (HEA) or willingness to work towards.
- PhD (or submitted and awaiting examination) or equivalence accepted in a relevant subject area, for example by publication or through appropriate professional achievement or willingness to work towards within an agreed timeframe.
- Subject specific qualifications/knowledge in an area of Forensic Science.

Experience - Learning/Teaching:
- Experience or knowledge of quality assurance and validation of HE modules/programmes.
- Experience or knowledge of higher education and ability to use a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students.

Experience - Research/Scholarship:
- Demonstrable experience of own discipline to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field.
- Experience of research/enterprise activity.
- Evidence of active publishing in high quality journals or other outputs in research or practice that will contribute to the REF or other areas identified in the College/University Research Strategy.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- An appropriate level of digital capability and aptitude with practical experience of applications which aid student learning.
- Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including networking and relationship building skills, both across the University and externally.
- Able to demonstrate both independent self-management and team working.
- Able to work with competing priorities and to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrates competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University's core values.
- Demonstrates professionalism in learning/teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE.
- A sound understanding of the employability agenda and its relevance to learners and the curriculum.
- Flexible to the needs of others.
- Innovative and creative.
- Committed to continual enhancement and a high quality student experience.
- Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality.

Business Requirements:
- Able to take a flexible approach to work.
- Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for research or teaching.
- Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.
- A commitment to own professional development.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications:
- Appropriate level of membership of a relevant professional body or working towards.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Experience - Learning/Teaching:
- Demonstrable experience of delivering excellent and effective learning and teaching identified by peer review at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at a Higher Education provider.
- Demonstrable experience of module and/or programme leadership.
- Demonstrable experience of effectively designing and implementing a range of formative and summative assessments for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Experience - Research/Scholarship:
- Developing national and international profile of research and scholarly activity.
- Experience of bidding for and obtaining external research funding.
- Experience of successfully applying discipline to income generation activities, including consultancy, industry-based applied research and KTPs.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Able to identify potential sources of funding.

Benefits:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
- Teacher's Pension Scheme.
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers.
- Discounted onsite gym.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- A flexible working environment.
- A commitment to personal and professional development.