Appointment details

Senior Lecturer in Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineering

Closing date 12 September 2013 Ref: R130277

Contents
About Aston University Welcome from Professor Robert Berry, the Executive Dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science Job description Person specification Salary and benefits How to apply and the selection process Outline terms and conditions

About Aston University

At a time of significant change within the Higher Education sector, with more emphasis being placed on widening participation, graduate employment, the student experience and the impact of research on society, Aston looks forward to the future with confidence. Astons vision is to be the UKs leading University for business, enterprise and the professions, where original research has a positive impact on the world around us. Astons strategy Forward to 2020 describes Aston as a top research-led international University renowned for developing future leaders of business and the professions. We already punch above our weight and have high, yet realistic, aspirations for 2020 that include: Ranked within the top 1% of universities in the world, and consistently in the Top 20 in the UK In the Top 5 for Graduate Employability in the UK and Top 40 worldwide Focussed on the needs of business and the professions, with all Aston undergraduate students taking part in integrated work experience Carrying out world class research that leads to the creation of practical and applicable solutions for the challenges of the future, and Students are at the heart of everything we do within Astons small and friendly community in the way we think and in the way we act. The student experience is distinctive and unique at Aston because it is built and lived by students and staff as equal partners in the relationship. Our students are engaged in all aspects of their academic and social lives at Aston; our staff are genuinely interested in their students, their success and their welfare, and are universally approachable and friendly. contributes to the development of research leaders and entrepreneurs Providing an inspiring, challenge-based education for students, equipping them to develop into global citizens, with the skills, knowledge and confidence they will need to achieve their goals and reach their full life potential Engaging with our community and city, recruiting students with talent regardless of income and background, and partnering with business, the professions and the public sector Putting sustainability at the centre of all we do, ensuring that Aston is one of the greenest and most sustainable of all UK universities, in the Top 5 of the People and Planet League.

Welcome from Professor Robert Berry

Dear applicant
I am delighted that you are considering applying for this position at what is a particularly exciting time for Aston University, and in particular for the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The Schools tradition of quality and innovative teaching, and its reputation for cutting edge research that is relevant to industry, business and society, offers our staff and students excellent opportunities to join in the process of discovery and creativity, and prepare for an increasingly diverse and technological world. Our scientists and engineers work together with a variety of other professionals in their quest to find solutions to complex problems. Our research income has grown dramatically over the past five years with awards growth trebling and now at a level of over 9M / year and still growing. A particularly important development is the establishment of new substantive Research institutes in photonics (Aston Institute for Photonics Technology) and in bioenergy (European Bioenergy Research Institute). Teaching innovation and quality are a vitally important focus. In the School of Engineering and Applied Science we are inspired by the challenges of providing a vibrant, fulfilling and effective student experience, and this is reflected in our attention to teaching innovation; we are particularly proud of our innovation in introducing active engineering across our curriculum. We encourage our students to learn by doing e.g., in multidisciplinary project groups. It is a very exciting time to be a part of Aston and I look forward to receiving your application and learning more about how you would contribute the schools continuing success.

Professor Robert Berry Executive Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Job description
To contribute to, develop and enhance the teaching and power electronics research activities within the Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineering group. Responsibilities Research The group has active research in power electronics for power systems. The group works closely with industry and has research projects with companies such as Western Power Distribution, Tata and Alstom Grid in a range of projects from LV battery storage power electronics to HVDC. However experience in other related power electronics applications will be considered. The successful applicant would be expected to: To pursue an internationally recognised research programme consistent with the research priorities of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. To publish the outcomes of research in outlets of international standing. To actively seek and secure external research funding to assist with research. To supervise and manage research projects. To supervise postgraduate students at Masters and doctoral levels. To collaborate in research initiatives with colleagues in and beyond the School of Engineering and Applied Science as appropriate. To develop R&D collaborations with industry partners to secure additional, direct research funding.

Teaching The group currently lectures foundation degree students from industry (up to 2 year undergraduate level) in Power Engineering, which requires the applicant to have a sound knowledge of electrical engineering principles. The modules are based around the needs of the power industry and include modules based around distribution, transmission and power system management. Additional developments are underway to offer a new MEng pathway. The successful applicant would be expected: To introduce and lead innovative courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level within Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineering modules. To be pro-active in the continuous review and development of the curriculum and programmes, and their associated pedagogy. To be responsible for the design and content of specific areas of teaching and learning within the Schools undergraduate and postgraduate Programmes. To teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, and to carry out the associated examining processes. To provide academic support and advice to undergraduate and postgraduate students. To promote the use of a range of methods and techniques in teaching, learning and assessment. To engage in the regular evaluation and development of modules for which the Senior Lecturer has responsibility, in terms of content, delivery and assessment.
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Community Engagement To be involved in activities to raise the regional profile of the Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineering group To forge relationships with key local and international bodies To support, and (where applicable) to contribute to Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineerings continuing professional development programme and activities. Other related activity and functions To carry out specific School roles and functions as may be reasonably required (e.g. Programme Co-ordinator, Personal Tutor, Admissions Tutor), these being equitably distributed across the academic staff. To take part in and, on occasion, act as chair of one or more of the School committees, these responsibilities being equitably distributed across the academic staff. To engage in training programmes in the University (e.g. through Staff Development) which are consistent with the needs and aspirations of the lecturer and the School. To take part in and manage, if required, staff seminars or more cross-departmental activities, functions and events such as Open Days, undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment. (These responsibilities to be equitably distributed across the staff.) To engage in continuous training and development in the University, including Staff Development, and events consistent with meeting the individuals, Subject Groups and Schools needs and aspirations. To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post. To diligently support quality assurance measures within the University (e.g. by reviewing delivered modules annually, setting and receiving student feedback questionnaires).

Candidates from industry: The group strongly encourages applications from candidates with a purely industrial background, provided that they can demonstrate compliance with the criteria specified in the Industrial equivalent columns of the following Person Specifications.

Person specification
MOA = Method of assessment Application Form (AF) Interview (I) Presentation (P) ESSENTIAL Academic Education Qualifications Experience & Industrial equivalent AF MOA

A PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field

Significant experience in initiating and conducting industrial research/design/development in power electronics Experience in power electronics research, design and development and/or power distribution research and design Significant experience of initiating and conducting research to doctoral level in power electronics Experience of publishing in international journals Experience in the supervision of students and PhDs Teaching experience in electrical or power engineering Strong industrial partnerships Experience of publishing at conferences and/or awards of patents Supervision of junior engineers, graduate recruits Guest lectures, providing company training, presentation at conferences Significant industrial experience in electrical power engineering and strong industrial partnerships To have led significant design/development programmes and teams that have had tangible engineering outcomes

AF,I

AF,I

AF,I

AF,I

Aptitudes and Skills

Proven ability to develop and maintain a research programme and to publish in international journals

AF,I

Training Development

and

Other

Proven ability to secure Proven ability to secure R/D research funds from external funds from either sources internal/external sources Ability to lecture to Ability to present to undergraduate and management and/or postgraduate students in customers relevant subjects Ability to take part in course Ability to prepare customer and programme development user manuals and/or deliver and the design of teaching training courses laboratories Ability to provide tutorial and Ability to mentor and manage counselling advice to junior and senior members of undergraduate, postgraduate staff students and research staff A willingness to undertake further training as appropriate and to adopt new procedures as and when required Willingness to complete a formal teaching qualification where no existing qualification is held Commitment to observing the Universitys Equal Opportunity and safety policies at all times Ability to attend the University as and when required for scheduled teaching, relevant meetings and student support.

AF,I

AF,I

I I I I

DESIRABLE Academic Education Qualifications & Experience Industrial equivalent

MOA

A PhD degree in electrical engineering with a specific focus on power electronics/ power systems Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, or equivalent qualification Membership of relevant professional body Experience of power system protection Experience in the supervision of students and PhDs Teaching experience in electrical or power engineering Ability to harness IT as a research and teaching tool Ability to demonstrate leadership in research Ability to demonstrate management skills projects, staff and strategy

AF

AF AF,I

Aptitudes/Skills

AF,I AF,I

Salary & benefits

Continuing appointments are offered. The appointment is Grade 10 and the salary range for this grade is 45,941 53,233 per annum (exceptionally to 69,412).

Holiday entitlement Pension

30 days per annum, in addition to 13 days public and university holidays. Eligible staff are offered a defined benefit pension with the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). In addition to the basic salary, the University operates a PRP scheme. Awards are determined on an annual basis. Newly-appointed staff are required to establish their homes within reasonable daily travelling distance to and from the University. The University operates a relocation scheme to assist newly-appointed staff in meeting this requirement.

Performance related pay

Relocation

Visit our website: aston.ac.uk/hr for full details of our salary scales and the benefits Aston University staff enjoy.

How to apply and the selection process

Please visit our website http://www.aston.ac.uk/jobs for further information and to apply online. If you do not have access to the internet telephone 0121-204-4500 and leave your name and address quoting reference number: R130277

Closing date for applications Interview date

12 September 2013 To be Arranged

If you would like information on the progress of your application, advice on any aspect of the appointment process, or a conversation about our terms and conditions of service, please contact: Sarah Carey HR Advisor +44 (0) 121 204 4581 [email protected] Merissa James HR Administrator +44 (0) 121 204 4591 [email protected]

To discuss the posts informally, please contact Dr Andrew Cross ([email protected]).

Outline terms and conditions of the appointment

Qualifications Successful candidates will be required to produce evidence of their qualifications upon joining the University

Medical examination

It is a condition of appointment that newly-appointed staff receive medical clearance from the Universitys Health Centre.

Eligibility to work in the UK

Candidates who are not citizens of the United Kingdom, or of another EEA member country, should ensure that they meet the requirements of one of the 5 tiers of the immigration points based system. Candidates should check their eligibility to enter or remain in the UK in advance of making any job application using the points-based calculator on the UK Border & Immigration Agency (UKBA) website. If you do not meet the minimum points requirement, you will not be able to work in the UK and any application for employment would be unsuccessful.

Document checks

As a result of the implementation of sections 15 to 26 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality 2006 Act on 29 February 2008, the University requires all prospective and, in some cases, current employees, to provide documentation to verify their eligibility to work in the UK. Further information about these requirements can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

Equal opportunities

Aston University promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We aim to ensure, through our admissions policies for students, and our staff recruitment and selection processes, that we encourage applications from all groups represented in the wider community at a local, national and international level. The University will endeavour not to discriminate unfairly or illegally, directly or indirectly, against students or potential students, staff or potential staff. This commitment applies to all functions of the University and to any stage of an individuals career at Aston. An Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form is included with the application form.

Data Protection Act 1998

Your application will only be used to inform the selection process, unless you are successful, in which case it will form the basis of your personal record with the University which will be stored in manual and/or electronic files. Information in statistical form on present and former employees is given to appropriate outside bodies. Data you provide on the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be included in a general database, for statistical monitoring purposes, enabling the University to monitor the effectiveness of its Policy, Code of Practice and Guidelines on Equal Opportunities in Employment. Individuals will not be identified by name.

Research start up fund for new academics

Individuals who have not previously held an academic appointment are eligible for a research start-up fund of 10,000 if laboratory based and 5,000 otherwise (pro rata for part time), in accordance with the rules of the Universitys scheme. This fund must be spent on research activities and must be used within 18 months of starting the academic appointment at Aston University. All other academics joining the School will receive a start-up fund of 5,000 per year for 2 years.

Teaching Qualifications

It is the normal expectation that all teaching staff who are not able to satisfy the requirements of an advanced teaching qualification (such as the Universitys PG Certificate in Professional Practice (PGCPP)) on appointment should be able to do so within two years of appointment. This may be extended to four years in exceptional circumstances or where staff hold part-time posts.

Consultancy:

Academic staff (Lecturers, Senior Lecturers, Readers and Professors) are permitted to use up to 50 days per annum for consultancy activities provided that the University is safeguarded against conflicts of interest (including IPR), indemnified against financial risk, fairly reimbursed for the use of any University facilities and provided that the activities undertaken do not detract from the contributions to Aston for which he or she is being employed.

The Universitys policy paper Consulting Policy at Aston, is made available to newly-appointed academic staff during their induction.

Full details of our terms and conditions of service and associated policies and procedures are available online at www.aston.ac.uk/hr.