Pathway 1 - Role Profile Level b

Lecturer (Grade J)


Role Summary

  1. Role holders at this level combine teaching and research responsibilities in ways appropriate to the early stage of an academic career.
  2. The emphasis is on building on their research foundations for a career expected of an academic in a research-intensive university such as the University of Bristol.
  3. In relation to research, the emphasis will be on developing, and starting to implement, a programme of research.
  4. Role holders will equally be developing their competence in teaching and will undertake a range of teaching responsibilities.
  5. They will be provided with an academic mentor and with support and further training, aimed at developing their competencies and ability to take on a wider range of responsibilities.

(Back to top)

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience Needed at Appointment

  1. A good honours degree (or equivalent) with detailed subject knowledge in relevant areas.
  2. A relevant postgraduate research degree (or some professional equivalent) or be working towards one.
  3. Significant experience of teaching and of independent research (or transferable skills in those areas gained from professional or clinical experience).
  4. High level analytical skills.
  5. Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and in writing.
  6. Ability to stimulate and encourage the commitment to learn in others.
  7. Ability to use initiative, and apply creativity, to solve problems that are encountered in the teaching and/or research context.
  8. Ability to stimulate and encourage the commitment to learn in others.
  9. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and students.
  10. Ability to organise their own time and work, to meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

(Back to top)

Responsibilities

Teaching Responsibilities of a Level B Lecturer

  1. Contribute effectively, with appropriate academic support, to teaching programmes and to the relevant course/unit teaching teams.
  2. Select and deploy appropriate content, teaching material and methods, and assessment practices for units taught, under the ultimate guidance of a more senior member of the academic team.
  3. Ensure that content, methods of delivery and learning materials will meet the defined learning objectives.
  4. Contribute to the successful development of new techniques, methods and tools, where appropriate.
  5. Prepare and effectively deliver a limited number of lectures and prepare for, and lead, teaching in small groups, as required.
  6. Contribute to the delivery of  effective teaching and learning activities which incorporate   engagement and knowledge exchange.
  7. Provide  effective individual academic advice/support to students, including advising on reading appropriate to the course, availability of library resources and practical techniques (where appropriate).
  8. Set and mark coursework, examinations and other assessment tasks in a timely fashion and to an appropriate standard.
  9. Provide effective pastoral support to a limited number of students, referring them on for further help and/or guidance as necessary.
  10. Supervise undergraduate and/or master’s level projects/dissertations and practical work where appropriate.
  11. Self-reflect on performance, responding to student feedback, mentoring, and peer observation and use the self-reflection to inform and enhance future activities. 

(Back to top)

Research Responsibilities of a Level B Lecturer

  1. Develop, with guidance and support, a plan for personal research over the next five years to the satisfaction of the Head of School.
  2. Carry out personal research and/or make a contribution as a team member to a collective programme of research, generating research outputs in line with the expectation set in the area.
  3. Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support.
  4. Use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw  appropriate conclusions on the outcomes.
  5. Write up their own research work for publication, with appropriate support, and/or contribute as a team member to the writing up of collective projects.
  6. Successfully disseminate the findings from personal research, with appropriate support, by presenting findings, either at conferences or seminars appropriate to the discipline.
  7. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
  8. Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) appropriately.
  9. Participate effectively in activities to achieve engagement with research, and/or impact beyond academia.

(Back to top)

Other Activities Expected of a Level B Lecturer

  1. Engage effectively with the University’s CREATE scheme or equivalent Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals programme. Engagement with CREATE/TLHP should start within the first year of appointment, and completion should be within two years of appointment or before progression/promotion (whichever is earlier). See the Policy for staff participation in the CREATE scheme and CREATE webpages for further information.
  2. Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant fields of study is kept up to date and developed.
  3. Consistently act as a good citizen, actively undertaking administration duties and participating fully in the daily working life of the School.
  4. Self-manage, with appropriate support and guidance, the time demands of scholarship, teaching and research.
  5. Develop an awareness of University, Faculty and School strategy and objectives, including how their role contributes to these.
  6. Develop an understanding of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
  7. Maintain academic standards, academic freedom and work in accordance with University policies (e.g. regarding equal opportunities, ethics, health and safety).
  8. Engage effectively in the University’s Staff Review and Development process and develop, with advice, an awareness of their own professional development needs and a personal development strategy, engaging with CPD appropriate to the role.
  9. Consistently act as a good citizen, actively taking on administrative duties and participating fully in the daily working life of the School, behaving as a role model for others.

(Back to top)

Relationships and Contacts

  1. Will be line managed by a Head of School or a Head of Primary Unit (department, section or equivalent in the School structure) and receive support from an academic adviser/mentor.
  2. Will work closely with academic colleagues in teaching and, in many instances, research teams.
  3. Will interact with students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, undertaking teaching and tutoring roles as appropriate.
  4. Will start to make collaborative contacts with academics in their own and cognate disciplines both within the University and outside. 

(Back to top)