Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD Studentship - Biological Sciences

Fixed Term for 3 years (Commencing October 2025)

We’re here to create and harness knowledge, to deliver opportunity for everyone.

About the Research Project

Click to view all advertised projects for this research area.

Please direct any questions about the project to the named contact on the above linked webpage in advance of submitting your application.

To apply for this research area, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click the ‘apply’ button. Contact srpshelpdesk@edgehill.ac.uk if you have difficulty accessing the form.

About the Graduate Teaching Assistant Role

Graduate Teaching Assistants hold a unique position in the University, being both registered postgraduate researches (PGRs) and carrying out teaching/teaching support duties:

PGRs will be expected to:

• Complete a programme of researcher development sessions
• Undertake tailored continuing researcher development
• Complete a programme of training in teaching in Higher Education
• Complete a PhD programme of research under the guidance of an appointed supervisory team
• Undertake up to six hours of teaching a week as directed by the Head of Department
• Undertake up to nine hours per week of marking and preparation
• Enhance the research culture of the department in which they are located, and of the University as a whole, by participating in development activities including publication and presenting at conferences

About you

You hold a 2.1 or above undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, whilst a Masters degree would also be an advantage. You will have a passion for pursuing original research in your subject area along with the desire to develop your teaching ability by supporting an experienced and dynamic undergraduate programme team.

You will be highly motivated, resilient and hold determination to succeed, you will be committed to undertaking a PhD and will possess strong written and oral communication skills along with excellent organisational skills.

Please note:

• If you already have a PhD in the research area you applying for, your application will not normally be considered unless submitted for a suitably different research area.
• Applications who have applied more than two times previously should not normally apply again with the same research project.

Rewards & benefits

We want you to feel happy when you come to work and proud when you go home. From the moment you join us you have the opportunity to enhance your skills. In addition to having the opportunity to enrol on our Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (PGCTHE) to support your professional development, we offer a range of specialist development sessions and courses. In addition to the wide range of development opportunities available, the University has a strong focus on the wellbeing of its staff. You will have access to an award-winning staff health & wellbeing programme, benefit from discounted membership to our state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities and so much more. This is just a taste of what we can offer you at Edge Hill University.

• Overall payment of £19,237 per annum which is aligned with the UKRI rate. This is split into a salary of £13,737 per annum and £5,500 per annum tax free to contribute to the cost of accommodation.
• Full waiver of research degree tuition fees worth approximately £6,350 per annum for UK PGRs and £18,000 per annum for international PGRs
• Full waiver of the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education tuition fee (worth approximately £3000)
• Entitlement to sicky pay, maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave, in accordance with University policies and procedures.

Applicant guidance

• Applicant guidance can be found here. (Please read this carefully before applying
• Project Contact: Staff Contacts for each research area can be found here – please refer to the “research opportunities by subject” section on the webpage. You are strongly encouraged to speak with them about the area you are interested in, in order to identify a prospective supervisor in advance of applying.
• Job Description and Person Specification: You should read the Job Description and Person Specification carefully. This document can be found at the bottom of this page.
• PGR Recruitment – An in person PGR Recruitment Event will be taking place on the 5^th December 2024 on Campus from 12:00 – 14:30.

How to apply

The Graduate School at Edge Hill University is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, an aspect of which includes a dedicated Reasonable Adjustment Panel. If you require support due to any form of disability, please get in touch so that we can offer appropriate advice and signposting.

Applicants must complete the online application from via www.edgehill.ac.uk/jobs and attach five separate documents in the following order:

• A ‘Research Proposal’ which should not exceed 2,000 words
• A completed budget sheet (see application guidance for further support)
• A full academic curriculum vitae
• Qualification Certificates – please ensure these are translated into English
• Scanned copy of your Passport

If you are an international and EU applicant please do also upload a 6^th document:

• IELTs, or equivalent, paperwork – Click here for detailed guidance

Applications without the above paperwork will not be considered for shortlisting 

• It is very important you review the guidance and seek clarification regarding this paperwork before applying if you have any questions. Please send clarification questions to graduateschooladmissions@edgehill.ac.uk. 
• Letters of recommendation, or requests to waive the language entry requirements, will not be accepted.

To apply for this research area, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the ‘apply’ button. 

Interview arrangements

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held online either via Teams or Zoom. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to deliver a short presentation on their research project, and then answer questions from a Panel of academic experts.

Please note that interviews will be held between 09:00am – 17:00pm [GMT]. Interviews are expected to occur in March 2025.

Panel availability is limited. Shortlisted candidates will be offered one interview slot only.

Project Information is available alongside the Job Description above.

Key contacts

Please think about the support you need and contact one of these areas directly:

• Research project and supervision questions: see the details under ‘about the research project’ to speak with the research degree contact responsible for your area of interest
• PhD registration and qualification questions: please contact graduateschooladmissions@edgehill.ac.uk
• Application form and employment questions: please contact srpshelpdesk@edgehill.ac.uk

Staff availability

Please note that the University is closed from the evening of the 20^th December 2024 until the morning of the 2^nd January 2025. Staff will respond to you upon their return. It is highly advised that you speak with staff at the earliest opportunity to avoid encountering any delays due to the scheduled break.