Current Vacancies (External)

Lecturer in Psychology, Psychology Department, Faculty of Social Sciences

Temporary contract until 31 August 2015, Based in Milton Keynes

£30,424 - £44,607

circulation date : 16/05/2013

closing date : 13/06/2013

The Psychology Department at the Open University is a vibrant community of psychologists researching and teaching in a range of areas including social psychology, counselling psychology, forensic cognition and applied psychology. The department is looking to appoint a full time lecturer until 31 August 2015.

You will be a psychologist with excellent teaching skills and experience, and a developing research record in an area which complements ongoing research and scholarship in the department and Faculty.

You should have a PhD, or equivalent, in psychology or a cognate discipline, recent relevant teaching experience and the ability to produce text and online distance teaching materials. Experience of distance-learning teaching and course production would be advantageous though not essential.

If you would like to discuss the post, please contact Dr Stephanie Taylor, Acting Head of Department, on 01908 654517 or email stephanie.taylor@open.ac.uk

Closing date: Noon on 13 June 2013
Interview date: Friday 19 July 2013

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: SocSci-recruitment@open.ac.uk 

An application form and further particulars are available from the links located above.

Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment Co-ordinator by email (link above)

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please quote reference 9075

Head of Business Development (Partnerships), Business Development unit

Home-based, UK and Overseas travel required

Competitive salary

circulation date : 16/05/2013

closing date : 06/06/2013

The Open University’s Business Development unit (BDU) is responsible for driving and growing a profitable commercial and international strategy for the Open University.

The Head of Business Development (Partnerships) will identify and develop profitable commercial and academic partnerships for the Open University in the domestic UK market and selected international territories. The post holder will need to analyse and prioritise opportunities, negotiate commercial terms on behalf of the Open University and influence the on-going performance of relationships. The principle measure of success will be the level of new business generated from this sector.

You must have held a senior international business development position, ideally in the learning and development sector, and should be able to demonstrate a track record in growing a business through domestic and international partnerships. In order to achieve overall financial targets and the outcomes appropriate to academic partnerships the post holder will combine high standards of integrity and commercial acumen

You should also have a detailed understanding of bids and tenders processes, and have a sound commercial judgement, including experience of structured sales methodologies, and a strong academic background.

The role will initially cover the UK market, although future international market development is planned. You will therefore need to be prepared to travel extensively.

The BDU office is based in Milton Keynes, but it is expected that you will work mostly from your home base.

Closing Date: 6 June 2013

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further Particulars Head of Business Development (Partnerships)" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: BDU-Staffing@open.ac.uk 

An application form and further particulars are available from the links located above.

Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment Co-ordinator on 01908 659642 or by email (link above)

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community


Please quote reference 9079

Project Manager, Delivery of Vantage Curriculum System for Qualification Structure Project, Office of the PVC Academic

Temporary contract until 31 March 2014. Based in Milton Keynes

£37,382 - £44,607

circulation date : 16/05/2013

closing date : 06/06/2013

A unique opportunity exists for a Project Manager to join the Study Experience Programme to manage the Delivery of Vantage Curriculum System for Qualification Structure Project. As a Project Manager with analytical, interpersonal skills and strong administrative skills, you will manage the project using agreed Prince2 methodologies or equivalent methodologies.

Educated to degree level (or equivalent) you will have good project management practice with a proven track record of successful project delivery on time and to budget. You should have experience of analysing business requirements, delivering large and complex projects and managing relationships with internal and external clients.

You will work independently, in teams and with Project Managers and Directors in a range of activities including communications across functions and grades, including senior management and the wider OU, and maintaining project documentation including plans, schedules, risk and issues registers.

Closing date: noon on 6 June 2013.

Interview date: week commencing 17 June 2013.

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: Univ-Sec-Recruitment@open.ac.uk 

An application form and further particulars are available from the links located above.

Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment Co-ordinator by email (link above)

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.


Please quote reference 9014

Post Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Temporary contract until 30 June 2015, Based in Milton Keynes

£30,424 – £34,223

circulation date : 09/05/2013

closing date : 06/06/2013

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented experimentalist to join our research programme on electron interactions with biomolecular clusters in controlled neutral beams.

As the most abundant products of ionizing radiation, low-energy electrons can play an important role in biological radiation damage. However the effects of intermolecular bonding on the formation and stabilities of biomolecular anions are still quite poorly understood. This project is centered on developing an original technique to produce neutral mass-selected clusters with known target density for electron attachment experiments. It will provide a major step forward in quantifying the effects of the local chemical environment on electron attachment processes.

Working in the Molecular Clusters Group and collaborating with international academic and industrial partners, the appointee will play a lead role in the design and construction of the experiment. He/she will also contribute to project management, student supervision, measurements, data interpretation, and scientific outputs.

Closing date: 6 June 2013. Interview date: 17 June 2013.

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: Science-recruitment@open.ac.uk 

An application form and further particulars are available from the links located above.

Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available by calling the Recruitment Co-ordinator on 01908 858110 or by email at the address provided.

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.


Please quote reference 9038

Learner Support Assistant

Student Services, Learner Support, The Open University in the North West,

£18,005 - £20,172, Based in Sharston, Manchester, Temporary contract until 31 July 2014

circulation date : 16/05/2013

closing date : 30/05/2013

We require an enthusiastic team member to work within our Learner Support area, which supports students through a range of front-line, operational and administrative activities throughout their studies.

You will be committed to providing first class customer service on the telephone and be able to work accurately and deal with a wide range of complex information. You will have excellent IT, communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to interpret and deal with a wide range of administrative procedures and regulations and a proven aptitude for telephone work. You will be good at listening to people and at explaining things clearly both in writing and on the telephone.

The service operates between 08.30 and 20.00 Monday to Friday and 09.00 – 17.00 on Saturday, so shift work will be a requirement.

CVs will not be considered on their own. No Agencies.

Closing date: 12 noon on 30 May 2013.

Interview date: week commencing 17 June.

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: R08-Recruitment@open.ac.uk 

An application form and further particulars are available from the links located above.

Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment Co-ordinator by email (link above).


Please quote reference 9060

Laboratory Technician, Faculty of Science, Biomedical Research Network

Based in Milton Keynes

£20,764 - £23,352

circulation date : 02/05/2013

closing date : 30/05/2013

We are seeking to appoint a Technician to provide support to the Laboratory Manager in the smooth running of the Biomedical Research Network Laboratories. You will be responsible for the maintenance of laboratory stocks and consumables, and the provision of routine technical assistance to laboratory users. You will be responsible for the monitoring of equipment and cold rooms while ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

You will be educated to at least GCSE grade C or equivalent with at least one science subject. You will have relevant experience of working in laboratory and be able to demonstrate an understanding of health and safety in a laboratory environment. You will be highly motivated and organised with the ability to work effectively as part of a small team.

Closing date: 30 May 2013. Interview date is to be advised.

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: science-recruitment@open.ac.uk 

An application form and further particulars are available from the links located above.

Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment Co-ordinator on 01908 654765 by email (link above).

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community


Please quote reference 8946

AHRC Doctoral Studentship (PhD) - Music

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY & THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

circulation date : 09/05/2013

closing date : 31/05/2013

As part of an exciting partnership between the National Library of Scotland and The Open University, we are able to offer a 3-year, full-time AHRC studentship for doctoral work in Music (to commence October 2013). The student will join a community of students in the Music Department at The Open University but will be based primarily in Edinburgh and will work closely with National Library of Scotland’s staff and collections.

Proposals will be accepted for any project seeking to utilise the National Library of Scotland’s music collections (alongside other relevant collections elsewhere). As well as strengths in all aspects of Scottish music, the Library has internationally significant holdings relating to Handel, Verdi and Berlioz. The Library also houses an extensive archive of unexplored sound recordings in a variety of formats.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 May 2013
INTERVIEWS ANTICIPATED: w/c 17 June 2013

Ref: NLSMUSIC

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

For advice prior to a formal application and how to apply, please see details at http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/

Equal Opportunity is University Policy.

Please quote reference Ref: NLSMUSIC

AHRC Doctoral Studentship (PhD) - History

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY & THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES

circulation date : 09/05/2013

closing date : 31/05/2013

As part of an exciting partnership between The National Library of Wales and The Open University, we are able to offer a three-year, full-time AHRC-funded studentship for doctoral work in History (to commence October 2013). The student will join a community of 20 doctoral students in History at The Open University but will also work closely with staff, students and collections at The National Library of Wales.

While proposals will be accepted for any historical project seeking to utilise the National Library’s collections, we would be particularly interested in receiving applications for research drawing on the Historical Newspapers and Journals Digitisation Project or The David Lloyd George Archive. Projects considering the Welsh experience of, and participation in, the First World War would also be welcome.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 May 2013
INTERVIEWS ANTICIPATED: w/c 24 June 2013

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

For full details and information on how to apply, please see http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/

Please quote reference Ref: NLWHISTORY

AHRC Doctoral Studentships (PhD) - AHRC Doctoral Studentships (PhD)

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY, IN COLLABORATON WITH THE BRITISH LIBRARY, THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

AND THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES

circulation date : 09/05/2013

closing date : 31/05/2013

As part of an exciting partnership between The Open University, The British Library, The National Library of Scotland and The National Library of Wales, we are able to offer a 3-year, full-time AHRC-funded studentship in History (to commence October 2013). Proposals will be considered for any project seeking to utilise the collections of one or more of the national library partners, but we are particularly interested in receiving proposals relating to crowdsourced historical data.

The successful candidate will join a community of doctoral students at The Open University, but will be based primarily in one of the national libraries (all of whom have existing sets of crowdsourced data) and will have access to advice and collections from all 3 partners.

Closing date: 31 May 2013.

Interviews anticipated: w/c 24 June 2013.

Related websites

  Information for Applicant (http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/appinfo.doc)

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

See details on The Open University website at http://www3.open.ac.uk/employment/

Equal Opportunity is University Policy.

Please quote reference Ref: APHISTORY

AHRC Doctoral Studentships (PhD) - English (E-Manuscripts/E-Archives)

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY, IN COLLABORATON WITH THE BRITISH LIBRARY, THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

AND THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES

circulation date : 16/05/2013

closing date : 14/06/2013

As part of an exciting partnership between The Open University, The British Library, The National Library of Scotland and The National Library of Wales, we are able to offer a three-year, full-time funded AHRC studentship for doctoral work in English (to commence October 2013). While proposals will be considered for any project utilising the collections of one or more of the three national library partners, we are particularly interested in receiving proposals relating to e-manuscripts/e-archives.

The successful candidate will join a community of doctoral students in the English Department at The Open University but may also choose to be based in one of the national library partners (all of which have relevant collections) and will work closely with staff and collections there. For advice prior to a formal application, please contact Paul Lawrence, Associate Dean Research, The Open University (paul.lawrence@open.ac.uk).

Further details ( "Further particulars" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

Equal Opportunity is University Policy.

Please quote reference 6998

Postgraduate Research Studentship, Knowledge Media Institute (KMi)

Full-time, 3-year. Based in Milton Keynes

Funding consists of Stipend £40,770 (£13,590/year) plus fee bursary

circulation date : 16/05/2013

closing date : 26/06/2013

The Open University’s Knowledge Media Institute (KMi) is home to internationally recognised researchers in semantic technologies, educational multimedia, collaboration technologies, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and human-computer interaction. KMi offers students an intellectually challenging environment with exceptional research and computer facilities.

We are currently offering one fully-funded studentship commencing October 2013. Applicants are invited from UK, EU and international students for full-time, 3-year study on one of the following PhD projects:

• Technology Enhanced Learning (e.g. Self-regulated learning)
• Web Science
• Knowledge Discovery in Web Data
• Semantics of Privacy
• Learning Analytics for Reflective Blogging During Authentic Enquiry
• Human Centred Computing for Civic Engineering: Structuring Online Dialogues for Large-Scale Deliberation
• Mining Services on the Web
• Telling life stories from social media content
• Mobile and network technologies for outdoor learning

We strongly recommend that you contact the lead researcher directly to discuss your interest prior to writing your proposal see link below.

All applicants must have a first or upper second class degree from a UK university or the overseas equivalent and ideally a relevant Master’s degree.

Unless from a majority English-speaking country, non-EEA applicants will require an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each element of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. IELTS Certificates are valid for a period of 2-years. All applicants are assessed as to their quality, the fit with The Open University research priorities and the availability of supervisors in the relevant field.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 26 June 2013.

Related websites

  Information for Applicants (http://kmi.open.ac.uk/studentships/vacancies.php)

  Proposal (http://kmi.open.ac.uk/studentships/proposal.php)

Further details pertaining to the PhD projects listed above, along with information about KMi and how to apply, can be found at the information web address above.

We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.


Please quote reference 6988

iSpot Biodiversity Mentor for Scotland, The Open University

circulation date : 09/05/2013

closing date : 29/05/2013

iSpot’ – your place to share nature (www.ispot.org.uk) is The Open University’s (OU) award-winning social networking website about engagement with nature developed as part of the Biodiversity Observatory in the Department of Environment Earth and Ecosystems, Faculty of Science. It is an easily accessible resource designed to help remedy the gap in the general public’s wildlife identification skills and is pioneering in its approach to supporting learning across the boundary between the informal and formal, using a combination of social networking, informal access to expertise, and accredited learning opportunities. The site was launched in June 2009 and up to May 2013 had almost 25,000 registered users. iSpot is supported by a range of inter-related projects and a multidisciplinary team across the university.

Mentors have proved to be a vital component of the OU’s delivery team. We are seeking an iSpot Biodiversity Mentor for Scotland as we continue Phase II of iSpot’s development funded through the Garfield Weston Foundation, British Ecological Society and as part of The OpenScience Laboratory, an initiative of The Open University and The Wolfson Foundation, which is a global centre at the cutting edge of practical science teaching – operated entirely online.

We are seeking a Biodiversity Mentor for Scotland who will support groups, organisations, schemes and societies and the public more generally in the use of iSpot so that the largest number of people in Scotland can get the greatest benefit from the website.

If you are interested in this consultancy as the Biodiversity Mentor for Scotland it is essential that you are based in Scotland, have a degree, or equivalent, in a science, environmental or related area, have experience in informal learning, public outreach and communications, using social networking and have experience of engaging the general public in some branch of natural history.

All expressions of interest must be received by 12 noon Wednesday 29 May 2013 following the procedures outlined.

Closing date: Wednesday 29 May 2013

Further details ( "Mentor Specification" ) are available from the web site at www.open.ac.uk/employment or use the contact details shown below.

email: janice.ansine@open.ac.uk 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Janice Ansine, Biodiversity Observatory Project Manager via email at the address provided.

Please quote reference iSpot Biodiversity