Associate Lecturers in Physics/Space Science Project Modules (Level 3/PG)

Unit: Associate Lecturers/Part time tutors

Salary: £38,249 Pro Rata

Location: Various locations

Please quote reference: STEM_SXP390

London, South, Southwest, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire, Northwest, North, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Southeast.

Closing Date: 30 May, 2025 - 12:00

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University is looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers with expertise in physics.

The position is part-time in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 FTE and would involve teaching one or more modules. There is likely to be a need on one or both of these modules.

SXP390 Science project course: radiation and matter 30 credits

S(XS)841 Masters level project in physical sciences 30 credits

The position is home-based, has no fixed core hours. It is temporary for 2 years in the first instance, with a probation period of two years. The annual salary and workload are fixed, but there are significant workload peaks and troughs, mainly linked to providing marking and assessment feedback. This is likely to include exam and end of module marking tasks. Other tasks will be required such as focused student support (individual and forum), peer mentoring and working with the module team on assessment activities and quality improvement. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The appropriate level of FTE will be discussed at interview, and there is the possibility of increasing the FTE later. The starting full-time salary is £38,249 paid pro rata based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, the position is paid over the full calendar year.

Contract will start from September 2025.

Appointments to the position will be subject to student registrations.

Person specification

The person specification for this position should be read in conjunction with the generic person specification for an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should be able to provide evidence of the following

• A degree and background in physical sciences, astronomy or another relevant discipline.
• Knowledge and experience of teaching physical sciences or space science at undergraduate level and/or postgraduate level (space science can include: space instrumentation, Earth observation, planetary science, space plasma physics, solar physics or space-based astronomy, astrophysics, astrochemistry).
• Proven ability of supervising university-level literature review project work (final year UG or higher) in a range of physics and/or space topics
• A relevant postgraduate degree in an area of physics space science.
• Ability to supervise students on an undergraduate literature review project (final year) and/or masters level research project on a one-to-one basis.
• Ability to work in an online environment to support students, including forums, tutorials and email/telephone support.
• Demonstrable experience of accessing scientific information via the web.

It is also essential to have the following for our postgraduate Masters modules

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject.

It is also desirable to have

• Experience of computer programming as applied to some aspect of space science (e.g. instrument control, data analysis, numerical simulation).
• Recent research or operational experience in an area of physics or space science, particularly quantum spin technology.
• Experience of supporting adult learners at postgraduate level.

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. To ensure they remain up to date with developments in their academic field, Associate Lecturers are allocated 6 days (pro-rata) per annum for AL-led (i.e. self-directed) Academic Currency and 1 day, plus 5 days pro rata, per annum for Agreed Academic Currency and Professional Development.

Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 27 days holiday per annum (pro rata) with variable (pro rata) Bank holidays and an attractive pensions proposition.

Tuition Delivery

Predominantly online, but with a small number of face-to-face day schools/tutorials for some modules.

How to apply

An application form and job-related information are available from the links located below. Any queries regarding the application process please contact AL-Recruitment on: AL-Recruitment@open.ac.uk quoting the reference number STEM_ SXP390.

Job related information:

AL Application Form

Generic Person Specification

Terms and Conditions

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview.

The University is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role as per the requirement laid out the UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK.

To work with us you will need access to the internet.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check or equivalent for their nation of residency.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

Email : AL-Recruitment@open.ac.uk

An application form and job related information are available from the links located below. Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available by request to the email above, quoting the reference number STEM_SXPS288.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.