Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Ref: BEDS2932
Salary: Lecturer, Grade 7 £39,906 to £47,389 (pro rata)
Senior Lecturer, Grade 8 £48,822 to £58,225 (pro rata)
Location: Luton
Permanent post 0.6 (3 days per week)
Closing date: 20/05/2026
Interview date: W/C 8th June 2026
The University of Bedfordshire's School of Life Sciences is a dynamic academic community committed to high-quality teaching, research, and professional practice across the forensic, biological and biomedical sciences. The school emphasises applied learning supported through significant practical work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry engagement to ensure graduates are well prepared for scientific and professional careers.
Within the School, the Forensic area is an established and respected provision with strong links to industry and the criminal justice sector. The team delivers practice-informed programmes in Forensic Science and Forensic Science and Criminology, supported by specialist laboratory facilities and a focus on employability, professional standards, and research-informed teaching.
The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery and ongoing development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in forensic sciences. We are particularly interested in applicants with an academic and/or professional background in forensic biological sciences, as well as experience in the presentation of evidence within the court system. Applicants with current or prior practitioner experience in forensic casework, investigation, or expert witness work are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are a Forensic Science practitioner who has little or no lecturing in Higher Education experience, we can support you in developing an exciting career in higher education The School of Life Sciences prides itself in creating a supportive and innovative workplace that is committed to offering colleagues the opportunity to develop a fantastic, long-lasting career here with us.
Duties will contribute to the design, delivery, quality assurance, administrative activity and on-going development of a range of taught programmes within the school's portfolio, and to support the success of the school's over-arching business plan.
Your role is to ensure that students have a high-quality experience which can be evidenced through achievement and surveys.
The successful applicant will be someone who can
- Innovate and engage students to learn.
- Have the ability to work with a diverse student group.
- Develop links with local stakeholders to enable students to take part in volunteering and placement activities.
- Contribute to student recruitment and marketing of the course
- To create an excellent learning environment where students feel supported and valued
Should you require any additional information regarding this post, please contact vicki.barlow@beds.ac.uk who is our course lead for the Forensic Science programme, or, Robin.Maytum@beds.ac.uk Acting Head of the School of Life Sciences.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those who may feel underrepresented due to socioeconomic circumstances, such as individuals from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.) backgrounds. At our university, we strive to create an environment where everyone can be themselves and are supported to achieve their full potential.
In line with our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are proud to be working towards the Race Equality Charter (REC), which helps us address and reduce barriers that disproportionately affect B.A.M.E. staff. We are also a Stonewall Diversity Champion, ensuring that all LGBTQ+ people are valued and respected at work. Additionally, we participate in the Disability Confident Scheme to support our efforts to improve the workplace experience for disabled individuals.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies For further details, please click here
To Apply
Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.
For the full Job description and person specification, please click here.
For any enquires contact People & Culture email p&c@beds.ac.uk.
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.
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JOB DESCRIPTION Senior Lecturer in Forensic
Science School of Life Sciences
Details
Job Title: Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
School: School of Life Sciences
Job Reports To: Head of School or delegated line manager
Location: Luton (with travel to other campuses as required)
Post Number: BEDS2932
Pay Point: Grade 8 £48,822 to £58,225
Context
The senior lecturer post is involved in three core activities as listed in the principal accountabilities: 1. To plan, design and deliver educational programmes.
2. To undertake a range of academic management duties associated with the delivery of a high quality
education and the student experience.
3. To actively engage in subject, professional and/or pedagogy research and scholarship
In addition, Senior Lecturers contribute to the on-going development of a range of taught programmes within the School's portfolio, engage in professional development activities to enhance teaching and learning practices, and support the success of the School's over-arching business plan. A key part of the Senior Lecturer post in addition to teaching, is to act as a Course Leader, where required, or carry out other leadership roles within the School/Faculty as needed.
Senior Lecturers are expected to work under their own initiative, within institutional guidelines, seeking guidance where necessary.
Inter-campus, national and overseas travel and working may be required.
Key Elements (please tick as appropriate)
1 .
This post has MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY YES NO X
2 .
This post requires an ENHANCED DBS CHECK (check box as appropriate) YES NO
x
3 .
This is a KEY POST (i.e. must have nominated deputy) YES NO X
Principal Accountabilities
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Senior Lecturers are expected to undertake the following duties:
1. Agree and manage own teaching, research, knowledge exchange and all aspects of academic management / administration responsibilities.
2. In addition to Unit Coordinator duties, assume role as Course Leader or other leadership role in the School/Faculty at Grade 8 level as required by the Head of School/or delegated line manager.
3. Act as a Personal Tutor and be responsible for the pastoral care and progress-monitoring of a diverse range of students within a specified area.
4. Supervise the work of undergraduate, postgraduate and/or research students.
5. Co-ordinate and supervise student activities such as visits, field trips, placements and/or practice learning etc.
6. Lead on the design of courses, and their quality assurance and enhancement in the context of university and external body requirements, including PSRBs where appropriate.
7. Conduct, support, mentor and collaborate with colleagues in the school in teaching, research and knowledge exchange activities within an area of specific expertise, identifying and applying for funding, developing objectives and contributing to all aspects of the research process and dissemination of outcomes.
8. Participate in and develop external networks to obtain consultancy and other income- generating activities and build productive relationships to promote the University and its sustainable development.
9. To work effectively as a team member, contributing to the development of the University through committees, working groups, initiatives and projects.
10. Coordinate academic events and contribute to pre-entry and admissions activities, including Open Days and marketing campaigns.
11. To contribute to school recruitment plans to support student recruitment and marketing.
12. Maintain knowledge and understanding at the forefront of the academic discipline and engage with ongoing continuing professional development (internal and/external) as relevant to the role holder's teaching and learning responsibilities.
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13. Participate in teaching, research and/or staff development activities with international partner institutions, as required.
14. Lead collaborations with colleagues and external stakeholders on course development, curriculum activities, and on the development of research activity.
15. To work at all times within University strategies, policies and procedures.
16. To develop and demonstrate leadership according to the University's corporate Leadership Framework and other relevant sector frameworks such as the Advance HE Framework for Leadership in Higher Education.
17. To undertake any other duties as might be reasonably requested by the University.
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Person Specification - Senior Lecturer
Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria Evidence (Indicate where evidence will be assessed from)
Qualifications • Doctorate in Life Science or equivalent
professional experience and/or standing. • Postgraduate Certificate in Higher
Education or equivalent, such as Advance Higher Education fellowship
• Other relevant professional qualification
• Application Form • Interview
Knowledge • Comprehensive knowledge of Forensic Sciences
including current debates and developments in theory and practice.
• Knowledge in teaching, learning and assessment practice for diverse cohorts of learners.
• Relevant knowledge of contemporary and global issues affecting the current practice in Forensic Sciences
• Firm understanding of curriculum development and quality assurance processes in higher education.
• Knowledge of research-informed teaching. • Knowledge of research agendas and Research
Excellence Framework (REF) in areas of expertise.
• Good knowledge or experience of embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within
• Relevant research and publication record in Forensic Sciences
• Broad understanding of the Higher Education sector regulatory and policy landscape.
• Relevant knowledge of the apprenticeship's agenda.
y
• Application Form • Interview
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curriculum development, learning design, and teaching methodologies to ensure inclusive student outcomes
Experience • Experience of student-centred teaching within
the area of Forensic Sciences to at least postgraduate level.
• Experience of project supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Forensic Sciences
• Curriculum development experience. • Experience of personal academic tutoring. • Collaborative development and successful
delivery of projects and/or funding bids. • Demonstrable experience of research-informed
teaching.
• Teaching in international locations and working with international partner organisations.
• Post Graduate Research supervision. • Significant record of research and/or
income generation in the subject area.
• Experience of knowledge transfer projects.
• Experience in designing and developing on-line learning.
• Recent and relevant industry/sector experience.
• Application Form • Interview
Skills / abilities / competencies
• Student-centred teaching skills and ability in Forensic Sciences
• Research skills and ability. • Good interpersonal skills. • Highly organised so as able to meet deadlines. • Ability to work independently within institutional
guidelines. • Evidence of ability and commitment to high
standards of teaching and learning. • Ability to role model and apply the University of
Bedfordshire Leadership Framework Qualities in everyday decisions, planning and behaviours.
• Ability to effectively network within the academic, professional, and business communities.
• Fostering a team working culture. • Ability to mentor new staff. • Managing projects. • Ability to solve complex problems.
• Application Form • Interview
Personal Attributes
• An active approach to planning and undertaking personal and professional development.
• Flexibility of working style and pattern.
• Willingness to broaden areas of expertise and knowledge.
• Application Form • Interview
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• Champion fairness and inclusion through appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures
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Equality Statement The University of Bedfordshire is fully committed to the principles of equality in all its actions. Members of the University's
community are expected to respect and value individuality, differences and diversity; and work with others in an inclusive and
consultative manner. A commitment to equality of opportunity for all individuals irrespective of their age, belief, disability,
gender, race, religion or sexual orientation is at the core of what we do and members of the community must actively promote
a positive non-discriminatory work and learning environment for fellow staff and students. Employees should demonstrate an
understanding of the University's commitments to equality and diversity as an integral part of the university's core values and
be able to identify and challenge discrimination, harassment, prejudice and inappropriate behaviour.
Health & Safety Statement All employees are required to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the University's
Health and Safety (H & S) at Work Policy. They should take reasonable care for their own H & S and that of others who may
be affected by what they do or do not do. Staff should correctly use work items provided by the University, including personal
protective equipment in accordance with training or instructions.
Environmental Statement
Employees must make proper use of any equipment and systems of work provided and take all reasonable steps to ensure
that control measures are properly used. Employees must work with their Line Managers to ensure that an inventory is
retained of all hazardous substances in the office that could be released into the environment. Employees are expected to
identify operations that use significant amounts of energy, with a view to reducing consumption. This includes identifying
operations that use resources, such as paper, and review the need for the current level of consumption, identifying savings
where possible. Employees are expected to identify waste streams with a view to recycling and reuse, minimising office
energy use in heating and lighting.
Briefing Note: the content of this Job Description does not preclude other work required by the faculty department. Details of accountabilities will be discussed at annual reviews.
Date Job Description issued to, discussed with and understood by Post Holder
Name of Post Holder: Signature: (I confirm I have been briefed on the requirements of this Job Description and other related documents)
Name of immediate Line manager: Signature: (I confirm I have briefed the Post Holder on the requirements of this Job Description and other related documents)
Nominated Deputies (if applicable) As a KEY POST at least one nominated deputy must be identified. The Job Holder must confirm that the Nominated Deputy(ies) receives a copy of, and is briefed on this Job Description.
Name of Nominated Deputy: Signature: Date:
(As the Nominated Deputy for this post, I confirm I have been briefed on the requirements of this Job) If there are more nominated deputies, they should sign further copies of this Job Description.
Amended by: Dated: Version:
- page 1 of 5 - final - 22 May 12
JOB DESCRIPTION Lecturer in Forensic Science
School of Life Sciences
Details
Job Title: Lecturer in Forens ic Science
School: Life Sciences
Job Reports To: Head of School or designated line manager
Location: Luton (with travel to other campuses as required)
Post Number: BEDS2932
Pay Point: Grade 7 £ 39,906 to £ 47,389
Context
To contribute to the design, delivery, quality assurance, administrative activity and on-going development of a range of taught programmes within the School's portfolio, and to support the success of the School's over- arching business plan.
To ensure that students have a high quality experience which can be evidenced through achievement and surveys.
Key Elements (please tick as appropriate)
1. This post has MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY YES NO X 2. This job requires SAFEGUARDING YES NO X 3. This is a KEY POST (i.e. must have nominated deputy) YES NO X
Principal Accountabilities
Lecturers are expected to engage actively with the teaching, research, enterprise and employer engagement
work of the School. They will carry out a range of duties from those listed below. The specific duties will be
specified by the Head of School/other line manager and appropriate support and guidance mechanisms will be
identified.
Principal responsibilities:
1. Agree and manage own teaching, research, knowledge exchange and academic management /
administration responsibilities, with guidance if required.
2. Teach in ways that respond to learner needs and engage learners in the progressive development of
knowledge, skills and wider graduate competencies in the context of university strategies and policies.
3. Collaborate and share responsibility and decision-making with colleagues in teaching teams.
4. Take responsibility for a unit or units with the assistance of a mentor where required. In some
circumstances, a lecturer may also take on duties as a course leader whilst it is not the primary focus
of a lecturer.
5. Take individual responsibility for setting learning objectives, developing teaching resources and
materials which support effective learning in line with university guidelines and course requirements.
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6. Produce assessment and other related materials on time and to agreed specifications.
7. Assess the work and progress of students against approved criteria and provide constructive and
developmental feedback.
8. Identify the learning needs of students and respond appropriately through one to one support or
directing students to further support and guidance.
9. Act as a personal tutor to a range of students.
10. Supervise the work of undergraduate, postgraduate and/or research students.
11. Use appropriate technologies to deal with routine and complex information and share information and
ideas in accomplishing tasks in teaching, research, and internal and external networking.
12. Develop and implement individual objectives agreed with line manager, in the areas of research, the
development and delivery of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and other areas of external
engagement appropriate to individual knowledge, expertise and experience.
13. Supervise the independent work of students at undergraduate and postgraduate level where relevant.
14. Share information and ideas including the outputs of agreed activity in the areas of research, teaching
and external engagement, within internal and external networks relevant to each area.
15. Prepare proposals and applications (e.g. for research funding) to external bodies with the guidance and
assistance of experienced colleagues.
16. Continually update knowledge and understanding at the forefront of their discipline and, if appropriate,
the relevant area of professional practice, to inform teaching and wider activities.
17. Collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders on course development, curriculum activities,
and on the development of research activity.
18. Inter-campus, national and overseas travel and working may be required.
19. A commitment to demonstrating the Leadership Qualities within our L eadership Framework
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Person Specification - Lecturer
Essential Criteria
Desirable Criteria
Evidence (Indicate were evidence will be
assessed from )
Qualifications
• Master's degree and/or professional qualification. • Doctorate in relevant subject, or equivalent professional
experience/and/or standing.
• An appropriate professional qualification
• Teaching Qualification • HEA Fellowship
• Application Form
Knowledge
• Advanced knowledge of the cognate areas relating to the subject and application to practice.
• Knowledge of current debates and developments in relation to the subject and its relationship with practice.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the wider subject discipline.
• Knowledge of curriculum. development and quality assurance processes.
• Application Form • Interview
Experience
• Experience of teaching in the effective presentation of new concepts and ideas to groups of various sizes in an education setting.
• Experience in presenting to large and small groups. • Engagement in research, consultancy or high level
practice.
• Experience of teaching in a HEI. • Experience in designing and
developing on-line learning. • Module and/or course development
in this area. • Research and publication. • Grant and other income generation.
• Application Form • Interview
Skills/abilities/ competencies
• Student-centred teaching skills and ability. • Research skills and ability. • Good communication and presentation skills. • Highly organised and flexible approach to work so as able
to work under pressure to meet deadlines. • Ability to work independently within institutional guidelines. • Ability to work as part of a team. • Evidence of ability and commitment to high standards of
teaching and learning. • Excellent reasoning, analytical and problem solving skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills. • Demonstrates behaviours aligned with our Leadership
Qualities as expressed in our L eadership Framework
• Ability to approach learning and teaching in a creative and innovative way.
• Application Form • Interview
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Personal Attributes
• Enthusiasm, commitment and integrity. • Flexibility of working style and pattern. • Willingness and able to travel between campuses. • Respect for all people and cultures.
• Willingness to broaden areas of expertise.
• Application Form • Interview
Equality Statement The University of Bedfordshire is fully committed to the principles of equality in all its actions. Members of the University's
community are expected to respect and value individuality, differences and diversity; and work with others in an inclusive
and consultative manner. A commitment to equality of opportunity for all individuals irrespective of their age, belief,
disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation is at the core of what we do and members of the community must
actively promote a positive non-discriminatory work and learning environment for fellow staff and students. Employees
should demonstrate an understanding of the University's commitments to equality and diversity as an integral part of the
university's core values and be able to identify and challenge discrimination, harassment, prejudice and inappropriate
behaviour.
Health & Safety Statement All employees are required to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the University's
Health and Safety (H & S) at Work Policy. They should take reasonable care for their own H & S and that of others who
may be affected by what they do or do not do. Staff should correctly use work items provided by the University, including
personal protective equipment in accordance with training or instructions.
Environmental Statement
Employees must make proper use of any equipment and systems of work provided and take all reasonable steps to ensure
that control measures are properly used. Employees must work with their Line Managers to ensure that an inventory is
retained of all hazardous substances in the office that could be released into the environment. Employees are expected to
identify operations that use significant amounts of energy, with a view to reducing consumption. This includes identifying
operations that use resources, such as paper, and review the need for the current level of consumption, identifying savings
where possible. Employees are expected to identify waste streams with a view to recycling and reuse, minimising office
energy use in heating and lighting.
Briefing Note: the content of this Job Description does not preclude other work required by the faculty department. Details of accountabilities will be discussed at annual reviews.
Date Job Description issued to, discussed with and understood by Post Holder
Name of Post Holder: Signature: (I confirm I have been briefed on the requirements of this Job Description and other related documents)
Name of immediate Line manager: Signature: (I confirm I have briefed the Post Holder on the requirements of this Job Description and other related documents)
Nominated Deputies (if applicable) As a KEY POST at least one nominated deputy must be identified. The Job Holder must confirm that the Nominated Deputy(ies) receives a copy of, and is briefed on this Job Description.
Name of Nominated Deputy: Signature: Date:
(As the Nominated Deputy for this post, I confirm I have been briefed on the requirements of this Job) If there are more nominated deputies, they should sign further copies of this Job Description.
Amended by: Dated: Version:
final - 22 May 12
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