Principal Lecturer in Psychology and Head of Department

Department of Performance, Health & Wellbeing

Applications are invited for the permanent role of Principal Lecturer in Psychology with additional responsibility as Head of the Department of Performance, Health and Wellbeing in the School of Psychology. The Head of Department position is advertised on a three-year fixed term basis in the first instance (with a possibility to extend) and includes leadership and management responsibilities that are carried out in addition to the applicant’s substantive permanent role. The specific responsibilities and working arrangements are detailed in the job description; 0.5 FTE remission is given to allow appropriate time to carry out the Head of Department duties alongside the substantive role.

We seek to appoint an organised and forward-thinking individual who can provide strong leadership to Departmental staff and courses whilst working as an active member of the School of Psychology Senior Management Team. The Head of Department will deliver enhancements in BSc Psychology student experience and outcomes, development of new postgraduate Psychology courses and increased research funding and evidence of impact. The successful candidate should have outstanding communication skills, a rigorous and informed approach to HE management, and a collegial and flexible approach.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic psychologist to join our team of enthusiastic, dynamic and friendly staff within the School of Psychology. Psychology at the University of Worcester has a long-standing history, with a thriving BPS accredited suite of BSc Psychology courses running since 1994. The School has an already impressive portfolio of undergraduate courses including Single Honours Psychology as well as named awards in Business, Clinical, Counselling, Forensic, and Sport and Exercise Psychology. Our postgraduate courses include Business and Occupational Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner and Understanding Domestic and Sexual Violence. We currently partner with the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) to deliver our MSc Business Psychology course. 

Further information about our research areas and staff profiles show our depth and breadth of experience in psychology. Our school holds strong values of professionalism, respect and inclusivity. We are looking to appoint a colleague who is enthusiastic about developing active and inclusive contemporary psychology education, while also sharing in our vision and values. 

The successful candidate will ideally have experience and expertise in an area of psychology aligned to our current research strengths and will be confident and competent in teaching across one or more of the core British Psychological Society areas (cognitive, biopsychology, social, developmental, individual differences, research methods). Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear engagement with research and knowledge exchange activity commensurate with the stage of your career.  

What's in it for you?

• Annual incremental increase up to £64,914, with the opportunity to progress to £68,857
• 47 days of leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days)
• It may be possible to consider an appointment at professorial level for a candidate who meets the relevant criteria. 
• Attractive Teachers Pension Scheme
• Access to a range of benefits such as our Staff Retail Benefits Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Tusker Car Leasing
• Wellbeing advice and support through our Employee Assistance Programme
• In-house training and development support
• A friendly, inclusive and supportive culture and work environment

Informal queries in relation to this vacancy are welcome and should be directed to Dr Helen Scott, Head of the School of Psychology by emailing h.scott@worc.ac.uk 

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