Lecturer (Research & Teaching Track)

The Centre for Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (cSCAN) is seeking a staff member to enrich our uniquely interdisciplinary and internationally prominent research environment. We seek an internationally competitive interdisciplinary researcher using innovative approaches to computationally modelling social perception, cognition, interaction, and/or communication, including dynamic signalling, dyadic interactions, and/or dialogue in human-human and/or human-agent interactions, consistent with the Centre and College's research strategy.

cSCAN brings together international researchers across a range of complementary disciplines, including Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science and Engineering, to address central questions in social, cognitive, and affective science.

The School of Psychology and Neuroscience (SPN) is a world-class research and teaching unit, recently rated 4th in the UK and 1st in Scotland, REF 2021 research output (Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience category).

The University of Glasgow is in the world’s top 100 universities and member of the UK’s research-intensive Russell Group. Housing a vibrant academic community, the university is located in a beautiful setting with many local cafes, shops, pubs and restaurants, with a thriving cultural scene in the city. Scotland’s famously stunning lochs and mountains are nearby, and easily accessible by rail or car.

As a Team UofG member, you will be part of a world changing, inclusive community that values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. We strongly encourage applications from across our community particularly those from ethnically diverse/minority backgrounds, have a disability or long-term health condition, and/or the LGBTQ+ community. UofG strives to create a diverse and inclusive culture through our commitment to diversity awards, including Athena Swan and The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion THE Award. Glasgow is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, Disability Confident employer, and LGBT+, Disability, Neurodiversity, and Race Equality support networks. See here for more information.

SPN celebrates diversity and intersectionality by promoting profiles of LGBTQ+, ethnic minority, and neurodiverse staff, working to decolonise and diversify our curriculum, hosting an LGBTQ+ reading group, Rainbow Office Hours, and Race and Neurodiversity Networks. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan  and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We welcome applications from candidates with a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent professional and/or teaching experience in a similar or related role.

Job Purpose

To undertake research of international excellence and contribute to knowledge exchange activities relative to the discipline, contribute to learning and teaching on agreed programmes, and undertake administration and service activities as required by the Head of School in line with the School/College’s strategic objectives.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and progress individual/joint research projects of international standard in the subject area with the support of a mentor, as required.

2. Write up research findings/outcomes for publication in leading journals for dissemination as appropriate, identifying potential sources and contributing to funding applications as an individual or team member.

3. Contribute to successful funding applications.

4. Contribute fully to developing and enhancing the research profile of the School/College, including establishing a track record of high-quality publications.

5. Contribute to the planning, organisation and delivery of teaching on undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses within the subject area in accordance with the subject’s priorities including accepting responsibilities as course co-ordinator for one or more courses.

6. Contribute to the on-going development and design of the curriculum in a manner that supports a research-led and scholarly approach to student learning and assessment in the discipline and/or profession.

7. Participate fully in examination and other assessment processes, as appropriate, using a variety of methods and techniques and to provide effective, timely and appropriate feedback to students to support their learning.

8. Contribute to the development of theory and practice in the subject area.

9. Supervise individual student projects at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and contribute to the supervision and training of postgraduate research students, as appropriate, to ensure their effective development.

10. Take on administrative or management roles within the subject/School as assigned by the Head of School.

11. Contribute to leadership activities in support of academic duties.

12. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

13. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.

14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at Grade 8

The candidate will demonstrate research independence.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities above:

15. Pursue and deliver independent research proposals and/or collaborative research projects, project managing research activities, supervising and taking responsibility for the research team. Securing external resources to support research individually and/or jointly, as appropriate to the subject area.

16. Develop an expert reputation in the field by effective dissemination and publishing of research findings in leading journals and conferences, and where appropriate undertaking knowledge exchange activities.

17. Make a substantial contribution to developing and enhancing the research profile of the School/College. Establishing and leading research collaborations with appropriate individuals and groups within the University, including multi-disciplinary links, and developing external research collaborations both nationally and internationally, to ensure that research activities are at the forefront of the field.

18. Actively contribute to the effective management and administration of the College/School, assuming responsibility for the management of allocated resources and contributing to the wider organisation of the subject area.

19. Carry out course administration within required timescales ensuring effective communication of information, in particular assessment requirements and criteria and timely and constructive feedback on assessment.

20. Develop effective approaches which enhance intellectual understanding and innovation in the field and support and enhance course delivery, course organisation, feedback and assessment. This may involve blended and/or online provision.

21. Ensure an inclusive and evidence-based approach to facilitating learning in a range of face to face and potentially online delivery formats such as tutorials, lectures, problem-based learning, that promotes student participation and learning outcome attainment.

22. Develop effective working relationships with students and early career staff in the subject specialism, providing specialist advice, support and academic leadership. Work in partnership with relevant student services teams, respond appropriately to the diverse range of learning approaches and learner needs.

23. Supervise project work at undergraduate and Masters levels and take forward the supervision and training of postgraduate research students.

Qualifications

Essential: 

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent professional and/or teaching experience in a similar or related role.

For appointment at Grade 8:

A2. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent in related discipline with a growing international reputation for scholarship within the subject area.

A3. Membership of relevant professional body, where appropriate.

Knowledge/Skills

Essential: 

C1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject/discipline and of teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area to a high standard.

C2. Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.

C3. Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School and University objectives.

C4. Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply policy, practice and procedures including broader University/sector/external (e.g. commercial) awareness.

C5. Up-to-date knowledge and specialist understanding in the field with an ability to engage the interest and enthusiasm of students to inspire learning and to provide pastoral care to students within the subject area.

C6. Ability to work on own initiative to contribute to the research and teaching activities within the subject area and wider School environment.

C7. Effective organisation skills to manage time and prioritise as appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

C8. Demonstrated commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

C9. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

For appointment at Grade 8:

C10. Extensive breadth and depth of knowledge in the specialist subject/discipline to enable development of research and teaching programmes/methodologies/learning support.

C11. Established reputation in research and teaching, including an international research profile in the subject area.

C12. Proven ability to design, review and enhance multiple learning, teaching and assessment programmes.

C13. Ability to communicate complex or conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding and developing early career academic colleagues.

C14. Ability to contribute to broader leadership and management activities along with an awareness of current and future priorities of the University/College/School/Service.

C15. Established track record of research outputs and of applying for, and securing, external research funding compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.

C16. Track record of continuous engagement with current practice and developing knowledge.

C17. Demonstrated commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

C18. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Experience

Essential: 

E1. Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

For appointment at Grade 8:

E2. Experience and achievement in the relevant field reflected in an expanding personal academic portfolio.

E3. Experience of developing and demonstrating teaching and research methods and devising models, approaches, techniques, critiques and methods.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7/8, £39,347 - £44,263/£48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

The successful candidate will be enrolled onto the University’s Early Career Development Programme (ECDP). This will provide you as an early career academic staff member to be developed and supported over a specified timeframe to facilitate the advancement of your academic career.  Information on the programme can be found on our website at: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/all/pay/ecdp/

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Informal Enquiries should be directed to Professor Rachael Jack, [email protected]

Vacancy Ref: 137668,    Closing Date: 26 February 2024.