Lecturer Above/Below the Bar in Higher Education/Academic Practice – Ref 007491

For informal discussion regarding the post please contact: Dr. Iain Mac Labhrainn (Director) .

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Table of Contents

Page Number

Job Advertisement3

Job Description4

Eligibility Requirements6

Application Procedures7

Summary CV Application Form8

Statement of Main Terms & Particulars of Employment10

Extracts from the Public Service Superannuation Act 200414

National University of Ireland, Galway

OllscoilnahÉireann, Gaillimh

Applications are invited for the following post:

Lecturer Above/Below the Bar in Higher Education/Academic Practice

Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT)

The Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT) plays a key role in academic development and curricular innovation, building on a growing reputation for high quality support, research-informed practice and engagement with all aspects of academic practice. It supports the use of a range of learning technologies and classroom systems, promotes the university’s civic engagement mission, and undertakes policy development and teaching quality review.

A Lectureship is now available, primarily to coordinate, deliver and develop our full suite of professional, postgraduate qualifications. Currently, we offer three courses to academic staff:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in HE;
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice;
  • MA in Academic Practice.

The programmes are flexible, part-time and modular, with an increasing number of online/blended components. A number of colleagues from within CELT and visiting specialists contribute to various aspects of these courses. The PgDip has a number of specialist modules which also may be taken on a standalone basis.

In addition, we provide training to postgraduate (PhD) students and others working in a teaching or teaching support capacity within their academic discipline.

Given the nature of these courses it is essential that the post-holder is able to demonstrate credibility in their role with programme participants who have a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and teaching experience. Our programmes are taken by a mix of academic staff, ranging from new start lecturers to those in more senior posts with long experience of teaching.

The programmes and modules use a variety of approaches to teaching and learning including reflective journals and portfolios, teaching observation, project work and online learning. Confidence in using such a range of methods is important as is flexibility in terms of working hours and an ability to provide high quality feedback and advice on all aspects of teaching and wider academic practice.

CELT is also developing a research profile in aspects of Higher Education policy and practice and the post-holder will be expected to undertake such researchpublish in appropriate high-quality journals, supervise PhD students and apply for research funding.

Candidates must have a doctorate, teaching experience (at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level) and a record of academic publications. Prior experience in working in a similar capacity on such professional development programmes would be desirable. An awareness of current issues in the higher education landscape (internationally) is also required. The levels of experience in each of these domains will be taken into consideration in the determination of appointment at below/above the bar levels.

CELT is a central support unit with a dynamic and enthusiastic team, focused on providing the highest quality programme provision, committed to supporting our academic colleagues across the institution and recognised for our flexibility, openness to innovation and high levels of productivity.

Applicants will be considered as applicants at both levels unless they specifically state that they wish to be considered for appointment at one level only

Further information may be obtained from Dr. Iain Mac Labhrainn (Director) .

Additional information on CELT is available at

Salary:€62,059 to €81431 (above the bar)

€36,320 to €51,104 (below the bar new entrant)

(This appointment will be made on the Lecturer scale in line with current Government pay policy)

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (local time) on Thursday 11th July 2013.

It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

For more information and to apply please see website:Applications should be submitted online.

Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lecturer Above/Below the Bar in Higher Education/Academic Practice

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Teaching (Lecturing, Supervising, Mentoring, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, etc)
  • Design, develop, evaluate and deliver teaching on CELT programmes (PgCert, PgDip, MA), other appropriate modules and contributions (including in online and blended modes)
  • Demonstrate best practice in pedagogy through appropriate teaching and assessment methods
  • Facilitate student learning and professional development via mentoring, advisory sessions and collaborative enquiry
  • Contribute to the design and development of new programmes and modules as part of CELT’s overall strategy and, where appropriate, via its collaborative networks
  • Use a range of technologies both in class and for online and blended programmes
  • Research (Publications, Grant Applications/Awards, PhD Students)
  • Engage in, publish, and disseminate high-quality research in relevant areas of higher education policy and practice
  • Recruit and supervise postgraduate research students
  • Collaborate with other researchers in appropriate fields and professional networks
  • Make applications for research funding (internal and external) and identify potential funding sources
  • Contribute to the development of CELT’s research strategy and reputation
  • Administration (Administrative, Management, Wider contribution)
  • Manage programme administration including promotion of programmes, registration and assessment processes, hosting visiting speakers, arranging workshops, etc.
  • Contribute to the administration and management of CELT and other activities and undertaking such duties required by the Director
  • Contribute more widely to the administration and professional service expectations of the College and the University
  • Play an active part in appropriate professional bodies and networks
  • Contribution to Community
  • Play an active part in appropriate professional bodies and networks
  • Participate in the overall life of the University
  • The Post-holder may also consider participation in or support of some of the activities relating to the University’s wider commitment to civic engagement

Work within the context of NUI Galway’s performance expectations for academic staff and meeting targets and workplans arranged with the Director.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Essential Requirements:

  • Normally, a PhD or equivalent
  • Experience of teaching at university level using a range of different approaches and methods (significant (and range of) experience required for above the bar)
  • Research experience and a record of publication in appropriate journals or books
  • Research output and qualifications in teaching and learning in higher education (for above the bar)
  • Experience of management and administration of courses, workshops or programmes
  • Capability of supervising Masters and PhD students in higher education
  • Evidence of collegiality and team-working skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • An ability to demonstrate and communicate academic credibility and to persuade, encourage and motivate academic staff in their professional development
  • Confidence and competence in the use of a range of teaching-related technologies and media
  • An awareness of current issues in the higher education landscape (internationally)
  • Flexibility in terms of working hours and related requirements to ensure accessibility of our programmes to academic staff

Desirable Requirements:

  • Previous experience of managing and teaching on similar programmes
  • Solid research record in higher education practice or policy (particularly for above the bar)
  • Membership of appropriate professional bodies
  • Experience of successful supervision of postgraduate research students
  • Ability to obtain research funding
  • Established, international, professional networks and collaborations
  • Recognition or awards for high quality teaching or positive course evaluations

APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES

  1. Application Information

a)Current NUI Galway employees

If you are a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway Employee Self Service (ESS) portal to apply for this post. Note that access to the ESS portal is currently only available on campus. The following is a link to the ESS portal:

The following is a link to a user guide for ESS:

b)Non NUI Galway employees

If you are not a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway online recruitment portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the online recruitment portal:

The following is a link to a user guide for the online recruitment portal:

Please submitthe following documents under the Applicant CV section of the online form:

  1. A cover letter/personal statementoutlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the post of ‘Lecturer (Above the Bar / Below the Bar) in Higher Education/Academic Practice. Applicants will be considered as applicants at both levels unless specifically stated on your cover letter that you wish to be considered at one level only.
  1. A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.

The completed application document must be submitted online to reach the Human Resources Office no later than midnight (GMT) on Thursday, 11th July 2013. Please note that an application will ONLY be considered if documents a to b above are fully completed and received by the closing date.

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application within 5 working days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within this timeframe or if you have any other queries regarding the application process please contact or telephone 091-492151

c)Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER):

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

d)Pension Entitlements:

This is a pensionable position. Details of the applicable Pension Scheme will be provided to the successful candidate. The Pension element of this appointment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Pension scheme currently in force within the University. This Scheme may be amended or revised by the Irish Government or its agents at any time.

The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 set a minimum retirement age of 65 and removed the upper compulsory retirement age for certain New Entrants to the Public Sector on or after 1 April 2004. Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks.

Retirement age set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028.

Compulsory retirement age will be 70.

e)Declaration:

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

2.Assessment Procedure

a)Board of Assessors

Applications will be considered by a Board of Assessors, which will shortlist and interview candidates and report to the College,the Academic Council and ÚdarasnahOllscoile.

All applications and other materials submitted by applicants will be treated in strict confidence by all panel members and others involved in the administration of the recruitment. No information about the identity of applicants, or details of their applications, will be released to others, except where it is necessary as part of the selection process. For example in the case of permanent academic posts, it is necessary for copies of shortlisted applications to be circulated and viewed by members of the College prior to candidates’ presentations as these members of college may attend the presentation on the day. Members of College may also view the full copy of all applications received (including those shortlisted and not shortlisted) for a permanent academic post by making a request/appointment to the HR Office.

b)Interview Dates

Candidates will be advised of arrangements in due course.

c)Expenses

Expenses are paid to candidates invited to the Assessors’ Interview (see (a) above).

3.Appointment

The appointment will be made by the President, following adoption of the report of the Board of Assessors by the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences. (In the event that the College does not adopt the report, the appointment will be made by the President, following adoption of the report of the Board of Assessors by the Academic Council. In the event that the Academic Council does not adopt the report of the Board of Assessors, the decision as to the appointment, will be made by ÚdarasnahOllscoile (The University Governing Authority). All candidates will in due course be notified of the outcome of their application.The Human Resources Office will offer the post to the candidate appointed once the appointment has been made by the University Appointing Authorities

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