Lecturer in Psychotherapy – Academic Education Pathway

The post provides an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, and to contribute to the development and delivery of our new MSc Clinical Psychotherapy.  

Based at Denmark Hill, and with very close links to the South London and Maudsley Trust, the IoPPN is a Faculty of King's College London and the largest academic community in Europe devoted to the study and prevention of mental illness and brain disease.  It produces more highly cited outputs (top 1% citations) on psychiatry and mental health than any other  centre (SciVal 2021), and on this metric has risen from 16th (2014) to 4th (2021) in the world for highly cited neuroscience outputs. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of research at the IoPPN was deemed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (3* and 4*).The IoPPN's greatest strength is the interdisciplinary nature of both its research strategy and educational activities, providing unique opportunities for students and staff. Link to IoPPN webpagewww.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/index.aspx

The IoPPN runs both highly successful undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, including a number of MSc programmes that draw on the research and clinical expertise of the Faculty. The MSc Clinical Psychotherapy is an exciting new programme, launching for 2024 entry. 

The appointment will be made at Lecturer level on the Academic Education Pathway, where the primary contribution is to education (80% of role) and secondary contribution to scholarship which is primarily education-focused (20%). The AEP contract is focused on the delivery of education, education-related scholarship, and leadership in education. The following expectations are associated with the AEP: teaching, supervision, student support, educational leadership and innovation, education-related research and administration. Promotion is possible throughout the Academic Education Pathway, up to the level of Professor (Education).  

The role requires a skilled educator to teach postgraduate students on topics related to psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice and psychotherapy research methodology. The successful candidate needs to be able to enhance the education and experiences of our postgraduate students, delivering appealing teaching and contributing to the development of our curricula, teaching and assessment methods. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing design of the MSc in Psychotherapy programme, in conjunction with the Programme Lead, e.g., in response to student feedback.   

The role involves teaching, administration, delivery, assessment, overseeing dissertations and enhancement of taught modules. Education and teaching will be the main focus of this post.  

The scholarship component of the role stands at 20% and is expected to be substantially, although not entirely, education focused. Research interests are likely to relate to a pedagogical area or one that impacts on the student experience and/or leads to evidence-based teaching.  However continued research in another field is also possible, within the framework of the role. The content of a member of staff’s workload will be decided in discussion with the Head of Department or line manager.  

We particularly welcome applicants who are disabled, LGBTQ+ and/or from a minority ethnic backgrounds. We are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study. The IoPPN and DPSoL strive to be open and supportive communities, with a strong emphasis on working practices that promote diversity and inclusion.    

The selection process will include a panel interview and a presentation. 

This post will be offered as an indefinite contract from 1st August 2024.

We are offering two 0.5FTE part-time positions or one 1.0 FTE full-time post.

Education  

• Lecturing for the MSc Psychotherapy and potentially with other post-graduate courses (in discussion with line manager)  
• Contribute to the planning, teaching and assessment of modules across courses, on the topics of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and research methodology.   
• Participate in formative and summative assessments including marking and moderation of assignments and module evaluation. 
• Develop and supervise student research projects. 
• Act as personal tutor and support students in accordance with Departmental, Faculty and College practice and guidelines. 
• Promote teaching excellence as consistent with the College and Faculty educational policy and strategy. 
• Deliver on campus and online teaching, learning and assessment using KCL virtual learning environment. 

Research

• Engage in research and link up with educators across the department, faculty, and King’s.  
• Acquire grant funding for research through project grants and other sources. 
• Build external collaborations, including with universities, expert centres, consortia, and organisations engaged in education research and practice which will enhance self and department’s national/international education profile. 
• Contribute to the dynamic and collegiate research-led education environment  

Additional responsibilities

• Actively participate in creating an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion in the department, the IoPPN and King’s.  
• Adhere to faculty and college guidelines and regulations, implementing new requirements as they arise, and incorporating best practice from the wider Higher Education sector. 
• Sit on appropriate departmental and faculty committees, as required, and contribute to the academic community. 
• To undertake mandatory training as required by King’s.  
• To ensure the development, maintenance, and dissemination of the highest professional standards of practice through active participation in internal and external CPD training and relevant development programmes.  
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Line Manager and/or Head of Department. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Essential criteria  

1.       First Degree and/or Masters in relevant subject  

2.       PhD, DClinPsy, MD(Res) or equivalent in relevant subject  

3.       Evidence of excellent teaching potential with highly effective oral and written communication skills, to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information 

4.       Experience of learning & development software and platforms 

5.       Being a team player able to engage actively with students and colleagues and contribute to the management and administration of the programme  

6.       Evidence of high self-motivation and ability to organise, plan and prioritise own workload with excellent organisational and administrative skills 

7.       Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, working within the principles of culture, equality, diversity, and inclusion 

Desirable criteria

1.   Clinical expertise in psychoanalytic psychotherapy  

2.   Experience working as a psychotherapist in the NHS 

3.   Registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council 

4.   Expertise with statistical analysis programs and quantitative research methods  

5.   Ability to teach and lead modules in neurobiology and cognitive sciences 

6.   Higher Education accreditation/qualification (e.g. HEA Fellowship or PGCAPHE)  

7.   Experience of providing pastoral support and guidance to students 

This role will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service Clearance.