Associate Lecturers in Computer science and Software development in the School of Computing and Communications

Start date: September 2022

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role

We are looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers in the area of Computer science and Software development, in the School of Computing and Communications at the Open University.

The position is part-time between 0.1 and 0.3 FTE (which on average is 0.5 days a week to 1.5 days a week, although the number of hours may vary considerably from week to week) and would involve teaching one or more modules. In particular, there are immediate teaching needs in the following areas: M250 object-oriented Java programming, M269  algorithms, data structures and computability, TM254 IT management, including service management, databases and project management and TM354 and software engineering.

The position is home-based and has no fixed core hours. It is permanent, with a probation period of two years. The annual salary and workload are fixed, but there are significant workload peaks and troughs, mainly linked to providing marking and assessment feedback. This is likely to include exam and end of module marking tasks. Other tasks will be required such as focused student support (individual and forum), such as peer mentoring and working with the module team on assessment activities and quality improvement. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The appropriate level of FTE will be discussed at interview, and there is the possibility of increasing the FTE later. The starting full-time salary is £34,304 paid pro rata based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, the position is paid over the full calendar year.

Person specification:

The person specification for this position should be read in conjunction with the generic person specification for an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should have:

• A degree with significant software development and/or computer science content or a degree in any subject and proven skills, knowledge and understanding in software development
• Recent or current experience in software development and/or computer science.
• The ability to grade assignments accurately and to provide constructive feedback to students.
• Experience of teaching online or an understanding of the pedagogical issues surrounding online teaching.

It would be an advantage to have:

• A higher degree or Ph.D. (or equivalent)
• Proficiency in either Java or Python or both
• An understanding of algorithms, data structures and computability.
• An understanding of database design and SQL
• Experience of service management or project management in an IT context.
• An understanding of a range of development methods including plan driven and agile.
• An understanding of the use of UML, design patterns and architectures for software design.
• Experience of teaching and assessment via an online environment.
• Evidence of having taken the initiative to deliver better teaching and learning or to take advantage of new technology in teaching.
• A teaching qualification in relevant subject or HEA accreditation.

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. To ensure they remain up to date with developments in their academic field, Associate Lecturers are allocated 6 days (pro-rata) per annum for AL-led (ie. self-directed) Academic Currency and 1 day, plus 5 days pro rata, per annum for Agreed Academic Currency and Professional Development.

Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 27 days holiday per annum (pro rata) with variable (pro rata) Bank holidays and an attractive pensions proposition.

Tuition Delivery
Online and Face to Face depending on module

How to apply

An application form and the generic person specification are available from the links located below. Any queries regarding the application process please contact AL-Applications on AL-Applications@open.ac.uk.

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview.

The University is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role as per the requirement laid out by the UK Visas and Immigration department regarding Right to Work in the UK.

To work with us you will need access to the internet.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check or equivalent for their nation of residency.

Please note: Your Application will not be processed without the Equal Opportunities Link being completed. 

 

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all our staff can reach their potential and attract diverse candidates. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.

Job related information : 

Attachment	Size
Generic person specification - English.pdf	108.22 KB
Application Form v7_2.doc	2.64 MB

Posting Date :  10 June, 2022 - 15:00