Download Job Description - Keele University

Further Particulars
LECTURER IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Ref Number: KU00000482
1. Keele University
Keele University is a world-class campus-based university committed to providing the highest
quality learning and living environment in which our students and researchers can flourish. The
University makes a unique contribution to higher education in its continued commitment to
encouraging interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education and research. The University is
consistently in the top ten UK universities for student satisfaction and Keele graduates are highly
prized for their flexibility of thought and the maturity of their social skills.
Keele was the first new post-war UK University of the 20th century and exemplified the innovation
and idealism of the post-war generations, offering a bold, alternative vision for Higher Education.
The University College of North Staffordshire was founded in 1949 and received its Charter as the
University of Keele in 1962. There was a deliberate aim to break away from the pattern of the
specialized honours degree, avoiding as far as possible the divisions between different branches of
study. While there have been changes, the coherence of Keele’s academic vision remains. Half of
our undergraduate students still study two subjects to honours level.
Keele research also helps shape the world – whether it is battling malaria or discovering new
planets. The most recent RAE classified 97% of the University’s research as world leading and of
international importance. The innovations and discoveries of Keele academics are key contributors
to wider social and global issues.
A key strategic aim of the University is to promote a campus environment that embraces and
promotes sustainability, and to become a sustainable community. Keele campus has a range of
energy sources that provide a unique test-bed for research, which can make important
contributions to the development of knowledge and new technologies in this area. The
Sustainability Hub, located in a restored 19th Century farm to the north of the campus, is a flagship
building for teaching and learning. The Hub brings together universities, researchers, local
communities, schools, national and international experts, and those wishing to learn about
sustainability.
As a world-class university, Keele has connections across the globe. The University is in contact
with more than 43,000 of its alumni in 139 countries. This global network includes senior diplomats
and politicians, leading business people and officials in international NGOs, such as the UN. Our
research is also increasingly international in its partnerships, with strong links in every continent.
On campus, there is the opportunity to experience a truly international flavour, as the diversification
of our student population now sees more than 120 countries represented at Keele, while nearly all
undergraduate students get the opportunity to spend a semester or year abroad as part of their
studies at one of the University’s 50 plus partner universities worldwide.
1
Facts and Figures:













University of the Year for Student Experience (The Times and The Sunday Times annual
University of the Year awards, 2017)
1st for Student Satisfaction 2014, 2015, 2016 (National Student Survey)
1st for Student Satisfaction with Course (Guardian University League Table, 2017)
1st for Employment (HESA - Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education, 2016)
1st for Affordability (marbles.com, 2016)
Top 4% of the world’s universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings,
2015 - 2016)
97% of our research was classified as world leading, or of international importance
(Research Excellence Framework, 2014)
UK’s largest, and one of its most attractive, university campuses, with 617 acres of
landscaped parkland, fields, woodlands and lakes.
Ranked 6th place in the Daily Telegraph’s ‘Britain’s most beautiful universities’ guide.
Safest campus in the West Midlands in the BBC news league tables for crime rates.
Invested over £115 million in our campus and infrastructure.
There are over 3,000 bedrooms on campus and we have one of the highest proportions of
student rooms owned and managed by a university.
We are in contact with more than 45,000 alumni living in 146 countries.
2. School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Chemistry is part of the newly formed School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, which has its
base in the Lennard-Jones Building. The School is responsible for running eight individual degree
programmes in the areas of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Forensic Science, and Physics and
Astrophysics. The School consists of 40 academic staff, 7 research-related posts, 6 administrative staff
and 8 technical staff, and provides an excellent environment for both teaching and research. The
School prides itself on the approachability and quality of its staff and has a strong commitment to
providing high quality educational programmes, with a nationally leading reputation for innovation in
teaching, recognised by many awards, invited talks and teaching innovation grants. Staff within the
School have strong connections with the Higher Education Academy and have an impressive track
record of receiving grants for developing innovative teaching activities and pedagogical research.
The School has an excellent reputation in learning and teaching and both Chemistry and Physics
are ranked 1st in the NSS. The School is also currently ranked 2nd in the UK for Forensic Science
in the Complete University Guide.
The School also works closely with the Faculty Research Office to provide an excellent infrastructure to
enable staff to pursue high-quality, internationally-recognised research that is coordinated via the
Chemical Sciences and Astrophysics Research Centres. Research within the School covers a huge
breadth, including clean and environmental technology, environmental chemistry and waste utilisation,
catalysis, materials chemistry, analytical and forensic science, photochemistry, chemical ecology and
astrophysics. Staff in Chemistry were an integral part of Keele’s REF submissions to A3 Allied
Health Professions and B15 General Engineering, and were in the top 20 submissions in the
country in REF2014. Keele’s Astrophysics researchers had 86% of their outputs ranked as
internationally excellent or world-leading in REF2014, placing them in the top 20 in the country.
The School is also very active in delivering the University’s Widening Participation strategy and many
staff members have an outstanding reputation for promoting their subject areas to the public via
outreach activities, supported by substantial external grants. Additionally, the School has been awarded
an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for excellence in recruiting and progressing women in science,
engineering and technology (SET).
2
3. Chemistry at Keele
Chemistry is part of the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences,
At undergraduate level we offer a BSc Single Honours course in Chemistry, BSc Dual and
Major/Minor Honours courses in combination with many subjects.

Our Single Honours degree involves studying chemistry with four elective or second subject
modules in 1st year, then focussing on Chemistry in 2nd and 3rd year. A 4-year Single Honours
programme, BSc Chemistry with International Year is available and you will spend your 3rd year
of study at one of our partner institutions around the world. This is not available for direct entry
to allow us to tailor your international experience to your interests and ambitions.

Dual honours degrees involve studying two subjects for three years. Major/Minor honours
degrees involve studying two subjects in 1st and 2nd year, then focussing on one subject in 3rd
year.

Our MChem programme allows you to follow the Dual or Single Honours route in 1st and 2nd
year, focussing on chemistry in 3rd year with a variety of modules and a single module research
project. You will undertake a substantial research project in 4th year (4 modules) alongside
taught modules covering advanced chemistry specialisms.

We have a ‘3+1’ collaboration/articulation in Applied Chemistry with Nanjing Xiaozhuang
University (NXU) in China and we will receive our first cohort from NXU taking the final year
of the Applied Chemistry programme at Keele in 2017/18. This collaboration requires the
delivery of bridging modules by Keele staff that include modules delivered by distance
learning and modules delivered in China. The person appointed to this post may have the
opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the bridging modules and input into the delivery
of the final year of the programme at Keele.
At postgraduate level we run an MSc Analytical Science masters. This programme aims to provide
highly employable analytical scientists who not only have a thorough understanding of the key
techniques within the discipline but also have successfully completed an extended project either set in
an industrial context or carried out in the laboratories of one of our industrial partners.
We also offer MPhil/PhD Chemistry postgraduate research study opportunities. Covering a breadth
of areas, including: clean and environmental technology, environmental chemistry and waste
utilisation, catalysis, materials chemistry, computational chemistry, analytical and forensic science,
photochemistry and chemical ecology. We have a number of internationally respected research
groups within Chemistry at Keele. Collaborations are numerous with academic and industrial partners
in the UK and overseas, including for example close ties with the Institute Laue-Langevin (ILL) in
Grenoble, France - the world’s leading facility in neutron science and technology, and with AstraZeneca
- one of the world’s foremost pharmaceutical companies.
4. Job Outline
We wish to appoint a Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry to join a dynamic and thriving Chemistry
team. We welcome applicants with strong research backgrounds who can complement our existing
strengths at Keele, which are organic synthesis, materials chemistry, computational chemistry and
analytical chemistry, and teach Inorganic Chemistry throughout our degree programmes.
The successful candidate will have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in a relevant area of
Chemistry and will be expected to develop and deliver high quality teaching including supervision
of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
3
5. Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Rob Jackson, Acting Head of School, Tel: 01782 733042;
email r.a.jackson@keele.ac.uk
6. Closing Date
Closing date for applications: 1st June 2017
Interviews will be held on: 16th June 2017
4
Post ref:
KU00000482
LECTURER IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Job Description
School/Ri/Directorate:
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Responsible to:
Head of School
Responsible for:
n/a
Grade:
Grade: 7a
Incremental Scale: Yes
Starting Salary: £33,943
Hours:
Full time
Role Summary:
This is a full-time post for a research-active lecturer within the School of Chemical and
Physical Sciences. The appointee will play a significant role in teaching and administration as
part of the Chemistry teaching team, and will offer high quality teaching on the Chemistry and
Medicinal Chemistry programmes, including supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate
research projects in these areas. The appointee will be expected to contribute to the delivery
of other programmes, as appropriate. The post-holder will be expected to have shown
significant achievement in research and will have the potential to develop and/or maintain
internationally competitive research that complements our existing research strengths in the
chemical sciences.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Work Processes and results
Research duties and responsibilities:
 To pursue actively individual and/or collaborative pure and/or applied research of high
quality in inorganic/inorganic-related chemistry that will enhance the research profile
within chemical sciences at Keele and contribute to Keele’s research and enterprise
agenda.
 To publish research outputs in peer-reviewed journals of international standing and to
disseminate the results of research through other appropriate outlets.
 To present research findings at appropriate international conferences.
 To apply, individually, or in collaboration with others, for external research funding from a
wide range of sources (e.g. research councils, charities, industry) that will help to deliver
research outputs of international excellence.
 To contribute fully to the research culture of the School and University, and to undertake
supervision and training of research students.
 To develop relevant external contacts that will enhance the reputation of the School and
University.
Teaching duties and responsibilities
 To develop and deliver high quality teaching and assessment in inorganic chemistry, and
engagement with teaching and learning related CPD.
5






To run laboratory classes, problem classes, workshops in support of the Chemistry
courses, as well as contributing to the delivery of other programmes (e.g. Forensic
Science), as appropriate.
To contribute to teaching and assessment at all levels, both fitting into the existing
portfolio of modules, and developing new material where appropriate and required.
To contribute to the organisation, running and development of the Chemistry
programmes, and to contribute actively to the School’s recruitment activities, including
participating in the programme of Visit and Open Days
To co-operate with colleagues in the continuous review and development of the Chemistry
and Medicinal Chemistry curricula, as well as contributing to the design, development and
launch of future programmes in the Chemical Sciences, including international
collaborations.
To contribute to the development of new initiatives that will expand the provision of
chemistry teaching at Keele at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
To comply with University standards and procedures for ensuring teaching quality and to
support and comply with the School’s standards and procedures
Administrative duties and responsibilities:
 To contribute to the organisation and running of the chemistry programmes and courses,
and recruitment activities associated with these programmes
 To undertake efficiently and effectively administrative duties and any specific task that
may be reasonably requested by the Head of School.
 To attend School and subject meetings, and to participate in other committees and
working groups within the School.
 To engage in continuous professional development, for example through participation in
relevant staff development programmes and involvement with national professional
bodies.
 To participate in relevant professional activities.
 To undertake, subject to School approval as appropriate, relevant external commitments
that will enhance the reputation of the School and University.
Team Work


Liaise closely with colleagues to develop teaching and research areas as appropriate.
Co-ordinate with other areas of the University and external parties as required.
Communication / Documentation


Communicate effectively across a wide range of audiences.
Liaise, establish and maintain positive links with external agencies and providers.
Supervision / Staffing.

Ability to initiate work independently and work autonomously with a minimum of
supervision required.
Personal Development / Performance



Demonstrate a commitment to continuing Personal/Professional Development.
Ability to observe and define priorities and timetables in the achievement of strategic and
operational objectives.
Adhere to the University's environmental policy and procedures and seek to promote
environmental sustainability within area of responsibility.
6
Equality, Diversity, Health and Safety and Strategy




A strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity
Thorough understanding and application of the Dignity and Respect Framework
Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of yourself and that of any other person
who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Co-operate with Keele University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory
Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and School/Departmental health and
safety arrangements are complied with.
This is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties or a restrictive definition of the post but rather
should be read as a guide to the main priorities and typical areas of activity of the post-holder
These activities are subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve and as
such it may be amended at any time by the line manager following discussion with the post holder.
This post may meet the relevant criteria to allow the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
to non-EEA nationals who wish to come to work in the UK through Tier 2 of the Points Based
Immigration System. For information on the sponsorship system, please visit the UK Visas and
Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
You are advised to assess your circumstances against the criteria set out in the UKVI policy
guidance, available at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration. UK NARIC provides advice
and guidance on international qualifications at UK NARIC Visas and Nationality
Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance and on-going medical surveillance by
the University Occupational Health provider.
References
You are asked to provide details of two referees (three if you are applying for an academic or
research post), including your current or most recent employer, on your application form. Referees
should be able to comment on your work and/or educational background and may be approached
before interview. In providing these details you are giving the University permission to request
personal information about you from your referees, which may include confirmation of your
previous salary, disciplinary and work history.
Disability Confident
Keele University is committed to taking positive steps to employ, keep and
develop the abilities of disabled staff and has been awarded the disability
symbol. We undertake to offer all applicants with a disability and who meet
the minimum essential criteria an interview. If you wish to be considered
under this scheme, please indicate this by selecting ‘Yes’ in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme
Section of your application.
You can also provide specific information of any
requirements/adjustments you may require to assist you during the recruitment process within this
section.
The information you provide on your application will be forwarded to the recruiting area so that they
may consider whether they can facilitate your requested adjustments. Please note that if you do
not indicate that you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme in your
application, you will not be considered under this Scheme.
7
LECTURER IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Person Specification
Criteria
Headings
Qualifications/ 
Education/
Training

Experience
Essential
Degree or equivalent
qualification in
Chemistry
PhD and
postdoctoral
experience
inorganic/inorganicrelated chemistry

Experience in
undertaking high
quality research in
inorganic/inorganicrelated chemistry
 Experience of
teaching chemistry
undergraduates in
higher education
 Publication in
journals with high
impact factor, and
presentations at
international/national
conferences
Evidenced
Evidenced
by
Desirable
by
A
A
qualification
in A, I
teaching and learning
A
in Higher Education, or
Fellowship
of
the
Higher
Education
Academy (FHEA)
A, I, P, R

A, I, P

A, I, P



Skills/
Aptitudes/
Competences/


Possess a broad
knowledge of
scholarship in
chemistry to facilitate
the development of
the chemistry/
medicinal chemistry
degree programmes
Excellent
communication,
presentation and
interpersonal skills
A, I, P, R


A, I, P

Experience of
designing and
developing
teaching, learning
and assessment
activities.
Experience of
teaching on
Chemistry
postgraduate
programmes
Experience of
delivering
recruitment/outrea
ch activities
Experience of
delivering
enterprise activities
Experience of
submitting grant
applications
A, I, P
Innovation in
teaching and
assessment
methods
Competencies in
the use of
appropriate media
technologies
Knowledge and
understanding of
making grant
applications
A, I
A, I, P
A, I, P
A, I, P
A, I, P
A, I
A, I, P
8






An ability to initiate,
develop and deliver
high quality
independent and
collaborative
research within the
framework of
existing research
centre and themes
An ability both to
initiate, work
independently and to
work as part of a
team on teaching
and research
programmes
Ability and
willingness to
contribute to the
general
administration of the
School
Competence in IT
and
familiarity/aptitude
with a virtual
learning environment
Ability to identify new
opportunities for
collaborations
Ability to interact
with non-academic
sectors through
academic enterprise,
business, and
community
engagement
A, I, P
A, I
A, I
A, I, P
A, I
A, I
Other
For full post details and to apply, please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies
Keele University employees wishing to apply for this vacancy should login to Employee Self
Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.
Closing date for applications: 1st June 2017
Interviews will be held on: 16th June 2017
Post reference: KU00000482
Promoting Equality, Valuing Diversity.
9