The role
We are looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers in the area of Communications Technologies, in the School of Computing and Communications at the Open University.
The role is part-time and will involve teaching one or more modules in the area of Communications Technologies. In particular, there are immediate teaching needs on TM355: Communications Technology. Appointments are likely to be around 0.09 FTE initially, with the potential for appointments at higher FTE’s if there is additional business need.
The position is home-based and has no fixed core hours. It is a two year fixed-term appointment, 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), such as 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 £38,784 paid pro rata (around £3490 per year) based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, the position is paid over the full calendar year.
It is anticipated that the contract will commence from October 2026.
Appointments to the position will be subject to student registrations.
Qualification Description
TM355 is an optional module in several qualifications including:
Q62 BSc (Honours) Computing and IT
R60 BSc (Honours) Cyber Security
R62 BSc (Honours) Computing with Electronic Engineering
Q65 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
This module will provide students with a firm understanding of the principles of both wired and wireless communications technologies. They will also learn how to read and assess academic papers to keep themselves up to date. Students are expected to have studied maths and communication technologies prior to studying TM355.
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 have:
The ability to grade assignments accurately and to provide constructive feedback to students.Experience of teaching online or an understanding of the pedagogical issues surrounding online teaching.Demonstrated ability to encourage students to engage with scholarship and independent study (including awareness of resources)A relevant degree or equivalent experience in communication technologiesThe ability to explain principles and concepts relating to both wired and wireless technologies including:signals theory and real-world aspects such as noise and interference;channel coding, information theory and compression;access and core networks for both mobile and fixed-line;The ability to support students in the mathematical aspects of the module, including a variety of concepts from basics like decibels to more complex ideas such as Fourier series
It would be an advantage to have:
A higher degree or Ph.D. (or equivalent)Experience of teaching and assessment via an online environment.Evidence of having taken the initiative to deliver better teaching and learning or to take advantage of new technology in teaching.Teaching qualification in relevant subject or HEA accreditation.
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