Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too. 

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design. 

School of Science

The School of Science brings together three key subject areas; Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Forensic Science and Psychology. The School has strong links with key external agencies including the University Hospitals for Derby and Burton NHS Trust who support the Biomedical Sciences IBMS provision as well as research collaborations. The School also works with regional forensic science agencies including the police and private forensic science labs as well as numerous environmental agencies locally, nationally and internationally focusing on conservation, habitat management and environmental regeneration. 

The Psychology subject area is home to the University's Psychology and Counselling and Psychotherapy provision, delivered at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. As a TEF Gold institution, we are proud to contribute high quality programmes grounded in psychological and behavioural science with a significant focus on applied psychology and professional practice. We host a large accredited provision across several Professional and Statutory Regulatory Bodies (including the BABCP, BACP, BPS, CIEHF, HCPC and NCPS). Programmes range from undergraduate underpinnings and initial postgraduate training for some psychological professions, to delivery that supports careers in sectors such as marketing, business, management and leadership (and many more). Furthermore we offer training in a range of therapeutic modalities across the counselling and psychotherapy courses and contribute to the development of the wider psychological workforce through our NHS based commissioned programmes. In Psychology our provision is underpinned by excellent student support to achieve the best possible outcomes for our students and high quality progression opportunities into a range of careers. Our delivery is further underpinned by high quality scientific research and scholarly activity, with industry informed and based research informing and leading the development of curriculum to ensure programmes are meeting the needs of employers to foster the success of our graduates from across the subject.

We are excited to be able to advertise this role for a forensic psychologist who will lead our innovative and growing team who are at the forefront of influencing the next generation of forensic psychology students, researchers and practitioners through our stage 1 MSc Forensic Psychology programme. The role holder will contribute to the academic leadership and delivery of our MSc Forensic Psychology programmes and to the research profile of the Psychology Subject area, including applied forensic psychology research. We are home to the first wholly online PG Diploma in Forensic Psychology Practice and there will be opportunities to work in our growing forensic psychology team, which included both Chartered Psychologists and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologists (and other domains).

As we grow our forensic psychology provision, this role will include oversight, leadership and development of our campus and online programmes, working with the Subject lead, senior academics and the wider teaching team to ensure continuation of excellent student experience and outcomes. We are passionate about inspiring and empowering our graduates in their future careers in forensic psychology (or other destinations), within practice, academia or other progression routes. The role will include leading and supporting our marketing events (e.g., open days) which occasionally take place into evenings and at weekends.

The Psychology subject area has an active research agenda, and the role holder will be expected to engage with and support financially sustainable research and/or other appropriate academic activity. Our provision spans campus and online delivery there will be opportunity for working from home as agreed with the Subject Lead. We do support hybrid working as business needs permit. There is currently no requirement for line management in this role.  This is a part time position (0.5TE) which may be attractive to candidates who wish to continue practice based work and develop their academic practice alongside this. 

We are seeking a HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist (forensic domain) to join our team and lead our MSc Forensic Psychology programmes. We would welcome applications from candidates with experience of teaching / training and leadership, and experience of relevant transferable skills in these areas from beyond higher education. You should also have experience of undertaking research, and be passionate about supporting the development and growth of evidence in their field. Excellence in communication, team and collaborative working are essential, both internally and externally.

Principal Accountabilities

Learning / Teaching

1. Lead on, or contribute to the leadership within, the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and/or post-experience programmes.
2. Teach and facilitate learning on core and optional modules relating to the academic discipline.
3. Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University, and relevant PSRB requirements.
4. Contribute to the development of learning and teaching strategies and 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.
5. Undertake relevant module leadership responsibilities and take on other programme-related work that may include marketing, recruitment, and learning and teaching development.
6. Supervise student projects at undergraduate / postgraduate levels.
7. Develop innovative approaches to learning and teaching, such as blended or online, to encourage student centred learning.
8. Ensure effective monitoring of student progress and provide advice and guidance to staff and students as appropriate.

Research / Scholarship

1. Take the lead on, plan, develop and conduct research objectives, projects and proposals within the broader programme. Deliver research outcomes that will contribute to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
2. Generate income by developing and winning support for innovative research proposals and funding bids, working where appropriate within Research Centres and Colleges.
3. Disseminate and explain research findings through leading peer-reviewed national publications (and international where appropriate), conferences and other appropriate media.
4. Ensure adherence to ethical standards in the projects for which the role holder are responsible.
5. Monitor research resources such as budget, materials and equipment.
6. Provide mentoring and guidance to colleagues and co-ordinate the work of research and support staff.
7. Take a leading role in the development and delivery of business engagement activities, developing entrepreneurial links with external organisations.
8. Identify own professional needs and undertake appropriate training and staff development.

Other

1. Act as a personal academic tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate
2. Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
3. Liaise with international partners as required on existing and future collaborations.
4. Contribute to new initiatives at appropriate levels.
5. Build on existing research networks, furthering contacts with external organisations such as funding bodies.
6. Actively seek out and develop opportunities for interdisciplinary research both across the University and externally.
7. Observe and implement University policies and procedures.