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- Tasks: Lead the MSc curriculum in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement, delivering lectures and mentoring students.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a global leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, access to cutting-edge technology, and diverse training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape future scientists while working in a vibrant, inclusive research community with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in Plant Science and teaching experience at higher education level required.
- Other info: Part-time options available; commitment to diversity and inclusivity is essential.
The predicted salary is between 44500 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Title: JIC MSc Course Director
Post Number: 1004843
Closing Date: 10 Mar 2025
Grade: SC5
Starting Salary: £44,500-£55,000 (Salary will be pro-rata, based on a full time 37 hour week)
Hours per week: 29.5
Project Title: John Innes Centre Course Director for the MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement.
Expected/Ideal Start Date: 04 Aug 2025
Months Duration: Indefinite
Interview Date: 27 Mar 2025
Flexible Options: Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed.
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The post holder will be responsible for the overall design and delivery of the MSc degree curriculum in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement. They will deliver lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, and other key training to MSc students and act as academic advisor to all MSc students, providing mentoring in relation to their future career progression plans. The post holder will work with University of East Anglia (UEA) Learning and Teaching Services (LTS) and the Admissions Recruitment and Marketing (ARM) teams to ensure maintenance of academic standards and an effective student recruitment strategy.
Key Relationships
Liaise with JIC colleagues to identify key training requirements of the degree programme and coordinate delivery of teaching. Work effectively alongside the MSc course administrator. Maintain effective working relations with the Learning and Teaching Services, and Admissions Recruitment and Marketing teams at UEA. Nurture interactions with the UK plant breeding industry for bespoke teaching and coordinating site visits. Chair the annual MSc course Advisory Board comprised of key stakeholders. Maintain and develop links with UK agricultural charities to secure academic scholarships for UK and international students.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Lead the continued revision, development, and delivery of the MSc curriculum. Deliver lectures covering key theoretical concepts and relevant practical training. Act as primary academic advisor to all MSc students, providing career development mentoring and pastoral care. Work with colleagues at JIC and partner institutes across the Norwich Research Park and relevant industrial partners to coordinate development and delivery of the taught and research elements of the course. Collaborate with academic partners at UEA to ensure compliance with academic regulations, maintenance of academic standards, and conformity with UK Higher Education quality assurance requirements. Line-manage the JIC course administrator. Enhance recruitment to the course through effective advertising strategies and securing scholarship funding for students. Perform any other duties commensurate with the role as agreed with the line manager.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance: B.Sc in a Biological Science (Essential), Ph.D in Plant Science (Essential)
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance: A research or teaching background in plant genetics/plant breeding and/or plant biotechnology (Essential)
Requirement Importance: Experience in teaching plant science at HE Level 6 (Essential), Experience in degree curriculum design and delivery (Essential), Experience in teaching at Masters level (HE Level 7) (Desirable), Experience of student mentoring, pastoral care, and advising on career development (Desirable)
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential), Good organisational skills (Essential), Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team (Essential)
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance: Attention to detail (Essential), Promotes equality and values diversity (Essential), Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the institute (Essential), Ability to present a positive image of self and promote the international reputation and public engagement aims of JIC (Essential), Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required (Essential), Ability to travel for off campus site visits (Desirable).
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and make our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme and a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Crop Genetics
The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas, and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation.
MSc Course Director
Salary: £44,500 – £55,000 pro rata depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Part-time, indefinite
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 10 March 2025
Reference: 1004843
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the role of Course Director for our highly regarded MSc degree programme in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement at John Innes Centre.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.
Our diverse research community includes undergraduate, MSc, and PhD student cohorts. Our research expertise, together with our well-established links with the plant breeding industry, means we are uniquely positioned to provide Masters level training in plant genetics and crop improvement. The MSc degree is conferred by our academic partner, the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.
The role:
The role of MSc Course Director will provide you with a broad range of responsibilities, including:
- Overall design and delivery of the MSc degree curriculum.
- Delivering lectures and other key practical training along with JIC scientists and our industry partners.
- Act as academic advisor to MSc students and as a mentor in relation to their future career progression.
- To work with the University of East Anglia (UEA) to ensure maintenance of academic standards and effective student recruitment strategies.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in Masters level course design and teaching in the area of plant genetics, bioinformatics, plant biotechnology, and other topics related to crop improvement in a world-renowned research and teaching environment.
The ideal candidate:
You will have a first degree in a biological science and a PhD in some aspect of plant science. You will also have a track record in Higher Education teaching at Level 6 (and ideally Masters Level 7) in curriculum design and delivery in some aspect of plant science.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal & communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain sound working relationships across all levels of the institute, and with our external industry and academic partners. Experience in student mentoring is not essential but would be advantageous.
Additional information:
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment, and good practices towards advancing gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family-friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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JIC MSc Course Director employer: The John Innes Centre
Contact Detail:
The John Innes Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land JIC MSc Course Director
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in curriculum design and delivery during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully developed and implemented educational programs in plant genetics or related fields.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the current trends and challenges in plant genetics and crop improvement. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interview panel and demonstrate your passion for the subject.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of plant science, especially those connected to the John Innes Centre or the University of East Anglia. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your mentoring approach and how you would support MSc students in their career development. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to guide and inspire students.
We think you need these skills to ace JIC MSc Course Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your educational background, particularly your B.Sc and Ph.D in Biological Science and Plant Science. Emphasize any relevant teaching experience and curriculum design skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for plant genetics and crop improvement. Discuss your teaching philosophy and how you plan to mentor MSc students, as well as your experience in collaborating with academic and industry partners.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Detail your experience in teaching at HE Level 6 and any involvement in curriculum design. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to student mentoring and career development in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex concepts effectively, both in writing and verbally.
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous teaching experiences, especially at the Higher Education Level 6 and Masters Level 7. Highlight specific examples of curriculum design and delivery that demonstrate your ability to engage students effectively.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role requires collaboration with various teams and stakeholders, emphasize your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or mentored students, showcasing your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Align with JIC Values
Familiarize yourself with the values and mission of the John Innes Centre. During the interview, express your commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and promoting equality, as these are essential aspects of their culture.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Discussion
Expect questions about your vision for the MSc curriculum in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for course content, practical training, and how you would enhance student recruitment strategies.
