Senior Teaching Fellow (Deputy Programme Director- Physician Associates)

We are seeking an experienced and motivated academic or clinical educator to join the Physician Associate programme as Deputy Programme Director on a fixed-term basis to provide maternity cover for the Co-Programme Director.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a significant leadership role within the programme, working closely with the Programme Director and wider programme team to ensure the effective delivery, coordination and development of the programme.

Working under the strategic leadership and oversight of the Programme Director, the successful candidate will provide senior operational leadership across the programme during the period of maternity leave. They will play a key role in maintaining stability, continuity and effective decision-making across a busy postgraduate healthcare programme.

What you will be doing

The Deputy Programme Director will support the Programme Director in the effective academic and operational management of the programme, with responsibilities including:

• providing day-to-day operational leadership and oversight of programme delivery;
• supporting the coordination and delivery of the curriculum across the academic year;
• providing senior oversight of assessment processes, including the planning and delivery of written and clinical assessments;
• supporting student progression, academic performance and appropriate management of complex student matters;
• contributing to programme quality assurance, monitoring and enhancement activities;
• supporting the coordination of academic and clinical teaching staff and effective allocation of programme responsibilities;
• working collaboratively with colleagues involved in clinical placements and supporting effective integration between university-based and placement learning;
• contributing to admissions and recruitment activity;
• supporting the Programme Director with programme planning, operational decision-making and the management of emerging issues;
• contributing to relevant programme, School and University committees and activities;
• supporting appropriate engagement with external stakeholders and the wider Physician Associate education community; and
• deputising for the Programme Director where appropriate and within delegated areas of responsibility.

About you

You will be an experienced healthcare professional, academic or clinical educator with a strong understanding of postgraduate healthcare education.

You will bring experience of working within complex educational environments and demonstrate the ability to coordinate multiple areas of activity while maintaining a strong focus on academic standards, student experience and effective programme delivery.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• substantial experience in healthcare or clinical education;
• experience of curriculum delivery and development;
• experience of assessment within higher education or professional healthcare education;
• an understanding of quality assurance and academic governance;
• experience of supporting students across their academic and professional development;
• the ability to provide effective leadership within a multidisciplinary academic and clinical team;
• strong organisational and problem-solving skills;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• the ability to manage competing priorities and make appropriate decisions in a complex programme environment; and
• the ability to work collaboratively with senior colleagues while exercising appropriate autonomy within delegated areas of responsibility.

Experience of Physician Associate education and an understanding of the contemporary regulatory and professional context for Physician Associate training would be particularly valuable.

Why this role matters

The Deputy Programme Director will provide an important point of continuity for the programme during a period of maternity leave.

The postholder will work in partnership with the Programme Director to ensure that the programme continues to operate effectively across teaching, assessment, student support, staffing, placements, admissions and quality assurance.

This is therefore much more than a teaching-cover position. It provides an opportunity to gain or further develop programme-level academic leadership experience, contribute to the strategic and operational development of Physician Associate education and work collaboratively with academic, clinical and professional colleagues.

Contract

This appointment is offered on a fixed-term basis for 14 months to provide maternity cover.

The duration of the appointment is intended to support effective continuity of programme leadership, including appropriate handover and transition around the substantive postholder's period of maternity leave.

What we offer

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
• Great family friendly policies
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting. See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skille