Academic pharmacists enjoy a mix of teaching, researching, practicing or a mix of all three, with exciting careers in universities, research institutes and other organisations across the globe. The role of an academic pharmacists is to educate, train, assess and develop pharmacy students, pre-registration trainees, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

As an academic pharmacist you are responsible for inspiring the next generation of pharmacists and apply your pharmacy knowledge and expertise using a variety of teaching methods. You will work alongside a wide educational team, and be responsible for updating the degree programme and developing learning material that reflect changes in education and practice. Academics also offer general support to students and are often viewed as role models and mentors.

Teacher practitioners spend approximately 60% of their time working in hospital, community or industrial pharmacy with the remainder of their time as a lecturer.

Research forms a key part of an academic pharmacists role e.g. in a science based area of practice, drug design or pharmacy services. You will collect evidence, analyse it and use the data to provide thought leadership, improvements in medicines and patient’s health.

Background

As.a pharmacist lecturer you will have strong research networks and collaborate at national and international level. The role is expected to make a significant contribution to research capacity. You will also be expected to teach in aspects of Pharmacy at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Job Purpose

To conduct research that has a high potential for international impact and profile; undertake teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level; supervise postgraduate students, and undertake management and leadership duties commensurate with the role.

Duties & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities are wide and diverse, with elements of the role changing or varying over time. Typical responsibilities include:

Research & scholarship

• Leading a research team, supervision of research students and staff, ensuring a commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in research.
• Lead collaborative research projects at a national or international level.
• Initiate / negotiate research projects, manage research activities, contracts / consultancies sometimes with international partners.
• Attract external funding to support research activity.
• Maintain a regular output of high quality research which is published in in leading research journals.
• Present research at national and/or international conferences and/ or at other appropriate events.
• Engage effectively in the non-academic impact of research, including knowledge or technology exchanges, public engagement activities and partnerships with external organisations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of research strategies in the Department/School.

Teaching

• Deliver a range of high quality and inclusive teaching and support learning activities
• Assess the work and progress of students and provide them with constructive feedback.
• Proactively identify ways to improve performance through teaching design, delivery and by obtaining and analysing feedback.
• Develop and apply innovative approaches to improving the learning environment, teaching, assessment and feedback methods
• Positively engage in the professional development of teaching, learning and assessment.
• Contribute to course development and the development of new programmes of study in an inclusive way.
• Participate in teaching initiatives at a regional, national and international level.

Management and leadership

• Undertake specific leadership roles in the Department and contribute to institutional committees and working parties.
• Manage and support colleagues with less experience and facilitate their academic and personal development.
• Represent the Department in external relations as required.
• Foster and develop internal or external networks of benefit to the Department /School /University

• PhD or equivalent in relevant (e.g. health related) discipline - essential
• UG degree in relevant discipline or equivalent qualification/experience - essential
• Registered as a Pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council or equivalent international regulator - desirable
• Member or Fellow of a relevant professional body - desirable
• Higher education teaching qualification or professional recognition (e.g. PGCert, FHEA or equivalent) - desirable

Experience

• Substantial experience in relevant research field
• Established track record in research in relevant subject
• Strong record of attracting research funding
• Demonstrates depth and breadth of understanding of subject matter at a complex conceptual level
• Experience of teaching at UG/PG level
• Up to date knowledge of content, methods of teaching and supporting learning

Skills

• Academic leadership
• Ability to articulate a research vision and strategy for development, implementation and delivery of successful research projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication style and team working
• Evidence of positive working relationships within the University, community, business and other partners

Attributes

• Commitment to excellence in research and teaching and to providing the highest quality experience for students
• Commitment to working within professional and ethical codes of conduct