Assistant Professor – Molecular Biology / Microbial Biotechnology

Full Job Description

Salary: Grade 7/8 (£36,023 - £44,263/£45,585 - £54,395)

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 12 months 

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Applications are invited for an Assistant Professor in Biology/Molecular Biology or Biotechnology. We are looking for a candidate with emerging track record in the area of Molecular Biology / Microbial Biotechnology. The position will involve research and teaching in these subject areas, including delivery of practical classes and supervision of Honours / MBiol projects.

We are looking for a candidate with proven teaching experience at SCQF level 10 and 11. As an applied discipline, we are particularly interested in an individual able to develop/refine and run Biology/Molecular Biology and Biotechnology lab practicals involving large undergraduate classes. The role will involve teaching lectures, tutorials and practicals to potentially large groups of students, as well as student project supervision. The position will be based in Edinburgh within the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES) in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) at Heriot-Watt University. The successful candidate will be expected to teach primarily on our undergraduate Biology programmes:

Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences – Cell and Molecular

Biological Sciences – Human Health

Marine Biology

We are committed to expanding our teaching across all our campuses through our Go Global scheme and via our virtual learning environment. Where possible we use problem-based learning techniques, based on societal or industrial challenges, to teach core science. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who can make a positive contribution to these activities.

Key activities within this role will include the following:

• Developing/refining and delivering course material at all levels of our UG Biology programmes, in relevant subjects (including laboratory practical classes).
• Designing, marking and providing feedback on formative and summative assessments
• Supervising Honours and MBiol projects
• Providing tutor support to UG students
• Contributing to the administration of the UG Biology programmes
• Undertaking research in your area of expertise, as appropriate
• Publishing scientific refereed manuscripts
• Representing the University, as appropriate

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

This is a teaching and research role. The successful applicant will be expected to make positive and sustainable contributions to the areas below. However, you will be measured against the essential criteria, not by the key duties and responsibilities.   

Research

• To develop a research profile in Molecular Biology / Microbial Biotechnology of internationally recognised importance and quality that will make a significant contribution to the University’s submission to future Research Excellence Framework exercises, enhance the international profile of the University and contribute to the development of its own communities of research;   
• Disseminate research through high-quality journal publications and papers, presentations at conferences, and relevant stakeholder events;   
• Mentor and coach research students, with particular focus on providing opportunities for developing their careers as interdisciplinary, collaborative, and effective researchers.  

Pioneering Education

• Undertake continuous professional development both through the University and externally to remain up to date with current learning and teaching practice and external influencers in our sector to provide direction and leadership;  
• Share best practice in learning and teaching methodologies, working with colleagues to develop scholarly debate and the dissemination of excellence to advance the curriculum to be future focused and challenge-led;  
• Supervise undergraduate and post graduate students’ work and take responsibility for dealing with referred issues regarding students within their own educational programmes.  

Collaboration and Leadership

• Work collaboratively within the Institute of Life & Earth Sciences team to ensure excellent levels of student engagement, retention, and outcomes; 
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a consistent, effective, and high-quality delivery of teaching and research, in line with the strategic aims of EGIS, as well as the wider University; 
• Represent EGIS with integrity in a professional capacity at academic conferences, with industrial partners, in professional societies, etc.  

Please note this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may have the opportunity to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential 

Qualifications

• A first degree in Biological Sciences/Molecular or Microbiology/Biotechnology
• A PhD in Biological Sciences/Molecular or Microbiology/Biotechnology or a cognate subject

Experience

• A Publication record in the areas of Biological Sciences/Molecular or Microbiology/Biotechnology
• Experience in teaching and assessing at HE level
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team 

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

• Experience in classic biological as well as advanced molecular and microbiological techniques
• Excellent IT skills
• Good team player with good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable potential to become an independent researcher

Desirable:

• Experience with multi-location live online teaching
• Experience with innovative teaching approaches

About Heriot Watt University

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. 

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. 

About our Team

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society is one of the UK’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity.  We aim to attain excellence in the teaching of the core disciplines that contribute to a sustainable, resource and energy efficient society and are committed to undertaking high value, high impact research and knowledge transfer in topics of relevance to global challenges.

Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society - Heriot-Watt University (hw.ac.uk)

Institute of Life & Earth Sciences

The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES) undertakes multidisciplinary research in the areas of Environment, Health and Food Science, based both in Edinburgh and at the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) in the Orkney Isles. ICIT is internationally recognised for its research, training and consultancy in renewable energy, marine science and environmental resources.  Further information can be obtained at -   

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on 22nd of January 2024.  

Interviews will take place in February 2024. 

Please must submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV that includes the list of publications (3) Research and teaching statements, showing their strengths in one or more of the research areas above.

For informal discussions about the position or the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, please contact Dr Mark Hartl -  

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website   and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers   .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator:   to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.