Associate Professor in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Job details

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Education

Responsible to

Professor of Professional Education and Training

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Salary

£56,021 to £68,857 per annum

Closing date

Sunday 7 April 2024

Contract type

Permanent

Post type

Full-time

Adaptive working type

Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available in line with our Adaptive Working Framework .

Reference

0097-24

About the role

Challenging, interesting and constantly changing, the University of Derby is an exceptional place to learn and an incredibly rewarding place to work.

Ours is an extraordinary educational environment and because we specialise in identifying and developing individual potential, you can be confident you'll receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to progress. 

Our combined higher and further education offering is spread over campuses in Derby, Buxton, Leek and Chesterfield and we have some of the best university facilities in the UK, investing more than £200 million in facilities in the last 10 years. 

We achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and with more than 34,000 people choosing to study with us every year, we depend on the dedication of a team of 2,200 academic and professional services staff. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees a family-friendly, rewarding career with lots of opportunities to progress.

About the role

The University of Derby is appointing an Associate Professor to support its work in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and post-14 education. This is an exceptional opportunity for career progression within a proactive, successful and supportive research team, at an institution that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to research and innovation. The creation of the post reflects the increasing importance of this sector in the societies, economies and policies of countries in both the developed and developing countries, and the opportunities it offers to aspiring researchers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a record of outstanding research, recognised at national and preferably international level, supporting the development of policy and practice in the field of TVET and post-14 education. This experience will enable them to demonstrate understanding and expertise in the theoretical and disciplinary perspectives used to explore this field, and in the methodologies and methods used to carry out research within its contexts and settings. This will enable them to lead and contribute to significant and impactful research studies and publications, as well as to support the development of early-career and emerging researchers.

Upon appointment the role title will be: Associate Professor (Research) in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Post-14 education  

The interview date for this role will be 19/04/2024

Application Process          

In order to meet the Associate Professor criteria, as evidence of your academic authority, you will need to demonstrate proven achievement against two criteria:

Significant achievement in at least one of either

• Research or  
• Professional Practice or 
• Teaching & learning

and must also demonstrate

High level of achievement in relation to both

• Professional Standing and  
• Senior leadership.

You will be expected to complete a short application online for the role through the University’s recruitment process and provide the following documentation:

(i) An up to date current curriculum vitae;

(ii) A supporting covering letter outlining your suitability to the underlying role requirement, and;

(iii) The names of two employment referees (including ideally, the last line manager)

In addition, in order to meet the Associate Professorial criteria, you will need to provide:

(iv) A written statement evidencing how you meet the criteria for the award of the title of Associate Professor. 

(v) Please also include two appropriately qualified referees (of at least Associate Professor status) in relation to the Associate Professorial title.

Further information in relation to both (iv) and (v) can be found in the conferment handbook (attached).

Please note that the details provided in your application may be shared with your referees, by submitting your application you are providing your consent.

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor of Professional Education and Training Bill Esmond via [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]  

Principal accountabilities
Research/Scholarship

In collaboration with other senior academics, participate in the development and management of the research and innovation strategy for the College and IoE.

Identify and grow research projects to be carried out individually or collaboratively with colleagues across the University, working in collaboration with public, commercial and international partners as appropriate.

Procure grants and develop income generation and bidding activities to strengthen the profile of the IoE, College and the University.

Collaborate with, and support staff in the IoE and College to build capacity for income generation and bidding activity.

Teach and contribute to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level in such a way that knowledge acquired from research translates to teaching.

Provide high quality undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.

Participate in the creation of networks and opportunities for early career researchers, research colleagues, associates and students, advising them on sources of funding, providing expert advice on their projects and contributing to the development of their careers.

Undertake activity to build external esteem such as the publication of research in high quality publications, presentations at conferences or editing journals that will make a contribution commensurate to 3* or above to the Research Excellence Framework.

Establish contacts and develop entrepreneurial links with organisations such as commercial companies, professional bodies, other academic institutions, government and other agencies.

Oversee the pastoral care provided to a diverse range of students within the subject area, resolving issues or concerns which have been escalated.

Leadership and Management

Contribute to the management, academic leadership and administration of the IoE and College, to facilitate the delivery of high quality research, knowledge transfer and/or teaching and learning.

Lead the Development Performance Review (DPR) process within own area of responsibility, ensuring clear performance expectations and development plans are agreed, and encourage the continuous professional development of staff.

Undertake a range of leadership and management activities as appropriate which may include, but is not limited to, line managing individuals and / or teams, within areas of responsibility, chairing and participating in University-level committees, leading and developing external networks, acting as a personal mentor to peers and colleagues.

Other

Work across the University to help build interdisciplinary team working in conjunction with other academic staff.

Build on a growing international reputation for the quality of research work.

Develop successful results in enterprise and knowledge transfer, e.g. income, intellectual property or other outputs.

Referee papers and grant proposals for external bodies.

Participate in the dissemination of research at conferences and where opportunities exist, act as Chair at conference sessions.

Carry out administrative duties in order to contribute to the efficient management and administration of the IoE, College and University.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in education or a cognate area
• Subject specific qualifications / knowledge

Experience

• An appropriate level of digital capability with practical experience of applications
• Significant evidence of research, scholarship, teaching and leading edge practice at a national and international level
• Experience of leading research teams or groups, developing research proposals and managing research projects
• Proven experience of generating and managing research income
• Substantial record of high quality publications at national and international levels
• Experience of effective supervision of research students to completion and mentoring junior colleagues
• Experience of supervising undergraduate projects /postgraduate research students, providing training and some teaching as appropriate

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Substantial knowledge of the field of TVET and post-14 education, and of the theories, disciplines, concepts, methodologies and methods used to study this field 
• Excellent interpersonal skills evidenced by collaborative working within a team and with external partners (nationally and internationally)
• Proven ability to demonstrate leadership, to manage, motivate and develop a team
• Ability to use skills of persuasion and influencing to develop successful relationships at all levels
• Mentorship skills with the ability to coach colleagues in a range of learning and teaching techniques, education, professional practice and where appropriate research
• Able to monitor and manage budgets
• High level analytical capability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity
• Ability to devise, advise on and manage research programmes
• Track record of published research in peer reviewed journals / professional journals

Business requirements

• Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
• Demonstrate professionalism in learning / teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE
• Commitment to ensuring academic excellence and a high quality student experience
• Demonstrate commitment to promoting and achieving our strategic targets and objectives

Desirable Criteria
Qualifications

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education or equivalent qualification

Experience

• Proven contribution of new concepts, methods, settings or other locations of study in the research field 
• Experience of collaborating with partners outside of the sector such as industry or commerce

Benefits

As well as competitive pay scales, we offer generous holiday entitlement. We also offer opportunities for further salary progression based on performance, and the opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme.

Find out more about pay and rewardsFind out more about pay and rewards

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

Please read before applying
Additional information about the application process

In order to meet the Associate Professor criteria, as evidence of your academic authority, you will need to demonstrate proven achievement against two criteria:

Significant achievement in at least one of either

• Research or
• Professional Practice or
• Teaching & learning

and must also demonstrate

High level of achievement in relation to both

• Professional Standing and
• Senior leadership

As well as completing our online application form, please provide the following documentation:

• An up to date current curriculum vitae;
• A supporting covering letter outlining your suitability to the underlying role requirement, and;
• The names of two employment referees (including ideally, the last line manager).

In addition, in order to meet the Associate Professorial criteria, you will need to provide:

• A written statement evidencing how you meet the criteria for the award of the title of Associate Professor;
• Details of two appropriately qualified referees (of at least Associate Professor status) in relation to the Associate Professorial title.

You can upload these documents whilst completing your online application.

Further information can be found in the conferment pack.

Please email [email protected]  if you have any questions.

• Apply online Apply online
• Continue application Continue application
• Advice on completing your applicationAdvice on completing your application

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at [email protected] .

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Important information

This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI ; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£38,700 per annum).

If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:

• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List

• You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training

• You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job

• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

For more information, visit Applying from Overseas .

DBS check

If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

What is Adaptive Working?

Adaptive working is about enabling a high-performing, flexible, and responsive work culture where the place, time, and manner of working are tailored to the specific work activity. This approach ensures that the working environment, including both physical and social surroundings, supports employees to perform at their best and meet the university's evolving needs.

In addition, adaptive working involves intentionally designing workspaces to support a range of activities and disciplines, providing the right environment for meaningful in-person connections and effective collaboration. This includes ensuring that employees have access to the necessary equipment and resources from their first day at the university.

Adaptive working encompasses different modes of working such as site-based, remote or hybrid working. It is a broad framework within which all staff can operate effectively according to their role.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

A university that celebrates youA university that celebrates you

Further details

Download Associate Professor in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) job descriptionDownload Associate Professor in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) job description Download candidate packDownload candidate pack

Why join Derby?

Challenging, interesting and constantly changing, the University of Derby is an extraordinary place to learn and an incredibly rewarding place to work.

Find out more about working at the UniversityFind out more about working at the University

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.