Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Location: Canterbury
Salary: £58,225.00 to £65,509.00 Per Annum
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Reference: SNS-085-26
Do you have the practitioner expertise, academic leadership and ambition to help shape the future of forensic science education?
Forensic Science at the University of Kent is expanding its ambitions, and we are looking for an experienced Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science to help shape the next phase of a distinctive and innovative programme. This is an opportunity to contribute to practice-led teaching, curriculum development and applied scholarship that prepares the next generation of forensic professionals for contemporary practice.
Kent has a strong track record of investing in facilities that enhance student learning, research and professional practice. Alongside our new ballistics facility, planned trace analysis suite, purpose-built crime scene house, taphonomic facility, specialist forensic laboratories and dedicated practical teaching spaces, you’ll be part of an environment that supports realistic, end-to-end forensic training.
The role is offered on an Education, Scholarship and Professional Practice contract, suitable for candidates who are student-focused in teaching, scholarship, pedagogic research and/or professional practice. We welcome applicants from academic, professional and practitioner backgrounds, particularly those with expertise in forensic analysis and interpretation, crime scene investigation, courtroom practice, digital forensics, trace evidence or environmental forensics.
As Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science you can expect to be involved in:
- Teaching, convening and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Forensic Science and related subject areas.
- Providing academic leadership in curriculum development, programme enhancement and quality assurance.
- Supporting inclusive, practice-led teaching across specialist facilities and applied learning environments.
- Supervising student projects and developing professional networks that support teaching, employability and knowledge exchange.
What will you bring to the role?
- Extensive specialist knowledge in forensic science or a closely related discipline, with evidence of academic or professional standing and leadership.
- Experience designing, delivering and leading teaching, training, assessment or professional development in forensic science or a related field.
- The ability to contribute to curriculum development, programme enhancement and innovation in teaching, learning and assessment.
- A commitment to high-quality, practice-led education, with the ability to engage students and support their academic and professional development.
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff).
- Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health.
For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent
The School of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent is one of the UK’s premier Universities for Forensic Science. Our accredited forensic degree courses were ranked 1st in England and Wales for the years 2024 and 2025 on the complete university guide. Our teaching team is built with academic staff originating from a range of backgrounds, allowing us to sit dynamically at the forefront of the discipline.
Our number one priority is to give a world leading quality of education and opportunity to our students. Kent has a strong track record of investing in forensic science facilities that directly enhance student learning, research, and professional practice. Following the successful development of our new ballistics’ facility in 2024, representing an investment of over £600,000, we are now continuing this investment through the development of further specialist provision, including a dedicated trace analysis suite. Alongside our new ballistics facility and planned trace analysis suite, Kent offers a purpose-built crime scene house, a taphonomic facility, specialist forensic laboratories, and dedicated practical teaching spaces. Together, these facilities support realistic, end-to-end forensic training: from scene examination, evidence recovery, and documentation, through to laboratory analysis, interpretation, reporting, and expert communication. Our impressive facility provision assures that your teaching, research, and professional practice aspirations can be realised here at Kent.
We particularly welcome applications from female and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area
Additional Information:
Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)
PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application
The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.
- Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 05 July 2026 (unless otherwise stated*)
- Interview Date: Thursday 23 July 2026
