Job Description

(PCI) Director of Postgraduate Research (DPR) 3-year fixed term
Job Title: Director of Postgraduate Research (DPR) 3-year fixed term
Council: Training in Ministry, Union Theological College
Responsible to: The Principal of Union Theological College
Salary: E5: 46,258 - 56,371 (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Flexible working arrangements (as agreed with the Principal of UTC)
Confidential informal enquiries about this post may be directed to the Principal at Union Theological College
MAIN FUNCTION OF JOB
To contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland through the delivery of the duties outlined.
Under the Leadership of the Principal of Union Theological College to assist with the implementation of decisions of the General Assembly relevant to Union Theological College and to carry forward its delegated responsibilities.
Under the direction of the Principal of Union Theological College:
to contribute to the intellectual life and research culture of the college by engaging in research, teaching, and publication in your areas of interest;
to co-ordinate the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of Union Theological College's Research Associate community;
to oversee existing Union Theological partnerships in doctoral research to ensure compliance with all relevant Union Theological College policies;
to lead in developing new partnerships that will enhance Union Theological College's research profile;
About the role
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Under the overall leadership of the Principal of Union Theological College:
to engage in on-going academic research and publication (the nature of this post means that the normal faculty sabbatical leave entitlement does not normally apply);
to represent Union Theological College at academic conferences and other events as required;
to supervise postgraduate students as required;
to teach on CTM modules, the BA(Hons) pathway, and UTC PTFI pathways as required;
to oversee the recruitment and induction of new Union Theological College Research Associates;
to oversee the ongoing training and development of Union Theological College Research Associates;
to manage the annual review of the Union Theological College Code of Practice for PhD Study;
as Chair of the College Research Committee to oversee applications for postgraduate study at Union Theological College;
as Chair of the College Research Committee to oversee annual student review and to monitor the progress of research projects in the Union Theological College doctoral pathway;
to ensure that existing collaborative partnership arrangements for doctoral study fully comply with the policies of Union Theological College;
to advance the mission of Union Theological College by working with the Principal and Management Committee in developing new collaborative partnership arrangements for doctoral study;
to contribute to the life of the College as a community of learning, worship and faith closely related to the Church whose students it seeks to train;
to share in the pastoral care of students;
to take part in the management and general administration of the College;
to provide theologically-informed leadership and resources for the work of the Councils and Committees of the General Assembly, as required;
to represent the College, as required;
to adhere to the Equal Opportunity Policy and to promote equality of opportunity where possible;
to work in accordance with other relevant workplace policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety Policy, Data Protection Policy.
Such other duties as are appropriate to the post as may be required by the Principal or the Union Theological College Management Committee.
About the company
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is a Reformed Christian denomination with congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Rooted in biblical teaching, PCI is committed to worship, discipleship, and serving communities through outreach and social action. The Church supports individuals and families in their faith journey while addressing social needs through ministries, education, and global mission work. Governed by elders, PCI upholds values of faith, service, and integrity, striving to share the Gospel and promote justice in Ireland and beyond.
Required Criteria

• A PhD in Theology (or equivalent qualification)
• An understanding of theological education in the Higher Education sector
• An understanding of UK quality assurance processes
• At least 5 years' experience of teaching in higher education
• Experience of postgraduate module/programme development, review, and enhancement
• PhD Supervision - a significant contribution to the development of PhD programmes and/or groups, including successful recruitment and excellent supervision of PhD students and examination of research degrees
• Experience in delivering strategic theological education for the global church
• Evidence of academic publication in a relevant field with a clear evidence of a personal research plan that will contribute to the mission of the College.
• Proven administrative ability e.g. organisational skills, report writing etc
• Experience of promoting and managing positive change
• Experience of effective collaborative team working
• Experience of effective leadership
• Evidence of a personal Christian faith in practice and expression, normally demonstrated by active membership of a Christian congregation. (The essential nature of this post requires that the successful candidate be a Christian as provided for under excepted occupations in the Fair Employment Treatment (NI) Order 1998)
• In full sympathy with the doctrinal position and ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Committed to implementing all decisions and policies of the General Assembly
• Respectful of the diversity of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, including theological diversity
• Willing to be flexible in working arrangements and hours
• Available for travel within Ireland and abroad, related to the duties of the position
• Access to a car for work purposes and willingness to obtain insurance for business use

• Ordained Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, or eligible for transfer of ordination if called by the Council for Training in Ministry
• A PhD in Biblical Studies
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Willing to subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith in terms of the General Assembly's formula: "I believe the Westminster Confession of Faith, as described in the Code (Chapter 1, Pars 12-14), to be founded on and agreeable to the Word of God, and as such I subscribe it as the confession of my faith"