Job share and flexible working patterns will be considered with this role. While the role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office, it will be possible to work remotely for the majority of the time, however, applicants will be expected to be on campus in Milton Keynes approximately twice per month/as per business needs.
Change your career, change lives
The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education
About the role
The Design Group in the School of Engineering and Innovation at The Open University has an international reputation as a pioneer in distance design education. We are investing in developing our design undergraduate curriculum through the creation of a new Bachelor of Design degree (BDes).
The post-holder will bring a deep understanding and experience of design for sustainability to develop design teaching resources as part of a new undergraduate design qualification. They will also help develop social media communications to promote the new design curricula to wide-ranging audiences.
In addition to the primary role supporting design teaching in production and presentation, the post-holder will be expected to conduct independent research (appropriate for the level of appointment) and to contribute to the Open University’s Design and Art History REF submission. They should undertake research that aligns with the School’s strategic research priorities in design: design processes, co-design, sustainable design and innovation and design education.
Key Responsibilities
(Including but not limited to)
* Contribute to the development of new and existing undergraduate design curricula.
* Prepare distance learning materials suitable for the teaching and learning methodologies used by the Open University.
* Support the presentation of design modules working with different tutors and students.
* Undertake a self-directed programme of individual or collaborative scholarship or research in a field that will contribute to the national and international profile of design and support existing areas of design research in the School.
* Undertake design research or scholarship that leads to high-impact publications and applications for external funding in line with School and Faculty objectives.
* Work effectively and collaboratively to develop a shared research and scholarship culture in design.
* Develop and build stronger relationships and collaborations with OU design alumni, industrial sectors, philanthropic funders and other educational providers;
* Lead and/or create external communications promoting OU Design via social and other media.
* Contribute to the outreach activities of the E&I School, the STEM Faculty and the University.
Essential Requirements
* A PhD or equivalent* in design or a related discipline and a Masters degree or good Honours degree in design. *Research degree equivalence will be demonstrated through work-based independent research projects. Candidates should evidence their knowledge and engagement with design for sustainability themes.
* Experience of developing design teaching materials at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels
* Experience of using new technologies and media to engage others in learning activities
* Evidence of demonstrable academic research (or equivalence in design research practice) that complements existing areas of design research at the Open University
* Excellent oral, written and visual communication skills in a variety of contexts, including the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism
* Evidence of applying for funding, appropriate to career stage
* Evidence of being able to plan and organise work to agreed deadlines
* An ability to work collaboratively, adaptively and responsively with others in multi-disciplinary teaching and research contexts.
* Commitment to the aims, ethos and values of the Open University.
What you get in return
As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities. The School provides a friendly and flexible working environment. Our commitment to equality and diversity has been recognised by the award of an Athena SWAN Silver Award.
Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 33 days holiday per annum pro rata plus Bank Holidays and an attractive pension proposition.
How to Apply
To apply for this role please submit the following as one document;
* Personal statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the essential and desirable criteria.
* A short position statement, up to 500 words, outlining the challenges and opportunities for integrating sustainability in distance design education, linking to appropriate teaching and learning methods in your response.
* CV
Closing date: 14th January 2025 (11.59pm)*
* Early Close: We may choose to close the application date early if we reach a high number of applications. However, if you would still like to apply before the deadline originally advertised do not hesitate to contact us and we can discuss this with the Chair of the panel.
Interviews are expected to commence week beginning 10th Feb 2025 at the Open University in Milton Keynes.
If you are invited to interview you will be asked to do a short presentation on your teaching and research.
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