Job purpose
This teaching-focussed academic position in the School of Engineering has two main purposes. Firstly, the post holder will be Director of Studies in the Mechanical and Process Stream and so they will have management and administrative responsibility for the teaching-related activities associated with all the Stream’s taught courses, ensuring that a high quality is maintained. The Director of Studies will provide leadership in course-level curriculum development and support colleagues in performing effective and efficient teaching, while engaging with the views of the student community.
Secondly, the post holder will teach to a high standard in the broad area of Mechanical and Process Engineering, developing module-level content and assessments, and teaching using appropriate methods. There is some flexibility with regards to possible teaching areas, although you must be able to contribute to several of the core modules in Years 1 to 3 of the Mechanical Engineering course. Relevant topics include Dynamics; Thermodynamics; Engineering Design; Fluids; Planar Structures and Mechanisms; Dynamics of Vibrating Systems;
Engines and Heat Pumps; Finite Element Methods; and Precision, Measurement and Control. You will also supervise group and individual projects.
Both aspects of the role will support the work of the School of Engineering by developing and enhancing its reputation, both internal and external to the University, including with industry.
Duties and responsibilities
Teaching and Learning support
1. To take on significant managerial and administrative responsibility for delivery of the Stream’s taught programmes (undergraduate and taught masters).
2. To work with dedicated teaching staff on degree apprenticeship courses to oversee the content, development and management of the Stream’s degree apprenticeship modules.
3. To lead on curriculum development associated with relevant undergraduate and taught masters programmes, working with other academic staff to ensure the curriculum is appropriate and the delivery is efficient and effective.
4. To engage effectively with the student body, including by participating in organised processes (e.g. via the Student-Staff Liaison Committee) and responding to feedback relating to the Stream’s courses in a professional and timely manner.
5. To ensure the Stream’s courses continue to meet relevant accreditation requirements and to co-ordinate accreditation visits, lead on reporting, and develop and implement accreditation-related action plans.
6. To foster relationships with industry, including by convening an Industrial Advisory Panel (or similar) to guide the Stream’s teaching activities, and to encourage membership of professional bodies.
7. To take responsibility for academic duties (e.g. designing assessments, setting examination questions, marking, invigilation, reviewing of modules) required to sustain the delivery of high quality teaching.
8. To reflect on teaching activities and curricula on a regular basis, reviewing and improving as required.
9. To support and comply with the University and School of Engineering teaching quality assurance standards and procedures, including the provision of such information as may be required by the School of Engineering, University or relevant accrediting bodies.
Administration and other activities
1. To contribute to School of Engineering and University’s Committees, when requested.
2. To contribute to the efficient management and administration of the School, by performing administrative duties diligently and by taking on appropriate Stream and School responsibilities.
3. To work within budget constraints, contributing to the management or monitoring of budgets, and/or may contribute to the establishment and management of programme / departmental financial plans and budgets, in collaboration as appropriate
4. To contribute to the development of teams and individuals through relevant appraisal systems and by providing advice on personal development.
Research and scholarship
1. To reflect on own practice and the development of own teaching and learning skills in the context of pedagogical research.
2. To engage in professional, pedagogical or practitioner research, or other scholarly activity, and to disseminate the results of this appropriately.
3. To extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship and teaching to appropriate external activities.
4. To engage with appropriate outreach activities to raise the profile of the Engineering discipline.
5. To collaborate with research-focussed colleagues to help identify and secure funding for possible research opportunities.
Person Specification
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant Engineering discipline.
- Prior publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals focussed on technical science or engineering, or relevant educational pedagogy.
- Substantial professional experience gained in a university role or in an appropriate technical role in industry or in a research institution.
- Evidenced prior experience in management of activities enabling the development of skills required to lead engineering-related courses at University level.
- Evidenced ability to take major responsibility for the effective and efficient delivery of teaching programmes, while developing the curriculum and appropriate assessment techniques.
- Evidenced ability to develop and implement efficient and effective administrative processes suitable for deployment in an academic context (e.g. management of teaching duties, assessment processes, and quality management activities).
- Evidenced ability and achievements in teaching and learning which are compatible with the provision of high quality courses at a research intensive university.
- Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge required to teach a number of core topics in Years 1 to 3 of the Mechanical Engineering degree course.
- Ability to work with research-active academic staff, and an understanding of the need to achieve a balance between research and teaching commitments in many cases.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to colleagues and students and to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing, to a range of audiences (including students, academic staff and administrative staff).
- Engaged in continuous professional development, and the willingness to work towards relevant teaching qualifications and certifications (if not already held).
- Understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of teaching.
Please note, previous applicants need not apply.
The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; please apply below by submitting a CV & Cover Letter, detailing which topics you would be willing and able to teach, in Word Document format. Alternatively, you can email your documents to enquiries@searchhigher.com ; or call Jayne Reilly on 07823524581 for a confidential conversation.