Job Description

Job Title:

University Teaching Associate in Astrophysics

Posting Start Date:

25/07/2025

Job Id:

1190

School/Department:

Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Work Arrangement:

Part Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

40,497.00

Closing Date:

17/08/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.


We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is seeking to appoint a part-time University Teaching Associate in Astrophysics to play an active role in the delivery of high-quality and innovative teaching, on a part-time (60%), fixed-term basis. You will have a track record of research/teaching in astrophysics or a closely related subject and will be expected to design, prepare, co-ordinate and deliver teaching and assessments to our undergraduate students. You will be expected to supervise undergraduate projects and self-generate work through innovation in teaching.

Main duties and responsibilities

Deliver specialist astrophysics material, which includes: updating teaching material as required; communicating subject matter in a way students can understand, and encouraging them to engage in critical discourse, Supervise observational or computational astrophysics undergraduate and Masters-level projects professionally and appropriately. Carry out course assessment. This will include marking/moderating assessments, providing written/oral feedback, as well as collating and providing final assessments. Self generate work through pursuits relevant to the post, including participation in workshops and conferences to keep abreast of the latest developments in learning and teaching relevant for university science departments and/or learning and teaching related scholarship activities; reflecting on own teaching and seeking ways of improving performance. As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.



Essential criteria


Hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Astrophysicsor a related subject. A good first degree in physics or a related subject or have equivalent experience. Ability to supervise undergraduate astrophysics research projects. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations. Ability to deliver lecture-based, seminar and practical teaching as required of the modules to be taught. Ability to ensure that all students are actively engaged in the learning process. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to undertake some administrative duties.


Desirable criteria


Experience of delivery and assessment of undergraduate and/or Masters level teaching. Teaching qualification Ability to lead and deliver modules to a high standard. (Assessed at Application/Interview/Presentation)

Further Information

Grade:

7.5

Salary:

40,497per annum (pro rata)

Work arrangement:

Part-time (3 days per week)

Duration:

24 months

Line manager:

Head of the Astrophysics Research Cluster

Direct reports:

N/A

Our website:

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps



For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof Vik Dhillon, Professor of Astrophysics: on

vik.dhillon@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 21 July 2025. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 14 July 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact hicks-hr@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes A range of generous family-friendly policies + paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.