The School of Biological and Marine Sciences, at the University of Plymouth, invites applications for a number of Doctoral Teaching Assistantship positions.
The School is advertising for three Doctoral Teaching Assistantships (DTAs) to join its postgraduate research community of over 70 researchers who work across a variety of disciplines recognised as world-leading in Biological Sciences, Marine Biology and Marine Sciences. The School is comprised of over 70 academics, 40 technical staff and around 1,200 students. Facilities include a £4.65 million Marine Station with several research boats and diving facilities, alongside newly refurbished, state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.
It is anticipated that these positions will be spread across the three main areas of the school (Biological Sciences, Marine Biology, Marine Science). Both teaching and PhD activities will be undertaken concurrently. The positions will consist of (i) a part time (0.5 FTE - actual salary £21026 teaching contract at Grade 6; and (ii) a part-time PhD (0.5 FTE) offered for a 5 year period (covering 4 years of doctoral study plus 1 year writing up).
In addition to the PhD Fee Scholarship, you will be trained to undertake teaching within a relevant subject area alongside our Undergraduate Programme teams as well as participating in our research activities. You will not be expected to teach more than the hours indicated as part of the fractional post you are applying for (factoring for 8 weeks holiday entitlement). This will be paid at Grade 6 on the University's pay spine. Research training will be supported through the University's Doctoral College, and the Researcher development programme, and you may be required to attend a 'research skills' module.
You will pursue a PhD degree supported by world class research teams and gain professional teaching experience within one or more of the areas indicated above.
You are required to have a good honours degree (1st Class or an Upper 2:1) and possibly a Masters degree in a relevant subject, and a strong wish to pursue one of the advertised PhD projects. You will likely also be interested in a career in the Higher Education Sector, specifically in teaching and research, and thus need to possess excellent communication and team working skills. You must select one of the 7 PhD projects listed below and explain in your application why this topic is of interest, and what you feel you can bring to the project. You are encouraged to make contact with the relevant PhD supervisor before application.
Potential DTA PhD projects:
Restoring resilient mangroves – can consideration of genetic diversity improve success?
Lead Supervisor, Dr Jennifer Rowntree - jennifer.rowntree@plymouth.ac.uk
The abundance and distribution of cetaceans in the western English Channel and their exposure to ship noise
Lead Supervisor, Dr Simon Ingram - simon.ingram@plymouth.ac.uk
Connectivity between pelagic and benthic habitats as an indicator of biodiversity status
Lead Supervisor, Dr Abigail McQuatters-Gollop - abigail.mcquatters-gollop@plymouth.ac.uk
Parasites as drivers of animal personality in a model host-parasite system
Lead Supervisor, Dr Reuben Shipway - reuben.shipway@plymouth.ac.uk
Temperature fluctuation and control in avian welfare
Lead Supervisor, Dr Mark Whiteside - mark.whiteside@plymouth.ac.uk
Understanding physical drivers of recruitment variability in fish populations: influence of winter storms on the quality of sandy beaches as fish nurseries
Lead Supervisor, Dr Ben Ciotti - benjamin.ciotti@plymouth.ac.uk
Investigating cryptic speciation in the beadlet sea anemone Actinia equina
Lead Supervisor, Dr Sarah Lane - sarah.lane@plymouth.ac.uk
The role of individual heterogeneity in group living fishes
Lead Supervisor, Dr Alex Wilson - alexander.wilson@plymouth.ac.uk
Unfortunately we cannot provide sponsorship for these posts, candidates must therefore hold the right to work and study in the UK.
A current full driving licence is essential (manual transmission) as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles including 9+ seater vehicles. This role is also subject to completion of a medical assessment with our Occupational Health team.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Mick Hanley by email at mehanley@plymouth.ac.uk.
Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 13th March 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.
These are part-time, fixed-term positions for 5 years, due to funding, working 18.5 hours a week.
We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.
The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.
Job Description