Part Time Lecturer in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management

Job Summary

The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment invites applications for the position of Part Time Lecturer (21 hours per week) in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.

You will be a Quantity Surveyor with knowledge of private quantity surveying practices and a progressive perspective on the future development of the profession. Having a PhD in a related subject area or substantial practice experience, you will augment the School’s academic team through the provision of teaching and learning in the area of Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. You will contribute to Undergraduate and Postgraduate teaching across the School’s programme of Architecture and Built Environment courses, contribute to research within the School, and work as part of the academic team responsible for delivery of the School’s Surveying course provision.

You will hold membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), or equivalent. In addition to this, you will be responsible for the effective operation and development of nominated components within designated courses, and teaching is expected to be informed by industry connections, research and scholarship.

A strong understanding of the contemporary construction industry and of Quantity Surveying practice is essential, all within the context of progressive digitisation of the discipline and industry. Specialist demonstrable knowledge in one or more of the following areas is required, as is an ability to relate theory and practice: measurement and mensuration, familiarity with NRM suite and CESMM4; procurement and contract practices

The research activity of the School, to which new appointments are expected to contribute, is considered central to its success as a progressive, informed, and collaborative academic community. Research or scholarly activity aligned with contemporary built environment challenges such as sustainability, digital construction, or construction economics. These areas are strongly aligned to RGU’s strategic priorities and to the ambitions of the city and region as expressed through the public and private sectors. The School performs a central role in many important external networks and it is expected that new appointments will further extend these in supporting the growth of collaborative and income generation possibilities.

To reflect the evolving nature of the built environment sector, the role requires a forward-looking approach to quantity surveying that embraces digital transformation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. You will demonstrate awareness of emerging industry practices such as BIM-enabled cost management, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of cost and carbon in achieving net zero outcomes. You will be expected to contribute to a curriculum that prepares graduates for a rapidly changing profession, where value is defined across the whole asset lifecycle rather than solely through capital cost. Engagement with industry, adaptability to new technologies, and the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries will be essential in supporting innovation in both teaching and research within the School.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week, but you must be in a position to deliver teaching on campus to meet the requirements of the course. You also will benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (pro rata), onsite nursery, sports centre as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

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

Grade 7 Salary Scale: £39,906-46,049 pro rata
Grade 8 Salary Scale: £47,389–56,535 pro rata

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.

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBLE TO: Designated Member of the Senior Team

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: To contribute to teaching and research across the School’s programme of Built Environment disciplines.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES: Actively contribute to the implementation of the school teaching and learning, research, and income generation plans and strategies, and positively participate in relevant staff development activities.

Carry out designated teaching (e.g. via lectures, seminars, tutorials, open and distance learning, workshops, field trips, studio work, etc) and assessment duties in areas of expertise, or as otherwise required by Course Leader or Head of School. This applies to Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Corporate delivery, and includes activities such as:

• Curriculum design and review
• Planning and implementing innovation in teaching & learning
• Planning and implementing novel assessment strategies
• Preparing for/ actively participating in QAA and professional body accreditations
• Preparing for/ actively participating in Subject reviews

Ensure that the Course/Module design and delivery achieves KPI targets and appropriate quality standards through effective Course/ Module leadership (i.e. National Student Survey, Student Achievement Rates, Student Evaluation Questionnaires, Employability statistics)

Liaise with the Course Leader and key team members as necessary to:

• Identify and proactively address areas where current provision is in need of revision or improvement, with particular regard to maintaining ‘currency’ relevant to the student cohort(s) and professional requirements.
• Respond positively to day-to-day student feedback and modify approaches to delivery where appropriate
• Set, mark and assess student coursework & examinations, & provide feedback to students to agreed deadlines using a variety of methods
• Supervise student projects, field trips and, where appropriate, placements

Participate in developing, preparing, and reviewing of teaching materials, and provide tutorial and personal guidance for students.

• Contribute to the undertaking of delivery of teaching within the UK & overseas, as may be required by contracts entered into by the University, and subject to the University’s Risk Assessment procedures.
• Undertake appropriate administrative responsibilities (e.g. year tutor, student selection, placement organisation, timetabling, maintaining attendance records etc) as may be required.
• Actively contribute to the promotion and marketing of the School's activities and expertise to local, national and international clientele (including student recruitment).
• Maintain constructive and collaborative working relationships with other Schools/Departments/Units within the University, as necessary, for the smooth operation and continued development of the School and its activities.

Play an active and constructive part in:

• Actively pursuing individual or collaborative research, according to plans agreed at departmental level. Produce high quality outputs, supervise research students, establish externally funded research projects, disseminate own work to staff and students, etc).
• Working individually or collaboratively, identify sources of funding and actively contribute to the process of securing external funds for agreed research activities.
• Extending, transforming and applying knowledge acquired from research and scholarship to teaching and appropriate external activities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), or equivalent, or demonstrably working towards membership (APC).

Knowledge

Demonstrably strong understanding of the contemporary construction industry and the Quantity Surveying practices, all within the context of the practical application of digital tools and workflows (e.g. BIM, cost databases, digital measurement platforms).

Demonstrable knowledge of measurement and mensuration, familiarity with NRM suite and CESMM4; procurement and contract practices.

An understanding of the management of construction projects. An understanding of commercial management across the asset lifecycle, including operational and facilities management phases.

An understanding in areas such as contract administration, contract law, procurement, commercial management, dispute resolution, and negotiation would be advantageous as well as the ability to relate theory to practice (and vice versa).

Experience

The core expertise of the Quantity Surveyor relating to estimating, measurement, and technology are also required.

Academic experience and industrial experience in relevant area. Academic experience adopting authentic learning within the curriculum. Industrial experience utilising the understanding listed above under knowledge, particularly the first two.

Experience of delivering practice-informed teaching, including live projects, industry collaboration, or problem-based learning approaches.

Experience or familiarity with digital tools used in contemporary quantity surveying practice (e.g. BIM platforms, cost planning software, data tools).

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

CICES or CIOB membership

PhD in related subject area, or demonstrably close to PhD completion OR substantial industry/ professional experience

Knowledge

An understanding of digitisation in quantity surveying practice and collaborative practices. Preferably ddemonstrable knowledge of digital construction and quantity surveying practices, including BIM-enabled measurement, cost planning and data-driven decision-making.

Knowledge of sustainable construction, net zero strategies, and the role of the quantity surveyor in delivering low-carbon outcomes.

Understanding of whole-life costing, value management and the integration of cost and carbon in construction decision-making. An understanding of the contemporary construction supply chain.

Specialist knowledge in areas such as contract administration, contract law, procurement, commercial management, dispute resolution, and negotiation would be advantageous.

Experience

A breadth of industry/ academic knowledge and experience extending beyond the bounds of Quantity Surveying as a means to fostering cross-disciplinary / collaborative working.

A track record of academic publication and external engagement would be advantageous, as the successful candidate will be expected to fully engage with research and external networking activities in the School.

A developing body of research publications in recognised peer-reviewed journals, etc.

Experience integrating digital construction methods (e.g. BIM, 5D cost modelling) into teaching or professional practice.

Experience working in multidisciplinary project teams across architecture, engineering, and construction.

Evidence of engagement with industry networks, consultancy, or knowledge exchange activities.

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: Pastoral Care and Welfare - Experience of calming and reassuring those with work/study related problems who may be experiencing distress, dealing with difficult welfare situations or confidential matters and providing support for those in considerable distress or requiring long-term complex support

Behaviour 3: 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 4: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards

Behaviour 5: 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 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