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Lecturer in Human Bioarchaeology

Employer
DURHAM UNIVERSITY
Location
Durham, United Kingdom
Salary
£35,333 - £42,155 per annum
Closing date
31 Mar 2023

Department of Archaeology

Grade 7: - £35,333 - £42,155 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 31-Mar-2023, 6:59:00 AM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

Job Title: Lecturer in Human Bioarchaeology                  
Department: Archaeology         
Grade: Grade 7 
Salary range:  £35,333 - £42,155     
Working arrangements: This role is full-time and fixed term until 30th September 2025 . Successful candidates will ideally be in post for 1st October 2023
Closing date: 30 March 2023, 11:59:00 PM     

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.  

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here 

The Department

The Department of Archaeology at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the fixed term role of Lecturer in Human Bioarchaeology.

Durham University’s Department of Archaeology is one of the UK’s best Departments of Archaeology with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. We are one of top ranked Archaeology departments globally (8th in World University QS rankings 2022) and in the UK (2nd in Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021; 3rd Guardian Good University Guide 2022; 3rd in National Student Satisfaction Survey 2022). Our expertise covers a broad chronological and geographical span, from the Palaeolithic to the present-day, and from South Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe and the British Isles, and we run fieldwork projects across the world. We have a range of cutting-edge laboratories, extensive commercial infrastructure and a network of heritage-sector collaborators.

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of excellent research and teaching within an exciting and progressive institution. For more information, please visit our Department pages at Archaeology - Durham University

Lecturers (Fixed term) at Durham

The University is committed to enabling all of our colleagues to achieve their full potential. We promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment to ensure that all colleagues can thrive.

The role of a fixed term Lecturer at Durham provides the opportunity to deliver outstanding education and research within an inclusive and supportive environment that is staffed by world class colleagues.  Lecturers will be supported to develop their academic careers by training and financial support in research and education, guided by a designated mentor.

The primary focus of this role is on research and teaching but there will also be the opportunity to engage in wider citizenship within the University and beyond.

This role of Lecturer is for a fixed term of 2 years. It is not anticipated that this period would be extended beyond the initial fixed term.

Lecturer in Human Bioarchaeology

We seek to complement and enhance our strengths in human bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology by appointing a talented individual to the fixed term role of Lecturer in Human Bioarchaeology.  We welcome applications from those with research and teaching interests in the fields of Human Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology, and with some experience teaching topics related to Forensic Archaeology and/or Anthropology. They will contribute to our MSc Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology and MSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology programmes as well as our undergraduate teaching in these areas. The candidate will explore the potential for CPD courses, both in person and online, as well as contribute to the recruitment and supervision of PhD students working in the field of Human Bioarchaeology. It is expected they will also lead on grant-funded projects and complete high quality publications. We seek to appoint a candidate who will teach our students to an exceptional standard and work closely with existing staff working in related areas, such as isotopic studies and DNA research. The successful candidate will be expected to engage fully in the services, citizenship and values of the University. The University provides a working and teaching environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where we strive to treat everyone fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

Key responsibilities:

  • Undertake teaching and research supervision, and contribute to ongoing curriculum development
  • Deliver lectures, seminars and tutorials at undergraduate and taught postgraduate levels in Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology
  • Undertake the scoping, development and delivery of CPD courses relevant to Human Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology and Forensic Archaeology/Anthropology;
  • Contribute to delivery of online teaching offerings and scope possible additional online teaching programmes
  • Contribute to the citizenship and values of the Department;
  • Develop new and international research partnerships in Human Bioarchaeology
  • Fully engage in and enhance the values of the Department and University;
  • Carry out such other duties as specified by the Head of Department.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

  • 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  
  • The University closes between Christmas and New Year – please include or delete if not applicable. 
  • We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
  • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
  • There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
  • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
  • On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.  
  • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
  • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
  • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
  • A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
  • If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

Dr Derek Kennet, Associate Professor in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Durham University, DH1 3LE, derek.kennet@durham.ac.uk

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.  Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk 

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time.  We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

  • A CV
  • A covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out below
  • A 24-month personal research plan that outlines how you will make the most of the opportunities at Durham in the field of human bioarchaeology and the support you will need to achieve your aims;
  • A short EDI & values statement focused on how you plan to support student experience in human biorchaeology at Durham.
  • Two of your most significant pieces of written work, all of which published or submitted since 2014.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system.  Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. 

Referees 

You should provide 3 academic referees they should not (if possible) include your PhD supervisor(s).  The majority should be from a University other than your own (save for early career applicants applying for their first post). 

References will be requested for candidates who have been shortlisted and will be made available to the panel during the interview process. 

As part of your application, you will be asked whether you give your consent to your academic references being sought should you be invited to attend an interview. We will only request references where permission has been granted.  

Next Steps 

All applications will be considered; our usual practice is for colleagues across the Department to read the submitted work of long-listed candidates. 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department.  The assessment for the post will normally include the delivery of a presentation on teaching and research, which will be viewed by staff and students, and then an  interview. We anticipate that these assessments and interviews will take place over two days.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.

Person Specification

Candidates will normally have recently completed or be concluding their PhD and, while they may have limited direct experience of the requirements for the post, they must outline their experience, skills and achievements to date which demonstrate that they meet or that they have the potential to achieve the essential criteria.

Research

Candidates must have capacity for and be progressing towards the independent development of internationally excellent research that produces high quality outcomes, including some work that is recognised as world class.

Essential Research Criteria

  1. Qualifications - a good first degree and a PhD in Human Bioarchaeology or a related subject (which may be completed or under examination).
  2. Outputs - experience, skills and/or achievements which demonstrate experience of or the potential to produce high quality outputs, some of which are recognised as world-class. Candidates are asked to submit two research papers with their application (as outlined in the How to Apply section below).  Candidates may additionally choose to submit evidence such as external peer review of their outputs.
  3. Personal Research Plan - evidence of a personal research plan which supports and enhances the Department of Archaeology’s research strategy.

Teaching

Candidates must demonstrate the development and delivery of high quality teaching that contributes to providing a world-class learning environment and curricula which enables students to achieve their potential.

Essential Teaching Criteria

  1. Qualification - candidates must have the ability to attain the rank of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/individuals/fellowship/fellow), which is the national body that champions teaching excellence.
  2. Quality - experience, skills and/or achievements that demonstrate experience of or the potential to deliver high quality teaching.
  3. Innovation – experience, skills and/or achievements that demonstrate experience of or the potential to innovate in the design and delivery of high quality teaching or assessment of learning including lectures, small group learning and/or using technology or other techniques to enhance learning and/or assessment. 
  4. Strategic - Experience, skills and/or achievements that demonstrate experience of or the potential to engage in the design of excellent teaching programmes which are research informed and led. 

Services, Citizenship and Values

Candidates must actively engage in the administrative and collegial requirements of the Department and positively contribute to the University Values and to fostering a respectful environment; as well as demonstrating their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Essential Services, Citizenship and Values criteria 

  1. Collegial contribution – experience, skills and/or achievements that demonstrate experience of or the potential to participate in the collegial/administrative activities or an academic Department, Faculty or University.  (Candidates may choose to evidence departmental or University roles, mentoring activity, engagement with widening participation, involvement in equality and diversity initiatives and membership or engagement with external bodies).
  2. Communication - candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of students and colleagues across a variety of forums.

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