Senior Lecturer – School of Osteopathy (0.8 FTE)

The Health Sciences University (HSU: formerly AECC University College) is a specialist health sciences institution dedicated to excellent education, clinical care and applied research.

Following the recent approval of our new university title HSU in July 2024 and the merger of the University College of Osteopathy into the HSU family from 1st August 2024, the institution is in a phase of growth and transformation across our campuses in Bournemouth and central London.

We are highly values-driven, inspired by our mission to ‘create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care’ with highly dedicated and capable staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community. We are part-way through the delivery of our Strategic Plan 2021-2026, entitled Fit for the Future, which we will refresh in the coming weeks to reflect recent institutional changes.

HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-registration academic provision and research in allied health and related disciplines, and substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services delivering high-quality care for our staff, students and local communities. These facilities create a unique offering in higher education for our students to gain valuable practice learning experience onsite, to support local and regional NHS partners, and provide a data-rich research environment for our students, staff and partners.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education provider and clinical provider, responding to the workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as an established anchor institution. As we continue to develop in Dorset and London, it is imperative that we develop a more strategically informed approach to partnership working as a multi-professional centre of excellence for healthcare education, clinical care and research locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We provide a vibrant and positive inter-professional learning and practice environment, within a caring and inclusive community.

About the role

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Senior Lecturer to join our dynamic and growing team in the School of Osteopathy. This position focuses on leading the Research & Enquiry Unit within the Masters of Osteopathy programme. You will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based education, ensuring that the academic integrity of the unit is maintained in line with institutional standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Taking full responsibility for the delivery, assessment, and academic quality of the Research & Enquiry Unit.
• Leading the design and enhancement of the unit's curriculum, ensuring alignment with evolving research and best practices in osteopathy.
• Providing mentorship, guidance, and support to foster the academic and research development of lecturing staff.
• Participating in student assessment boards, programme team meetings, and quality assurance processes.
• Contributing to osteopathic clinical education by supporting university clinic practice educators to inform clinical curriculum and evidence-based practice.
• Developing and implementing innovative teaching strategies, using learning platforms such as Moodle to enhance student engagement.
• Teaching and contributing to curriculum development across other programmes within the HSU, particularly in the areas of research and research supervision.

In addition to teaching and unit leadership, you will contribute to the wider strategic goals of the institution, including participation in programme reviews, validation events, and the development of new academic programmes. This role also offers opportunities for collaboration on research projects and engagement in international educational partnerships.

About the person

We are seeking an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching undergraduate research methods and supervising postgraduate research at the master's level. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in higher education, particularly in leading and delivering research-focused units.
• A proven track record in teaching research methods, ideally at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Strong skills in research supervision, with experience guiding students through dissertation projects and research-based assignments.
• A focus on innovative teaching practices, including the use of technology and blended learning platforms such as Moodle, to enhance student engagement.
• A commitment to fostering a positive student experience, supporting students’ academic and personal development to achieve high-quality outcomes.

While professional experience in osteopathy or clinical practice is advantageous, it is not essential. We are looking for a candidate who can contribute meaningfully to the development of research skills in our students, helping them to think critically and apply evidence-based approaches in their future careers.

Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with both students and colleagues across different disciplines.
• A commitment to academic quality and integrity, ensuring that the teaching and assessments align with the institution’s high standards.
• The ability to mentor and support junior staff, contributing to the development of the wider academic team.

This role is ideal for an educator who thrives in a collaborative environment, is comfortable leading research initiatives, and is eager to make a significant impact on both undergraduate and postgraduate student development.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Enhanced Employer's Pension contribution (12%)
• Death in Service Benefit
• Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Enhanced policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and App
• Staff development events

And many more

Contact

For an informal discussion, please contact the Patrick Gauthier, M. Ost Course Leader patrick.gauthier@uco.ac.uk

To apply, please view the job description and person specification here and then go to https://www.hsu.ac.uk/about/join-us/ to complete an online application form. Completed application forms should be submitted by midnight on the closing date. Please note that CVs will not be considered as a substitute for a complete application form.

Closing date: Friday 14th February 2025

Interviews: TBC

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and value diversity in our workforce. Applications from people from black and minority ethnic groups, which are underrepresented in our workforce are particularly welcomed.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced/Basic DBS check.