Lecturer in Forensic Science

University of Derby; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Derby is seeking a passionate Lecturer in Forensic Science to inspire the next generation. You will deliver high‑quality teaching, contribute to curriculum development, and engage in research and enterprise activities within the School of Science.

The role requires a good honours degree, PhD (or close), and Fellowship of the HEA or willingness to achieve this. You will participate in module/programme leadership and collaborate with external partners.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high‑quality HE teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Ability to lead curriculum development and module design.
• Experience in research activity and knowledge transfer within Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and innovative teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Support student learning and development as a personal tutor.
• Contribute to School research, enterprise activities and external collaborations.
• Take on module leader and programme leadership responsibilities as required.

Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Fellowship of the Advanced HE (HEA)

PhD (or equivalent)

Job description

Subject Lead for Biomedical and Forensic Science

Onsite

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

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.

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of 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 Biomedical and Forensic Subject area is a dynamic and growing group with expertise spanning a wide range of topics from human health to forensic science. Our staff combine professional practice with active research, ensuring that teaching is underpinned by real‑world 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.

We are seeking a passionate Lecturer in Forensic Science to inspire the next generation of industry leaders. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of high‑quality teaching, curriculum development, and research within their specialist field. You will deliver engaging and innovative teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, support student learning and development, and contribute to the School's research and enterprise activities. You will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional development, research activity, and industry collaboration.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward‑thinking academic with a strong foundation in Forensic Science. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of academic expertise and industry insight, with a passion for delivering high‑quality, student‑centred learning and contributing to impactful research and enterprise activity. You will hold a good honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, alongside subject‑specific expertise. A PhD (or near completion), or equivalent professional achievement, is essential, as well as Fellowship of the HEA or a willingness to achieve this. The successful candidate will have proven experience in developing and delivering modules or programmes in Forensic Science and its various specialisms, with strong practical capabilities to support student learning, and a track record of research activity in a relevant area.

We are especially keen to speak to applicants with experience in Crime Scene Investigation and General and Applied Statistical Approaches, although other applications are not excluded.

• Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post‑experience programmes.
• 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.
• Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
• 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.
• 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’.
• Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Research / Scholarship

• Engage in individual research and collaborate both internally and externally on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.
• Sustain and enhance the reputation of the University by publishing in appropriate quality journals and presenting at scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences and other similar events.
• Develop and maintain contacts and relationship with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.
• Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.

Other

• Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate.
• Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
• Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.
• Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.
• Contribute to effective cross College / University working.
• Observe and implement University policies and procedures.
• Good Honours Degree in relevant subject discipline or equivalent
• Fellowship of the Advanced HE (HEA) or willingness to work towards
• PhD (or submitted and awaiting examination) or equivalence accepted in a relevant subject area, for example by publication or through appropriate professional achievement or willingness to work towards within an agreed timeframe
• Subject specific qualifications / knowledge in an area of Forensic Science

Experience

Learning / Teaching

• Experience or knowledge of quality assurance and validation of 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
• Evidence of active publishing in high quality journals or other outputs in research or practice that will contribute to the REF or other areas identified in the College / University Research Strategy

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
• 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
  • Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.
  • A commitment to own professional development

Qualifications

• Appropriate level of membership of a relevant professional body or working towards
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Experience

Learning / Teaching

• Demonstrable experience of delivering excellent and effective learning and teaching identified by peer review at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at a Higher Education provider
• Demonstrable experience of module and / or programme leadership
• Demonstrable experience of effectively designing and implementing a range of formative and summative assessments for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes

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

• Able to identify potential sources of funding
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• 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

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Prof. Ian Turner, Interim Head of School of Science via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail] .

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

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

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,diversityand inclusion at the University of Derby, pleasevisitour 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.

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