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Lecturer in Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation

College of Health and Humanities

You will support our growing Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation provision.

Job details

Responsible to

Subject Lead for Sport and Exercise Science

Closing date

Monday 14 September 2026

Salary

£38,784 to £46,049 per annum

Job grade

HE Lecturer

Reference

0196-26

Contract type

Permanent

Post type

Full-time

Adaptive working type

Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available in line with our Adaptive Working Framework.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together three dynamic and diverse schools:

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real-world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.

School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation

From state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites and specialist sport facilities to valuable placement opportunities, the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation focuses on ensuring our student graduate ready for the challenges of modern healthcare, sport and rehabilitation. Our career-focused courses are designed with industry partners and delivered by experienced academics and practitioners.

The School unites a variety of subject areas, including: 

  • Public Health and Social Care
  • Diagnostics and Clinical Interventions
  • Therapy and Rehabilitation

Through an integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact.

School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts

Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media.

Whether exploring the past, shaping future policy, telling powerful stories, or creating inspiring work, our students develop the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to society and the creative industries.

Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, interdisciplinary environment where students gain the skills, experience, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in society.

About Sport and Exercise Science

Sport and Exercise Science at University of Derby covers physiology and psychology; biomechanics and performance analysis; strength, conditioning and rehabilitation; sport management; sport education and coaching. The discipline has a focus on performance sports, exercise and recreational sports, and physical activity for health and wellbeing. We engage with industry and ensure impact through our applied provision across a broad range of professional, semi-professional and amateur sport organisations across Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby County Football Club, Derby Rugby Football Club, Derventio Swimming Club, Derbyshire Institute of Sport, and Active Derbyshire.

Our industry-informed and student-led approach, combined with our wide knowledge and skill set in a broad spectrum of areas within health and performance, drive industry standards and promote development, transition and independence. This creates a vibrant, exciting and inclusive place for our students to learn and allows our graduates to make a real impact in the health and sporting world.

The Sport and Exercise Science subject area is a dynamic and driven group with expertise spanning a wide range of topics from physical activity for health and wellbeing to performance sport. Our staff combine applied work with active research, ensuring that teaching is underpinned by industry insight and cutting-edge knowledge. We deliver a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are highly valued by students and recognised by employers, with specialist facilities that support practical, hands-on learning. 

In this role, you will support our growing Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation provision, which is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists, and use your applied experience to help create an inclusive and industry-integrated curriculum.

You will deliver engaging and innovative teaching, support student learning and development, and contribute to research and enterprise activities. You will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional development, research activity, and industry collaboration.

This role will be based across our Kedleston Road campus in Derby and our St Helena campus in Chesterfield.

Anticipated interview date: Thursday 24th September 2026

We are seeking an experienced and innovative academic with applied experience in the field of Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of academic expertise and industry insight, with demonstrable experience of delivering high-quality, student-centred learning and contributing to impactful research and enterprise activity.

You will hold a good honours degree in a relevant discipline, alongside subject-specific expertise. A PhD (or near completion), or equivalent professional practice experience, is essential, as well as Fellowship of the HEA or a willingness to achieve this. You will also have proven experience in a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students in the area of Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation, with strong practical capabilities to support student learning, and a track record of research activity or applied experience.

Learning and Teaching

  1. Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
  2. Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
  3. Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
  4. Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
  5. Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the ‘Derby Graduate’.
  6. Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Research / Scholarship

  1. Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
  2. Engage in research and collaborate both on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.
  3. Develop and maintain contacts and relationship with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.

Other

  1. Act as a personal academic tutor, supporting and mentoring students and learners as appropriate.
  2. Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
  3. Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.
  4. Develop external links in order, for example, to support student recruitment, secure student placements, facilitate outreach work, generate income or build relationships for future activities.
  5. Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.
  6. Contribute to effective cross College / University working.
  7. Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

  • Honours Degree in relevant subject discipline
  • PhD (or submitted and awaiting examination) or equivalent professional level of knowledge and experience in a relevant subject area
  • Subject specific qualifications / knowledge, including membership of the SST or registration with the HCPC
  • Fellowship of the Advance HE (HEA) or willingness to work towards

Experience

  • Applied experience in a sport-related or clinical therapy environment
Learning / Teaching
  • Experience or knowledge of quality assurance and validation of Higher Education (HE) modules / programmes
  • Experience or knowledge of higher education and ability to use a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students
Research / Scholarship
  • Demonstrable experience of own discipline to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field
  • Experience of research / enterprise activity

Skills, knowledge & abilities

  • An appropriate level of digital capability and aptitude with practical experience of applications which aid student learning
  • Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups
  • Proficient in using IT to support own work and for application to technology-enhanced learning / teaching and research activities
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills including networking and relationship building skills, both across the University and externally
  • Able to demonstrate both independent self-management and team working
  • Able to work with competing priorities and to tight deadlines
  • Demonstrates competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
  • Demonstrates professionalism in learning / teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE
  • A sound understanding of the employability agenda and its relevance to learners and the curriculum
  • Flexible to the needs of others
  • Innovative and creative
  • Committed to continual enhancement and a high-quality student experience
  • Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality

Business requirements

  • Able to take a flexible approach to work
    • Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for research or teaching
    • Some evening and occasional weekend teaching
    • Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.
    • A commitment to own professional development

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

  • Masters degree in relevant subject area
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Experience

Learning / Teaching
  • Demonstrable postgraduate experience in a sport-related or clinical therapy environment
  • Proven experience of recent excellent teaching identified by peer review
  • Experience of module leadership and / or programme leadership
  • Experience of developing innovative module/programme content and delivery methods
Research / Scholarship
  • Developing national and international profile of research and scholarly activity
  • Experience of bidding for and obtaining external research funding
  • Experience of successfully applying discipline to income generation activities, including consultancy, industry-based applied research and KTPs

Skills, knowledge and abilities

  • Familiarity with SST educational competencies
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues within sport therapy and rehabilitation
  • Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
  • Teacher’s Pension Scheme
  • Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  • Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
  • Discounted onsite gym
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • A flexible working environment
  • A commitment to personal and professional development

Find out more about rewards and benefitsFind out more about rewards and benefits

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Laurice Fretwell, Subject Lead for Sport and Exercise Science via l.fretwell@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI:

  • Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
  • You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
  • You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
  • You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You must also meet the English Language requirement.

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

For more information, visit Applying from Overseas.

 

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby, please visit our website

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice, and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.

 

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

 

Seek academic excellence by applying now with University of Derby.

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Further details

Download Lecturer in Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation job descriptionDownload Lecturer in Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation job descriptionDownload Academic Pathway InformationDownload Academic Pathway Information

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy.