Appendix 2 - Generic job description

Job title

Laboratory / Workshop Demonstrator (Assistant)

Hourly rate

£10.93 (Grade 4 point 17)

Role purpose

To help further the understanding of principles being taught to undergraduates in lectures by supporting the demonstration of practical equipment, experiments and processes within a laboratory/workshop setting. The session will be led by someone else.

Representative work activities / responsibilities

• To support workshop/laboratory sessions led by others by providing back up demonstration of practical equipment and processes (including computer equipment/software packages) and experimental design/statistical analysis and answering related questions.
• To help prepare for the session by ensuring familiarity with and knowledge of the workshop/laboratory questions and answers, experiments/practical exercises being undertaken etc,
• To be aware of all relevant health and safety procedures/processes raising any concerns with the leading demonstrator as required
• To highlight any concerns regarding students’ learning/behaviour during the demonstration to the lead demonstrator/academic present
• To undertake the necessary training as required.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Job title

Laboratory / Workshop Demonstrator (Lead)

Hourly rate

£12.93 (Grade 5 point 23)

Role purpose

To support and further the understanding of principles being taught in lectures, and to develop the applied skills of students, through the demonstration and support of practical equipment, experiments and processes within a laboratory/workshop setting. This is typically to groups of undergraduate students. An academic member of staff may be present during the session.

Representative work activities / responsibilities

• To lead workshop/laboratory sessions with learning outcomes specified by others within a clear and established teaching programme/framework.
• To demonstrate the use of practical equipment and processes (including computer equipment/software packages) and experimental design/statistical analysis, answering related questions and providing explanations of how these activities relate to the wider area of study.
• To support, assist and guide students undertaking experiments/utilising equipment and collecting/analysing data in a manner which will improve and develop understanding and skills.
• To prepare for the session by ensuring familiarity with and knowledge of the workshop/laboratory questions and answers, experiments/practical exercises being undertaken etc.
• Where required (through liaison with laboratory/workshop technicians), to ensure that the equipment, exercise or process is functional and/or relevant material and equipment is prepared prior to the start of the session, carrying out appropriate checks as necessary.
• Be aware of all relevant health and safety procedures/processes raising any concerns with the module co-ordinator or appropriate academic member of staff.
• Where required, to undertake marking of student experiments and tests (typically against set criteria).
• To provide feedback to students during the session and in response to assessed work/questions.
• To monitor student progress highlighting any concerns, be they performance based or pastoral, to the module co-ordinator/lecturer.
• To record attendance at each session and report this in the agreed manner.
• Attend module meetings as appropriate.
• To undertake the necessary training as required.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Job title

Tutor

Hourly rate

£12.93 (Grade 5 point 23)

Role purpose

To support and contribute to a module/course of study through the provision of tuition to groups of students (typically at undergraduate level).

Representative work activities / responsibilities

• To lead student tutorials with specified learning outcomes within a clear and established teaching programme/framework.
• To foster/stimulate discussion and debate amongst the students on key course topics/set reading in order to promote and further understanding of the subject matter.
• To carry out the necessary preparation for each tutorial (e.g. by attending lectures, reading handouts/slides, liaising with lecturers, producing tutorial questions, providing material in advance to students with special needs etc) in order to be able to guide discussions, answer queries and identify areas where students may encounter problems or difficulties.
• To undertake marking (under supervision where necessary) of coursework and assignments and provide appropriate feedback to students.
• To monitor student progress highlighting any concerns, be they performance based or pastoral, to the module co-ordinator/lecturer.
• May be required to provide office hours for student consultations/feedback.
• To record attendance at each tutorial and report this in the agreed manner.
• May be required to attend module (and possibly exam board) meetings.
• To undertake the necessary training as required.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Job title

Hourly Paid Lecturer*

Hourly rate

£15.90 (Grade 6 point 30)

Representative work activities / responsibilities

• Deliver lectures with specified learning outcomes within a clear and established teaching programme /framework.
• Carry out the necessary preparation for each lecture eg attending module meetings, write lectures, preparing lecture notes and additional teaching material (such as handouts), organising AV equipment etc.
• Ensure that the learning objectives and the learning need of students are met by the teaching content, methods of delivery and learning materials.
• Engage the interest and enthusiasm of students and inspire them to learn by challenging thinking, fostering debate and developing the ability of students to engage in critical discourse and rational thinking.
• Promote and further students’ understanding of the subject matter by transferring knowledge in the form of practical skills, methods and techniques.
• May be required to undertake marking of coursework and assignments and provide appropriate feedback to students.

Knowledge, skills and experience

* Generally postgraduate students would not be expected to deliver full lectures unless in exceptional circumstances.