Reader (Insert Specialism) in the Department of (Insert Name)

Job Description

Reader – (Insert Specialism) in the Department of (Insert Name)

The role of Reader is an academic distinction conferred by the University and postholders are expected to develop their personal distinction in their particular field and make a sustained and innovative contribution to its advancement through scholarship and research.

The role will be based predominantly on one of the following: Research, Teaching or Knowledge Exchange & Enterprise. It is expected that post holders will be working towards a promotion to Professor typically within a period of four to five years.

All Readers are expected to contribute to teaching, supervision of students, and to administrative duties in their Department. They are also called upon to contribute to cross Faculty and University duties, as well as supporting Internal and External representation duties.

(Insert information about the particular specialism, or strategic objectives which drive the purpose of the role here)

Research (for those Readers appointed to the Research Route)

Readers will pursue an ‘internationally leading’ research profile consistent with the research priorities of the relevant subject area that increases the global visibility and reputation of the University. They will:

• Develop research work that is esteemed and influential in the relevant field by speaking (including plenaries) at international conferences, providing distinguished contributions to the academic discipline through society and committee work, awards/ prizes, and acting as a peer reviewer or thesis examiner and consulting contracts.
• Produce significant outputs of international quality as appropriate to the discipline, which may include publications in relevant and esteemed journals; highly regarded monographs, books, exhibitions or performances.
• Generate collaborative and contract research (relevant to the discipline) as either a principal investigator or co-investigator.
• Support the attraction of postgraduate research students and successfully supervise them to completion within the appropriate study period.
• Secure external research funding, develop, and maintain a portfolio of research grants and contracts.
• Initiate, lead and collaborate in research initiatives with colleagues both within the University and externally.

Knowledge Exchange/Enterprise (for those Readers appointed to the KE/Enterprise Route)

Readers will lead and manage a successful portfolio of knowledge exchange activities or projects with demonstrable social, cultural and environmental economic impact. This may include consultancy, incubation, delivery of CPD programmes, licensing IP, the creation of spinout companies and collaborations with public, private and third sector organisations. They will:

• Manage teams and individuals on enterprise-related projects including the mentoring of staff.
• Contribute to the development of academic enterprise across a broad range of enterprise or cultural activities.
• Provide an original contribution to knowledge, practice (including craft) and performance; such as introducing new partnerships to the University and contributing to new developments in consultancy/training for industry/professional practice or other recipients.
• Build a track record of collaboration on externally funded projects.
• Engage in high visibility involvement in regional, national and international enterprise bodies.

Learning and Teaching (for those Readers appointed to the Learning and Teaching Route)

Readers will demonstrate leadership in teaching which promotes and enhances the student experience. This may include developing and delivering changes that enhance the curriculum, learning materials and assessments, and improving the teaching and learning of colleagues by influencing or inspiring them. They will:

• Publish highly regarded HE books.
• Build a peer assessed, national reputation for excellence in contributions to learning and teaching at the University.
• Engage in high level activity within professional bodies, including the HEA.
• Contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in how to deliver excellent higher education teaching.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, provide academic and pastoral advice and conduct associated assessments.
• Provide academic and pastoral support to undergraduate and postgraduate students and supervise postgraduate students at Masters and Doctoral levels where appropriate.

Elements of other routes

All Readers are expected to contribute to elements of the other routes they have not been appointed under. For instance, Readers appointed under the Research route will be expected to teach, and contribute to KE and Enterprise.

Academic Citizenship and Leadership

All Readers are expected to be a good academic citizens, whichever route they undertake. This can be demonstrated though:

• Major contribution to academic leadership within the University with a proven ability to lead, develop and motivate colleagues.
• Contribution to the leadership within faculties and departments and through supporting the Faculty PVCs and Heads with strategic planning.
• Leading and mentoring colleagues.
• Evidence of contributions to external bodies including Research Councils, government committees and learned societies.
• Engaging in relevant administration (for instance committee membership and attendance, management of courses, etc.)
• Representing the University externally and engaging in public and community engagement.
• Engaging in training programmes in the University (e.g. through Staff Development) which are consistent with your needs and aspirations and those of the department.
• Engaging fully with the annual Performance and Development Review (PDR) process.
• Undertaking such other duties as may be reasonably requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.

What we are looking for

• A good first degree together with a PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualifications.
• A PGCE, PGCert Academic Practice or PGCert Learning and Teaching.
• Senior Fellowship of the HEA or a commitment to obtain within 3 years.
• An in depth understanding of the subject (insert detail here) including recent developments in (insert detail here).
• Commitment to the University’s strategic objectives, with a focus on supporting the student experience
• Commitment to the University’s policies and procedures including promoting equality in own area of responsibility and in general conduct.

What you will bring to the role

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate a clear vision for a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to negotiate effectively with external and internal stakeholders, funding bodies, Professional, Statutory and Regulatory bodies.

Research

• Significant international quality research publication in high quality journals, influential monographs, highly regarded books or highly regarded exhibitions or performances.
• Successful track record of obtaining research funding.
• Experience of managing research projects and liaising with research sponsors/partners at a senior level.

Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise

• Record of successful engagement in academic enterprise.
• Excellent partnership management skills with the ability to build relationships and have active involvement in national and international networks and committees.

Learning and Teaching

• Substantial experience of innovative teaching and learning practices.
• Experience of supervising PhD Students to successful completion.

Academic Citizenship and Leadership

• Evidence of a major contribution to academic leadership with a proven ability to lead, develop, mentor and motivate others.
• Active membership of relevant committees and evidence of contribution to external bodies such as; Research Councils, government committees and learned societies.