Assistant Professor in Human Geography/Planning (Research and Education) - Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences - 99553

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £42,149 to £50,296. With potential progression once in post to £56,587 a year

Grade 8

Full time - Permanent

Closing Date: 30th May 2022

Please note: We are advertising both Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, however there is only 1 post available

We welcome applications for the post of Assistant Professor in Human Geography and Planning in the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES) at the University of Birmingham. We are seeking collegial candidates with research activity and interests in areas of sustainable transport and mobilities, including sustainable modes of travel, urban transport planning/policymaking, impact of travel behaviours on human health and wellbeing, public health and urban planning and design, active travel and neighbourhoods, social inclusion and mobilities, and/or urban mobilities/mobility cultures more generally.

Evidence of a developing record in publishing work of high academic quality and a developing impact on transport planning policy is necessary, as is an emerging track record (or evidence of potential) of obtaining external research funding. Applicants must have a commitment to delivering excellent and inclusive teaching and learning at all levels (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, and supervising postgraduate taught and doctoral projects in their area of expertise), and to communicating the relevance and impact of their research to stakeholders.

Alongside research, the post holder will support delivery of the Human Geography/Human Geography and Planning teaching programmes, including the RTPI approved MSc in Urban and Regional Planning. There is potential for the appointee to develop new undergraduate and Master’s level courses. Successful candidates will be involved in administrative tasks, appropriate to their appointment grade, to support delivery of research and teaching within GEES.

As well as working with our extensive range of professional and policy-making networks in fields of transport, planning and urban design, there are significant opportunities for interdisciplinary research activities within the School and across campus. This includes collaborating with colleagues in Civil Engineering, the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research & Education, the Institute for Global Innovation, and the recently founded Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action. There is an expectation that appointees will engage internationally, building on the strong track record already established in the School through a Global Engagement strategy that has partnerships in e.g. Brazil, China, India and North America, as well as through Universitas 21. There will also be opportunities to contribute to teaching and activities linked to the university’s Dubai campus.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to equity and be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through their research, teaching, and/or public engagement multiple perspectives as the foundation of a rich learning experience; integrate diverse experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and/or provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, populations, and intellectual interests.

The University has introduced a revised Academic Career Framework and new Assistant Professors joining us will participate in a 5 year Academic Development Programme which will provide mentorship and development opportunities to support their progression to Associate Professor at the end of the programme. 

Summary of Role

You will contribute to a range of research, teaching and administration.  In addition you will be expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, developing and maintaining generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students, and ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others can carry out theirs.

Teaching is likely to include a substantial contribution to: (a) the management, development (including programme/module review) and delivery of teaching and assessment; and (b) enhancement of the student experience or employability.  The role will typically also involve developing and advising others, including: (a) providing expert advice to staff and students, (b) supervising and examining PhD students, and (c) developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods. 

Research is likely to involve initiating, conducting and disseminating original research.   Your research will have measurable outcomes reflect in your growing national (and ideally international) reputation.

Management and administration is likely to involve contributions at Departmental and School level, and/or making an important contribution to some managerial/leadership activities (e.g. working groups) within the University. This may include developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach, or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Education 
•    Using a variety of methods in teaching and advising individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or CPD students, including (as appropriate):
•    teaching and examining courses at a range of levels;
•    planning and reviewing your own teaching approaches and encouraging others to do the same;
•    designing contemporary, inclusive, engaging and academically challenging curriculum content;
•    working collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver teaching, learning and assessment;
•    using digital resources/environments effectively to support learning and assessment;
•    developing programme proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes more widely;
•    where appropriate, undertaking and developing the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining;
•    developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods;
•    developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement,  public engagement activities or similar on own specialism that enhances the student experience or employability and       which benefits the College and University;
•    devising and supervising projects, student dissertations and practical work. 

Research
•    Planning and carrying out research, including (as appropriate):
•    planning and publishing high quality research, including winning financial support;
•    project managing research activities, and/or supervising other research staff;
•    presenting findings in publications and conference proceedings;
•    effectively supervising and mentoring PhD students or early Career Researchers;
•    providing expert advice to staff and students within the discipline;
•    participating in research-related enabling activities such as adding value to a cross disciplinary network;
•    applying knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding;
•    developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, and enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement) and similar activity that is of benefit to the College and the University, including             ensuring that the impact of your activities is realised fully and the impact is documented.

Management/Administration
•    Contributing to Departmental/School administration, including:
•    contributing to the administration/management of research and/or teaching across the Department/School;
•    leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new and/or revised process (e.g. new programme or a recruitment drive);
•    advising on personal development of colleagues and students;
•    making a major contribution to some administrative activities within the University (e.g. appeals panels, working groups);
•    managing enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities;
•    developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach.
•    actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour.

Citizenship 
•    Contributing to an inclusive working environment:
•    demonstrating a willingness to be involved in a variety of activities supporting University life (e.g., participation in graduation, Departmental/School committees);
•    demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources, providing advice;  
•    willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects);
•    positively engaging in School strategic initiatives;
•    proactive support and involvement in activities specifically contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.

Person Specification

•    Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research/teaching area (usually PhD) or equivalent qualifications
•    Extensive research/teaching experience and scholarship within subject specialism
•    Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/research
•    Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels

Teaching
•    Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes
•    Extensive experience and demonstrated success in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues 
•    Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity that enhances the student experience or employability

Research
•    Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
•    Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
•    Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
•    Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity

Management Administration
•    Ability to contribute to School/Departmental management processes
•    Ability to assess and organise resources effectively
•    Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
•    Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
•    Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied 
•    Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Julian Clark (0121 414 6262, [email protected] ) or Dr Austin Barber ([email protected] )

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.