Salary range £32,817 - £49,553 depending on experience
Part-time or Full-time
As a family-friendly organization, we encourage applicants seeking a part-time opportunity. 

About our Team
The School of Energy Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) is seeking applications for a Teaching & Research post of Assistant Professor in Blue Economy and Marine Governance.  The successful applicant will join the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES) within EGIS and will be based at the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), located at Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus.   ICIT is a multidisciplinary research and postgraduate teaching center based in Orkney.  ICIT’s research focuses on the sustainable management of coastal and island resources.  Orkney is recognized as a world leading location for research, innovation and demonstration in the fields of marine energy, marine planning and resource management.  

 Job description:
This vacancy is an exciting opportunity for an early/mid-career academic in the broad field of marine governance. The role is particularly appropriate for applicants with an interest in socio-economic aspects of marine and coastal governance. This is a unique opportunity to work in a small multidisciplinary team, located with a flourishing island community which finds itself at the cutting edge of marine research and resource management, especially in renewable energy.  You will also join a large group of academics working in marine science and coastal geography across Heriot-Watt’s campuses (Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia and Orkney). Heriot-Watt is a research focused University with a truly global footprint. The post will be based at the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) on Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney Campus – a specialist postgraduate teaching and research centre which focuses on the management of coastal and island resources.  The successful applicant will work regularly with colleagues in Edinburgh and Malaysia. It is essential that the candidate is comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary team, across campuses and working in an online environment.  For more information about Orkney please see the “About Orkney” section below and https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/orkney.html

Research
The appointed candidate is expected to apply for funding and develop a research portfolio and related activity, including the supervision of PhD students and the publication of scientific papers. The successful candidate should have a strong track record of research in marine resources and their management.  We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following: marine and coastal governance and planning; the allocation of marine resources; the blue economy.  We also welcome applications from candidates with research interests in environment/economy interactions generally, and in the implications of ‘net zero carbon’ for coastal communities. Candidates with a wider background in marine sciences are also welcome to apply. While Orkney provides an exciting ‘living laboratory’, candidates will be expected to show the international relevance of their work. 

For more information here.

Person Specification

Essential

• Research experience at PhD level in marine/coastal governance, marine resource management, wider marine science, marine environment technology interactions, economic geography, marine planning or similar. Candidates falling outside these parameters will also be considered if they have relevant experience and knowledge.
• Evidence of research potential in areas complementary to staff based at ICIT and wider Institute of Life and Earth Sciences
• Evidence of flexibility, forward thinking, and a problem-solving approach to work.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Interest to operate at the cross-disciplinary boundaries of ecology, natural resources, planning, engineering, economics.
• Demonstrably excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to link research interests to international agendas like GCRF and UN Sustainable Development Goals

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of GIS and its application in a marine context.
• Experience of teaching in a higher education environment
• Experience in, or at least an enthusiasm for, novel pedagogical approaches
• A developing track record in teaching innovation
• Relevant industrial experience
• Experience or interest in of blue growth, marine energy or net zero would be advantageous
• Experience of multi-institutional work or participation in international research networks

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Sandy Kerr, Director ICIT, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

Research and Knowledge Exchange 

• Identify and develop their own research agenda, focussing on research that is valuable and relevant to government, society and industry;
• Identify sources of funding for research, then successfully win funding through submission of effective proposals and support production of proposals elsewhere within the School as appropriate;
• Regularly publish high impact research findings in recognised industry-leading journals; share findings at conferences and within the School;
• Further disseminate research activity using an appropriate range of media for example through external reports, conference presentations, exhibitions of research activity or via short courses for knowledge transfer; 
• Recruit and supervise PhD students through to successful qualification and supervise MSc student projects.

Learning and Teaching 

• Undertake teaching duties in relation to courses appropriate to your area of expertise (e.g. through practical sessions, lectures, seminars, tutorials, field trips) on the Edinburgh campus and at overseas campuses and Approved Learning Partners, where required;
• Contribute to the continued development of postgraduate studies in consultation with the Director of Studies;
• Undertake scholarly activity related to the effective delivery of the curriculum and maintain the level of your subject expertise in line with the latest developments in the field; 
• Contribute to the design and delivery of the curriculum in consultation with colleagues and within the structures and mechanisms established by the School and University; 
• Conduct assessment and moderation across the discipline area, ensuring this is rigorous, fair and clear and undertaken within the policies established by the School and University; 
• Be responsible for providing effective, well documented and timely feedback, both formative and summative, to students; 
• Contribute to the monitoring of the quality of learning and teaching through course monitoring and to contribute to quality management and enhancement activities across the programme, School and University; 
• Design, prepare and develop a range of learning materials appropriate to the subject area in support of teaching; 
• Disseminate the development of good learning and teaching practice  
• Provide appropriate pastoral support recognising the varied cultural backgrounds of the student cohort; 
• Stay abreast of developments in education and ensure that these developments are reflected in the evolution of the learning and teaching methods employed on the programme; 
• Interact with staff within and outside the School to support the development of the discipline; 
• Develop productive working relationships with other members of staff to facilitate effective team working for benefit of the subject area.

Academic Management and Administration 

• Undertake administrative tasks associated with programme planning, preparation for examination and progression boards, course development teams etc;
• Engage with the team working and working with others to the benefit of the School and the University; 
• Contribute to the effective recruitment, admission and induction to the courses with which you are involved, ensuring compliance with the School and University targets. This will include involvement in School and University open days and interview processes; 
• Monitor student number targets; 
• Contribute to the resource planning for the academic year; 
• Participate as a member of the appropriate committees as required; 
• Devise income generating activities including assisting with raising sponsorship as well as other activities that will raise the profile of the School’s programmes; 
• Represent the School effectively in both the national and international context. 

This is a permanent post subject to three year probationary period, in accordance with University regulations.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post.  Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.  A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.