Fixed Term Lecturer in Criminology (2 years)

Job Summary

The School of Law and Social Sciences (SLSS) hosts an interdisciplinary Undergraduate Honours degree in Criminology along with a variety of programmes in Psychology, Sociology, Law and Social Work, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lecturer in Criminology to join our team. The RGU Criminology course has a number of distinct features including, a genuine interdisciplinary delivery through three core thematic areas, namely Law, Social Sciences and Forensic Sciences (offered in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health). As one of the few truly interdisciplinary courses within the university, the BA (Hons) Criminology course plays a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s strategic goals.

Educated to doctoral level in Criminology or Sociology, you will have teaching experience within an HE environment. You should have a solid background in Criminology, ideally coupled with experience in teaching Sociology. While the primary focus of the role is Criminology, there may also be opportunities to contribute to the Sociology modules across the Social Sciences. You will carry out designated teaching and assessment on the undergraduate BA (Hons) Criminology course. You will have a thorough understanding of the Social Science dimensions of Criminology and be able to critically explore the social causes and framings of crime, across all stages of delivery.

In line with the University’s strategic priorities to contribute to fairer, more inclusive and socially engaged societies, the School of Law and Social Sciences is building and strengthening research and scholarly activity in areas which underpin curricula, enhancing academic profile and facilitating funding possibilities. In addition, we strive to enhance the dissemination and integration of research across the Social Sciences and Social Work academic disciplines and practices. Our staff are expected to contribute towards the School’s scholarly achievements and to disseminate knowledge and understanding to a variety of stakeholders.

What we can offer you:

• A full-time 1FTE, fixed term for 2 years position
• A competitive salary, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave
• An option for hybrid working in line with our policy
• Access to on campus sport/gymnasium facilities, nursery facilities, voluntary health support and travel benefits.
• A commitment to being an equal opportunities employer
• A commitment to the health and wellbeing of our staff and to the sustainability of our environment.

For informal enquiries please contact Saorfhlaith Burton, BA (Hons) Criminology Course Leader - s.burton3@rgu.ac.uk

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check. For more information visit: https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/

Grade 7 Salary Scale: £39,906 - 46,049
Grade 8 Salary Scale: £47,389 – 56,535
Salary on appointment will be dependent upon experience.

Candidates with limited or no prior experience as an academic will be placed on the first point of the Grade 7 scale. Consideration will be given to offering an Academic Attraction Payment (adjusted annually) for those candidates who have specific industry knowledge, skills or, expertise which are required for the position.

As per the UKVI immigration rules, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.  Sponsorship under this route is dependent on factors specific to the applicant and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal Lecturer – Head of Discipline (Social Sciences)

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: Contributes to the delivery and development of the School's portfolio of courses and actively engages in research/consultancy activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Carries out designated teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the School of Law and Social Sciences, and assessment duties in areas of expertise, or as otherwise directed by the Dean of School.
• Participates in the development and preparation of teaching materials.
• Provides tutorial and personal guidance for students.
• Supervises undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
• Develops and maintains expertise in relevant subject areas; specifically in Sociology and Criminology.
• Participates in subject and course development.
• Participates in curriculum development and, in particular, contributes to the introduction of new methods of teaching and learning.
• Undertakes course management responsibilities as directed.
• Undertakes appropriate administrative responsibilities (e.g. year tutor, module co-ordinator, student selection, assessment, placement organisation, timetabling, maintaining attendance records, etc.)
• Promotes and markets the School and its courses to local, national and international clientele (including via student recruitment).
• Maintains working relationships with other Schools/Departments/Units within the University, as necessary, for the smooth operation and continued development of the School and its courses.
• Actively participates in and suggests relevant staff development activities.
• Actively pursues and/or encourages research activities (e.g. writing for publication, developing own research, supervising research students, establishing externally funded research projects, presenting at conferences, etc.)
• Engages with other staff, wherever possible, in consultancy activities relevant to the School.
• Establishes and maintains relevant professional and industrial links, as necessary, for the effective operation of the School's course (e.g. engagement in work of external bodies, educational and professional).
• Represents the School on relevant University and Institute committees both internal and external.
• Carries out such other related duties as may be required by the Dean of School on delegated authority.

Please see the job attachments for further information regarding the Grade 7 and Grade 8 criteria.  Further guidance on Academic Attraction Payments can be found here.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• A Doctoral qualification e.g. PhD in Criminology or Sociology (or near completion).
• Undergraduate Degree with Honours in Criminology or Sociology or a relevant discipline.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Criminology, and or Sociology.

Experience

• Experience of lecturing and/or working in the area of Criminology, and or Sociology.
• Teaching within an Higher Education

 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• A Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning or Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA).
• Membership of a professional or subject interest body e.g. British Sociological Association (BSA).

Knowledge

• An awareness of the Higher Education environment, including different modes of course delivery.

Experience

• Professional experience obtained within a relevant environment, such as, but not limited to: the Prison Service, the Police Service, Justice Social Work, Forensic Sciences, the Probation Service etc.
• Module/Course Management Experience.
• Course/Programme Development.
• Existing research profile, or potential to develop such a profile.
• Research Supervision

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.

Behaviour 2: Teaching and Learning Support - Experience of providing standard information or delivering teaching or training, designing content or learning materials within existing frameworks and developing innovative approaches to learning experience and the curriculum.

Behaviour 3: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.

Behaviour 4: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships, leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest and leading and building external networks to enhance the work of the organisation.

Behaviour 5: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others.

Behaviour 6: Analysis and Research - Experience of identifying or designing data gathering and analytical methods appropriate for each investigation and producing reports that identify key issues and findings.