AberOnline Associate Lecturer - Psychology (MSc) in Aberystwyth

The purpose of this role is to provide assessment, academic, and administrative duties to support Aber Online, Aberystwyth University’s new fully online and asynchronous learning programme. The successful candidate will have experience of university teaching, online teaching, or employment in the field of Psychology. You will work with AU academic departments, the Aber Online team, and our partner Higher Education Partners (HEP) to oversee the delivery of online course material while maintaining a close relationship with our online learners as you guide them through their modules.

You will understand the needs of online learners and the need for them to continue their learning and professional development in an asynchronous, fully online environment. You will be an effective communicator, able to communicate with a range of international and domestic online students through phone calls, video conferencing, email, and VLE forums. You will also need to communicate effectively with other Aber Online tutors, the Aber Online department, and wider AU staff and academic departments.

The successful candidate will be able to draw on existing knowledge and experience of the subject and will need to familiarise themselves with the online learning content and delivery through Canvas – Aber Online’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be able to offer academic guidance to our online students, answer any queries related to academic content, mark summative and formative assessments, deliver weekly announcements and summaries, facilitate discussion forums, answer academic student queries, liaise with academic colleagues, and elevate issues where appropriate.

To oversee and implement an appropriate student learning experience in line with Aber Online and University quality assurance guidelines. To train in, and oversee the online learning environment and course delivery on Canvas. To provide academic guidance in relation to the course content in the most effective method and provide ample support and guidance to students. To mark summative and formative assessments, deliver weekly announcements and summaries, facilitate discussion forums, answer academic student queries, liaise with academic colleagues, and elevate issues where appropriate. Monitoring participation and progress of participants, providing support where necessary. To plan own work within the constraints of the programmes and the team. To provide feedback to students on their progress. To provide appropriate pastoral support for students, where related to academic progress. To complete risk assessment documentation (when appropriate). To undertake administrative work associated with online delivery, relating to course content, enrolment, feedback and evaluation forms, assignment marks etc. in accordance with Aber Online requirements and within stated timescales. To undertake all existing and new Quality Assurance processes associated with the online courses e.g. providing written and verbal feedback and submitting all the above for moderation within the given timescales. To be familiar with and remain up to date with online curriculum development and have experience of in-person, online/distance and/or blended learning and the audience needs. To undertake in-house training and meetings as required, to be delivered remotely. To support learning and assessment for Higher Education courses at Masters level. To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post. To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post. To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme. Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

• A postgraduate degree (MSc) in Psychology or a closely related area.
• A PhD, or be close to completion in Psychology or a closely related area.
• An excellent understanding of the use of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in Psychology.
• Recent teaching experience.
• Knowledge and experience of assessment of post-16 education and strategies that are inclusive of neurodiverse learners.
• An excellent level of written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in HE online learning packages and VLEs.
• A proven ability to work with colleagues in a team environment.
• A proven ability to communicate at different levels to different audiences.
• Commitment to own professional development.
• A proven ability to communicate to a target audience.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A0 or an ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

• Experience in teaching quantitative and/or qualitative research methods for Psychology.
• Training or leadership skills.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B1.

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements. Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy.
• Hybrid Working.
• 36.5-hour week for full-time roles.
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
• Commitment to Professional Development.
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes.
• Staff recognition and reward schemes.
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free.
• Staff relocation bursary.
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave.
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, including those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates. We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.