contribute to student recruitment, secure student placements, market the ... Experience of research software such as End
Briefing Pack May 2018 Lecturer/Senior Lecturer at the Royal Agricultural University 1
Introduction The Royal Agricultural University has established a ground-breaking partnership with the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Gloucestershire and the University College of Estate Management (UCEM), to plan and develop a suite of innovative courses and applied research focused on sustainability and sector leadership for the 21st Century. We will be working closely with a range of major agrifood and rural businesses in the UK and internationally, to develop a new generation of talented and wellequipped rural asset managers and leaders who can grasp the challenges of future sustainable and resilient business and policy development. The initiative has secured HEFCE Catalyst funding to stimulate and support the programme, enabling us to recruit a new team to develop and embed the new curriculum and research agenda, working with enthusiastic and experienced colleagues in each of the partner institutions. A total of four new academic posts are available, to start in September or October 2018. We are seeking talented and forward-thinking individuals who share our passion for teaching excellence, industry-relevant research and knowledge exchange. You will bring new perspectives and be keen to work with industry stakeholders and our existing academic team to help shape the future of the sector and those that work within it. You should be committed to sustainable and innovative solutions that make the most of the unique challenges and opportunities that currently exist within the sector. It is envisaged that that the new team will include specialists who have expertise and well-established industry links in:
Agro-ecology Sustainable land management Agri-food business management Food chains Agricultural economics Rural policy Leadership and behavioural change
In addition to teaching on our current programmes, you will be asked to work with existing academics from the RAU and CCRI, as well as industry, to help design and deliver a suite of complimentary undergraduate and post graduate programmes agreed as part of our Catalyst funding. UCEM are providing expertise and support in distance learning delivery. The industry partners currently in discussion include Agrii, Savills, P.D.Hook, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Barclays, The Chartered institute of Environmental Health, The Organic Research Centre, The National Trust, Dovecote Park Ltd, The Pasture Fed Livestock Association, Rural Youth Europe, Haygrove, Waitrose, The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Service South West, Natural England and the National Sanitary Foundation. The Royal Agricultural University and the Countryside and Community Research Institute invite applications for the various positions of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Principal Lecturer/Reader. The main purpose of the role is teaching and research therefore extensive experience in the HE sector and a passion for driving forward innovation is essential. Successful candidates will have an established academic profile, have “hands- on” and will have made a recognised contribution to one or more of the following disciplines:
Agro-ecology and resource management Agriculture and rural economics Rural leadership and behavioural change Sustainable food chains and international agribusiness 2
The Role Salary:
Grade 8/9 : £32,548-£47,722 pa (appointment at Senior Lecturer will be dependent on experience)
Reports To:
Centre Head (will depend on discipline)
Location:
*Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester
Term:
Permanent
Responsibility for:
Teaching, research and new programme development
*The post is based at the RAU main campus in Cirencester. However, the post-holder will be encouraged to establish collaborative research links with the CCRI at the University of Gloucestershire and thus time may be spent at the Francis Close Hall Campus, Cheltenham.
Role purpose The main purpose of the role is teaching and research in the one or more subject areas: agro-ecology, agricultural innovation/entrepreneurship/economics; sustainable land management; food supply chains; agrifood business; animal welfare; rural policy and leadership. We are ideally seeking to make an appointment at Senior Lecturer level. The successful candidate will therefore have an established professional profile, have made a recognised contribution to the discipline and have experience of teaching in the Higher Education Sector. Ideally you will have a postgraduate teaching qualification and will have demonstrated an ability to lead module/programme development and to drive forward teaching innovation. Many of the new programmes being developed as part of the Catalyst Bid have an element of delivery by distance learning, therefore experience of this method of delivery would be valuable. You will also be expected to engage with our industry partners in curriculum development. Appointees are expected to develop a programme of research (ideally in collaboration with the CCRI), to publish their findings in peer reviewed journals and to seek external funding to support their research. As a member of the University’s Academic Board the appointee will also contribute to the delivery of the University’s revised curriculum and new strategic plan. The level of the appointment will be determined according to qualifications and experience. Although we would like to appoint at Senior Lecturer level we are willing to consider applications from less experienced candidates and from those outside the HE sector with relevant industry experience. Applications will be considered from those interested in working on a full, part time or flexible basis.
Key Responsibilities Teaching and Learning Support
Teach as a member of a teaching team within established programmes of study in a variety of settings and delivery patterns and contribute to the design and development of new Catalyst Bid programmes.
Transfer knowledge in the form of practical skills, methods and techniques. 3
Identify learning needs of students and define appropriate learning objectives. Develop own teaching materials, methods and approaches with guidance. Develop the skills required to apply appropriate approaches to teaching. Support students to engage in critical and rational thinking. Develop appropriate assessment methods and criteria and provide constructive feedback to students. Have the ability to improve performance through reflective practice and responding to feedback. Provide academic and pastoral support to students.
Research and Scholarship
Develop research objectives and proposals for own or collaborative research in discipline area.
Conduct individual and collaborative research projects
Develop a publication record
Seek external funding for research
Engage in the continual updating of knowledge and understanding in your field or specialism. It is a requirement to undertake a Postgraduate in Academic Practice (PGCAP or equivalent), if not already held.
Use your research and scholarship to inform teaching
Communication
Have excellent communications skills and the ability to communicate complex and technical information orally, in writing and electronically. Have the ability to prepare proposals to external bodies for example for funding and accreditation purposes.
Liaison and Networking
Liaise with colleagues and students and have the ability to make contacts and participate in internal and external networks and form relationships for collaboration. The ability to work with industry stakeholders is essential.
Managing People
Manage own teaching, research and administrative activities. Where appropriate oversee postgraduate students
Teamwork
Collaborate with academic colleagues and professional and support services on course development, delivery and management. Attend and contribute to relevant meetings. Collaborate with colleagues to identify and respond to students’ needs.
Initiative Problem Solving and Decision Making
Develop initiative, creativity and judgment in applying appropriate approaches to teaching and learning, support and research activities. Respond to pedagogical and practical challenges. Share responsibility in module delivery Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues on academic content, and on the assessment and moderation of students work.
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Planning and Managing Resources
Use teaching and research resources as appropriate. Plan and manage own teaching and tutorials as agreed with line manager.
Work Environment
Demonstrate an awareness an awareness of the risks in the work environment and the potential impact on own work and that of others
Qualifications and Expertise
Possess sufficient breadth/depth of specialist knowledge in existing and future disciplines to work within teaching and research programmes. Able to engage with and work with industry stakeholders Engagement in continuous professional development. Able to engage the interest and enthusiasm of students and inspire them to develop as independent learners. Balance with support the competing pressures of teaching, scholarship, research knowledge exchange and administrative demands and deadlines. PhD or equivalent in a cognate discipline is highly desirable. HE Teaching Qualification or willingness to complete.
Additional Requirements for appointment to Senior Lecturer which build on requirements for Lecturer: Teaching and Learning Support
Design teaching material and deliver across a range of modules. Use appropriate teaching learning support and assessment methods. Supervise student projects, fieldtrips and placements. Identify areas where current provisions is in need of revision or improvement Contribute to the planning, design and development of objectives and material.
Research and Scholarship
Experience of developing research objectives, projects and proposals A track record of publication in peer reviewed journals Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds. Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to teaching, research and appropriate external activities. Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work at other appropriate events.
Communication
Routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media.
Liaison and Networking
Participate in and develop external networks, for example, to identify sources of funding, contribute to student recruitment, secure student placements, market the institution,
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facilitate outreach work, generate income, obtain consultancy projects, build relationships for future activities.
Managing People
Advise and support colleagues with less experience and advise on personal development. Supervise the work of others for example in research teams, projects or as a PhD supervisor.
Teamwork
Act as a responsible team member ab develop productive working relationships with other members of staff Be prepared to lead projects.
Initiative Problem Solving and Decision Making
Identify the need for developing the content or structure of modules and programmes with colleagues and make proposals on how this can be achieved. Develop ideas for generating income and promoting the subject areas Develop ideas and find ways of disseminating and applying the results of research and scholarship Sole responsibility for the design of modules and assessment methods Advise others on strategic issues such as marketing and student recruitment. Contribute to the accreditation of courses and quality control processes.
Planning and Managing Resources
As a module/programme leader co-ordinate with others to ensure student needs and expectations are met Manage projects relating to own area of work.
Work Environment
Conduct risk assessments and take responsibility for the health and safety of others.
Qualifications and Expertise
Possess sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop teaching and research programmes
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Person Specification: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer Essential (E) Desirable (D) 1 Attainments / Qualifications
L
SL
PhD or Professional Qualification in relevant subject area
D
D
Teaching qualification
D
E
Membership of a professional body
D
D
D
E
n/a
E
Collaboration with researchers, funders and other partners
D
E
Contributing to workshops, conferences and seminars
D
E
Postgraduate research supervision and examination
D
E
Experience of undergraduate and / or post Graduate teaching
D
E
Publication in peer-reviewed outlets of international standing
D
E
Inter-disciplinary working
E
E
Develop modules and course programmes / specifications
D
E
Able to engage the interest and enthusiasm of students and inspire them to develop as independent learners.
D
E
Contribute to the accreditation of courses and quality control processes.
D
E
Design of modules and innovative assessment methods
D
E
Ability to use IT packages including Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint
E
E
Have excellent communications skills and the ability to communicate complex and technical information
E
E
Develop initiative, creativity and judgment in applying appropriate approaches to teaching and learning, support and research activities
E
E
Respond to pedagogical and practical challenges, notably the need for distance learning and technological pedagogic approaches.
D
E
Experience of research software such as EndNote, SPSS, STATA and NVivo
E
E
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills
E
E
To be pro-active and self-motivated.
E
E
Able to work to tight deadlines under pressure
E
E
Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
E
E
2 Previous Experience Experience of the externally-funded research process (bidding, securing, managing and completing projects) Management of research teams to deliver high quality and timely outputs
3 Training and Specialist Skills
4 Disposition
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A professional experience in appropriate areas of interest relevant to the HEFCE project.
E
E
N/A
N/A
E
E
5 Exceptional Physical Requirements None 6 Circumstances Able to travel and work away when required (nationally and internationally) including to remote locations.
Application Process If you are interested in applying for this post please send:
A University application form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (available on the Royal Agricultural University website https://www.rau.ac.uk/about/jobs; please attach an up to date CV. A covering letter explaining your interest and motivation for applying, along with how your experience and qualifications suit you for the role. Details for three professional or academic referees. For further information about the benefits of working at the RAU please see the Candidate Information pack on our website https://www.rau.ac.uk/about/jobs
Please forward your application to Human Resources, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6JS or via email to
[email protected] Informal enquiries to: Professor Joanna Price
[email protected] 01825 889811 or Dr Lucy Meredith
[email protected] 01825-652531 Closing date: Friday 29 June mid-day with interviews during w/c 9th and 16th July
RAU The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is going through a period of exciting and dynamic change. At the forefront of agricultural education since our foundation as the Royal Agricultural College in 1845, the University now has some 1,200 undergraduate students from over 45 different countries studying at our historic campus, set in 25 acres of magnificent grounds in the heart of the Cotswolds. A full University since 2013, the RAU is an acknowledged leader in education and applied research relevant to the land-based industries. Our recently appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joanna Price, is leading a process of strategic repositioning for the RAU. Our vision is to be a leading specialist University providing a fresh perspective for the land agri-food and rural enterprise sectors The RAU offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral programmes with a focus on combining academic rigor with practical application
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across a range of academic disciplines. Courses are managed and taught by experienced staff and specialist consultants, many of whom are still engaged in professional practice. Students can choose from more than 30 different degrees, at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Well-established undergraduate degrees include Rural Land Management, Real Estate, Agriculture, Food Production and Supply Management, Business and Enterprise, Environment, and International Equine and Agricultural Business Management. In some subjects, there is also the opportunity for students to progress from Foundation to BSc Honours degrees. At postgraduate level the RAU offers a range of taught MSc programmes. The University offers a stimulating learning environment designed to address the changing needs of the employment market by combining high academic standards with practically applied research, enhanced by strong industry links. As a result, the RAU produces leaders and innovators across the food and land- based industries.
A Brief History The University, known as the Royal Agricultural College (RAC) until 2013, was established in 1845 with Earl Bathurst as President. Funds were raised by public subscription with much of the support coming from the wealthy landowners and farmers of the day. Earl Bathurst leased a site to build the College, and construction in the Victorian Gothic style began in April 1845. Queen Victoria granted the Royal Charter to the College in the same year, and Sovereigns have been Patrons ever since, visiting the University in every reign. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales became President in 1982. The University motto is ‘Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque’; a quotation from Virgil’s Georgics meaning ‘Caring for the Fields and the Beasts’ and this is a major part of the University’s core values today. From its early days, the College was staffed with innovators and pioneers, and made a considerable impact on farming practice and agricultural science. The first modern degree programme, started in 1984, was a BSc (Hons) degree in Rural Land Management. The RAC had been independent of government control from its foundation until 2001, when it first received funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), allowing it to widen access to its courses to students of all backgrounds. In 2013, the Privy Council awarded the College full University Status, in recognition of its provision as a higher education institution. The quality and success of the University is illustrated by the following:
Silver TEF Award
Guardian University Awards 2016 Runner up in the Entrepreneurship Category
Finalist NACUE Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 (NACUE = National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs)
RAU Green Impact Award – Winner 2016 in both the Innovation category (for EEP inclusion of sustainability for start-ups and Community Engagement) and now entrant into the national
HEFCE Catalyst Funding in 2018
HEIF Funding award in 2018
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£5M funding from the Gloucestershire LEP for a state of the art building that will be opened in July 2018. The John Alliston Centre will house the Farm 491 initiative https://www.rau.ac.uk/about/farms/farm491-make-it-grow and the Cirencester Growth Hub.
The John Alliston Centre will house the Farm 491 initiative and the Cirencester Growth Hub. The building will also more provide more opportunity for staff and students to network with entrepreneurs developing state of the art businesses in the agri-technology and food sectors.
The University of Gloucestershire The University of Gloucestershire has a heritage stretching back 180 years and has grown into a diverse, vibrant community of 9,000 undergraduate students, 1,000 postgraduate students and 1,000 staff from across the world. With campuses in the spa town of Cheltenham and historic city of Gloucester, the University is organised in Schools of Business; Art and Design; Computing and Technology; Education; Media; Health and Social Care; Liberal and Performing Arts; Natural and Social Sciences; and Sport and Exercise, the University has long excelled in Education, Media, Sport and Fine Art. The institution has an international reputation for its achievements in sustainability, regularly winning top positions in league tables. With outstanding research in academic fields such as the environment, the humanities and sport sciences, the University’s Countryside and Community Research Institute is the largest specialist rural research centre in the UK.
Countryside and Community Research Institute The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) (see www.ccri.ac.uk) has for more than 25 years carried out research and consultancy to evaluate and improve rural policy and support environmental and innovative initiatives. The CCRI specialises in interdisciplinary research, with a social science focus, undertaking research funded by UK government, the UK Research Councils, EU FP7 and H2020, European Commission Directorates-General, the European Parliament, NGOs and other national governments. Staff within the CCRI work at the interface of agriculture, environment, and society, on issues relevant to rural, urban, and regional development. Our interests lie in exploring the complex challenges surrounding the governance of social-ecological systems at a time when environmental change is having an increasing impact around the world. Our work encompasses ‘development’ and ‘community’ in rural and urban settings, and the linkages between them. In particular we are interested in exploring resilience under differing political and economic conditions, and the ways in which communities and society interact with their environments, develop, survive, and change over time. Our current areas of activity include the following:
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• Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) • Farmer behaviour and decision making • Sustainability transitions • Alternative and local food networks • Natural resources management and governance • Wellbeing and social value • Rural and regional development Our expertise lies in integrating qualitative research methods with relevant quantitative assessment for use in policy analysis, programme evaluation, and to enhance understanding of social-ecological systems through theoretical development. We collaborate with a wide range of social and natural scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders. This enables us to apply innovative cross-disciplinary research approaches to complex problems facing communities and society in the UK, Europe and further afield. We seek to add value in tangible ways, promoting understanding and resolution.
Our Aim The CCRI will conduct and publish world-class, agenda-setting research, with potential to influence policy actors, practitioners and decision makers at all levels, from local to global.
Strategic Objectives 1. To be a centre of excellence in research that leading academics aspire to join, and to which policymakers and practitioners turn for valued and robust advice. 2. To create an intellectually stimulating research environment through strong collaborative working practices based on mutual support and teamwork. 3. To deliver a valued postgraduate student experience through a high quality research degree offer and research-led teaching. 4. To widen access to our work through effective communication and dissemination across various platforms and forums.
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