At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative training sessions for PhD students in environmental sciences.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's CENTA, a leader in doctoral research training.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future researchers while collaborating with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in Environmental Sciences; strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until May 2028 with potential for progression.
The predicted salary is between 36130 - 45413 £ per year.
Salary: Full-time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413, with potential progression once in post to £48,149.
Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2028
Background
The Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) is a consortium of six research-intensive universities and three research centres, led by the University of Birmingham, working together to deliver excellence in doctoral research training in earth and environmental sciences. Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), our current partnerships include the CENTA2 Doctoral Training Partnership and the upcoming CENTA3 Doctoral Landscape Award starting autumn 2025. Our studentship offers innovative, high-quality, and comprehensive training designed to equip Doctoral Researchers (DRs) with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to address complex environmental challenges across disciplinary boundaries.
Role Summary
The CENTA Training Fellow will oversee the planning, management, coordination, and delivery of CENTA’s training programme. The role includes project management tasks such as EDI monitoring and ensuring compliance with UKRI funder regulations. Managed by the Deputy Director of Operations (Research and Knowledge Transfer), the role involves collaboration with the CENTA Director, Manager, and Executive Board, providing strategic oversight. Key responsibilities include developing, advertising, delivering, and evaluating training sessions for CENTA’s PhD students, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and monitoring KPI data. The role may require occasional travel, including overnight stays.
Main Duties
- Plan, prepare, and deliver training sessions for CENTA students, designing a comprehensive curriculum covering environmental science, research skills, and transferable skills aligned with the CENTA3 training strategy. This includes:
- Developing content, pedagogy, and format plans for training events, including residential sessions
- Coordinating content development and delivery with trainers from the CENTA network and external experts
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- PhD qualification (or near completion) in Environmental Sciences or a related field, or significant relevant experience demonstrated through progressively responsible roles
- Good understanding of the UK Higher Education PhD system
- Interest in cross-sector skills development
- Proven project management experience
- Strong literacy and numeracy skills, with the ability to produce, analyze, and communicate information effectively
Informal enquiries can be directed to Victoria Sharp at v.sharp@bham.ac.uk.
Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all community sections. We are open to flexible working arrangements.
Salary: £36,130 to £45,413. Grade 7.
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CENTA Teaching and Training Fellow employer: Economicsnetwork
Contact Detail:
Economicsnetwork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CENTA Teaching and Training Fellow
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the CENTA training programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific needs of the PhD students and how your skills can enhance their training will help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or past CENTA fellows and staff. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and expectations, as well as valuable connections that may support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated training or educational programmes, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) principles. Highlight any relevant experience or initiatives you've been involved in, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace CENTA Teaching and Training Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management and training, particularly in environmental sciences. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements related to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to the CENTA Teaching and Training Fellow position. Discuss your understanding of the UK Higher Education PhD system and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your project management experience and any previous roles that involved curriculum development or training delivery. Mention your ability to analyse and communicate information effectively, as these are key skills for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of the CENTA Teaching and Training Fellow. Be prepared to discuss how your background in environmental sciences aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the training programme.
✨Showcase Project Management Skills
Since project management is a crucial part of this role, come prepared with examples of past projects you've managed. Highlight your ability to coordinate with various stakeholders and ensure compliance with regulations, as these are essential for the position.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Education
Express your enthusiasm for teaching and training PhD students. Share any relevant experiences you have in developing training content or delivering educational sessions, as this will show your commitment to fostering student development.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the CENTA training strategy or how success is measured in the role. It shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.