Job Number: FAC01685
Contract Type: Open Ended
Closing Date: 05-Feb-2023
Location: Stirling Campus
Grade: Grade7 £35,333-£42,155 p.a.
Faculty/Service: Faculty of Natural Sciences
Post Details
Full time
Open ended
Grade 7 – £35,333-£42,155 p.a. or
Grade 8 – £43,414-£51,805 p.a.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 05 February 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 07 March 2023.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2311.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
The University of Stirling is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Water Chemistry within its world-leading Institute of Aquaculture (IoA). This appointment comes at an exciting time for an individual who wants to help shape our ambitious strategic plan and new state-of-the-art facilities under development. Our research ranked first in the UK for impact in the REF2021 for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science. The IoA recently won the coveted Queen’s Anniversary Prize for global impact of its research into sustainable food security, and we hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of our approach to Equality Diversity and Inclusion.
Significant government investment, our research excellence and exciting vision combine to present an outstanding opportunity for an effective academic leader to maximise these opportunities and lead in our research on the next stage of its journey. The IoA is contributing to positioning the University of Stirling as a Global Leader in providing transformative solutions for a sustainable expansion of the aquaculture sector, improving the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems with climate smart aquaculture and precision technology. The new position will play a vital role in achieving this goal and that of wider goals such as the UN SDG 14 Life below water.
The position in water chemistry encompasses freshwater and marine systems throughout the world and involves the role of promoting good water quality for sustainable aquaculture production. The successful applicant should have an in-depth working knowledge of nutrient/biological/environmental processes related to aquatic environments. It would be an advantage if applicants have practical experience related to water quality requirements of fish, shellfish or crustacean species and the impact of variations in water quality parameters upon health and welfare. The successful applicant should demonstrate the potential to secure significant external funding and experience in collaborating with colleagues from different research and technical specialisms, and the wider local, national and international academic and commercial sectors.
This position will contribute to and develop an ambitious research strategy that maps on to the current focus of UKRI and international funding opportunities for environmental sustainability for blue foods, systems interaction and specifically sustainable and resilient aquaculture production preserving natural ecosystems. The post holder will be expected to develop and deliver high quality teaching and supervision to UGs, PGTs and PGRs in their specialist area. Similarly, they will be expected to deliver internationally excellent publications, contributions to Impact Case Studies for the next REF period and contribute to co-creating a strong research culture.
Description of Duties
Grade 7
- Engage in individual and collaborative research in the area of water
chemistry and quality/toxicology for aquaculture production and evaluating the wider impacts of aquaculture on water chemistry within the environment and also research which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, develop a programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings - Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
- Link with funding bodies, environmental regulators, and the commercial aquaculture sector to develop impactful research in water use and management
- Supervise research students as required, providing direction, support and guidance
- Contribute to and develop new teaching activities in water quality and water treatment in relation to aquaculture production
- Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of students
- Contribute to the management of existing commercial water analysis for the aquaculture industry. This will involve linking with industry clients and managing technical staff
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post
Grade 8
- Engage in individual and collaborative research in the area of water
chemistry and quality/toxicology for aquaculture production and evaluating the wider impacts of aquaculture on water chemistry within the environment and also research which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, establish a distinctive programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings - Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
- Link with funding bodies, environmental regulators, and the commercial aquaculture sector to develop impactful research in water use and management
- Supervise research students and staff as required, providing direction, support and guidance
- Contribute to and develop new teaching activities in water quality and water treatment in relation to aquaculture production
- Contribute to curriculum review and enhancement, in a manner that supports a research-led approach to student learning
- Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of students
- Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/Faculty/University
- Contribute to the management of existing commercial water analysis for the aquaculture industry. This will involve linking with industry clients and managing technical staff
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post
For a full list of duties please see the attached Further Particulars document.
Essential Criteria
Grade 7
Qualifications
- PhD in relevant discipline or close to successful completion
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Evidence of a developing publication record in water chemistry
- Practical experience of application of water chemistry to industrial use of water resources
- Experience in water chemistry, in particular analysis and behaviour of nutrients their interactions and wider ecosystem effects
- Credible plans for the active pursuit of external research funding
- Experience or knowledge to design, teach and assess modules in the subject area
- Evidence of the ability to deliver excellent teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level
Grade 8
Qualifications
- PhD in relevant discipline
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Established track record of high quality published research in water chemistry
- A record of involvement in applications for external funding for research and/or knowledge transfer
- Practical experience of application of water chemistry to industrial use of water resources
- Experience in water chemistry, in particular analysis and behaviour of nutrients their interactions and wider ecosystem effects
- Experience of supervising dissertation projects across the range of undergraduate/ postgraduate and of supervising doctoral students
- Experience of providing high quality teaching across a range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level preferably including online/digital programmes
- Experience of designing and delivering course modules
- Evidence of successful co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others
Desirable Criteria
Grade 7
Qualifications
- Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding or working towards
- Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy (HEA)
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Practical experience of application of water chemistry to industrial use of water resources
- Experience in water chemistry, in particular analysis and behaviour of nutrients their interactions and wider ecosystem effects
- Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
- Experience of supervising dissertations and research projects
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as key contributions to high quality student learning
- Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
- Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework
Grade 8
Qualifications
- Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and be working towards Fellowship
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Practical experience of application of water chemistry to industrial use of water resources
- Experience in water chemistry, in particular analysis and behaviour of nutrients their interactions and wider ecosystem effects
- Evidence of collaborative research with other institutions and interdisciplinary work
- Demonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning
- Evidence of programme innovation and development
- Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
- Evidence or knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
- Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. - Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards. - Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation. - Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles. - Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. - Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values. - Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential. - Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. - Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
About Us
Faculty of Natural Sciences
The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research – REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.
Institute of Aquaculture
Established in 1971, the Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) is the leading international centre in its field and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute of Aquaculture has research and teaching facilities on campus including temperate and tropical aquaria. Off campus, at Buckieburn, the IoA has its freshwater research facility and, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula, its marine research facility. The entire Institute brings together cross-disciplinary, world class researchers in breeding and physiology, genomics and selection, nutrition, emerging aquatic diseases, immunology, parasitology, welfare and behaviour, environmental management, society and technology, and policy and governance our research and training that focuses on critical questions relating to strategies for sustainable aquaculture. In REF 2021, 100% of the Institute of Aquaculture’s research was considered to have global impact and rated top in the UK for research impact in Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Interdisciplinary in its approach, Stirling’s research informs its teaching curriculum and facilitates opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between staff, students, industry partners and the wider community.
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 120 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The campus – also home to 1,700 staff – has its own loch and castle, and a recent multi-million-pound redevelopment has delivered modern, flexible, and digitally connected study and social spaces at the heart of campus, including enhanced student support and retail and catering outlets.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019). Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and its recently redeveloped world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
As a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, the University is driving productivity and inclusive growth across the Forth Valley, and beyond. Through pioneering collaborative solutions to global challenges, researchers are putting innovation, skills, and partnership at the heart of a sustainable economic recovery.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
Available documents
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