This PIPS opportunity is available for both Semester 1 and 2, please apply as soon as possible.
This PIPS placement would involve helping deliver lectures and practical classes to students in the Biomedical Science undergraduate degree programme.
Who are we?
Located in the leafy city centre campus of York we have delivered our degree in Biomedical Science (BSc Hons) since 2015. The Biomedical programme at York St John University is accredited by both the Institute of Biomedical Science (the professional body for Biomedical Scientists) and the Royal Society of Biology. We are a small team (10 academics & technicians) of friendly, like-minded scientists who share a passion for Biomedical Science teaching and research. Our laboratories contain state-of-the-art equipment, and our student satisfaction (NSS) scores are consistently higher than the sector average.
What do we teach?
Biomedical science examines the healthy body and causes of human diseases and their effects at the molecular, cellular and tissue level along with diagnosis and treatment of human pathologies. Our curriculum covers broad aspects related to Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology and has a strong emphasis on developing clinical laboratory skills through practical demonstration.
To learn more about us please click here: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/biomedical-science/biomedical-science-bsc-hons/
What would you get out of the scheme?
Whilst PhD programmes provide you with all the skills needed to become an independent researcher there are often limited opportunities to develop your teaching & pedagogical skills. What we offer is a teaching internship in our Biomedical Science undergraduate degree programme in our city centre campus. You can help our team deliver lectures and practical classes to our small cohort of students under the mentorship of one of our academic team.
Outcomes & Impact
Completion of this internship would provide you with a more balanced CV to enhance your future career opportunities.
In particular, you will gain confidence to teach and inspire small class sizes of undergrads (35-50 students).
Concomitant to this you will develop your skills and teaching portfolio to be eligible to apply for Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for flexible and enthusiastic applicants keen to develop their Learning & Teaching skills. You don’t need any prior experience in teaching just a passion for science education & communication in biology-related disciplines. Experience in any Biomedical subject area would be appreciated.
Internships would take place during semester 1 (mid-September to December) or semester 2 (mid-January to April).
What do we mean by teaching?
The teaching we offer would involve developing/refining and delivery of educational activities to our undergrads. You would receive the appropriate training upon starting the internship and would be designated an academic mentor for the duration of your internship. Educational activities include:
(1) Refine and deliver workshops to our undergrads. These workshops have been pre-designed by our lecturers, but we welcome your ideas to refine the content according to state-of-the-art techniques or your own perspectives. The workshops are 2 hours long and we encourage interactive engaging activities. Our class size would be 25-35 students.
(2) Set up, design & help run undergrad practicals. Each practical is 2 hours long and there would be an academic and technician present. We have a wide range of practicals covering all aspects of biomedical skills ranging from using a pipette to more advance’s clinical analyses.
(3) Invigilate and help mark first year assessments
(4) Organise and set up a seminar series for guest speakers to come and talk about their research. You can give a talk on careers and your PhD and invite other people to talk about careers/research inside and outside of academia.
You would be expected to deliver anywhere from 6-15 hrs teaching or demonstrating per week.
Day to Day Activities
You would work alongside our team of academics and technicians to help run the Biomedical Science programme. This could involve devising new materials, running classes, talking to students or organizing events. No two days will be alike!
Hours of Work
Your normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day, Monday to Friday. The standard working day will also include a main meal break. (To include 3 days on campus at York St John University and 2 days working from home).
Outputs
You would:
- assess and update your teaching material up to a key assessment date
- submit a written report to the Academic Practice team at your University
- have the option to apply for the AFHEA
Testimony from our previous PIPs intern Emma S:
“I did a lot of second year Masterclasses when I was there teaching restriction enzymes, mini-preps, PCRs, cell culture to name but a few. I used my internship to be awarded AFHEA recognition which helped me get my associate lecturer position at the University of York. I have since been offered a full-time lectureship position at York St John University.”
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There are 2 opportunities in Semester 1 and Semester 2, so when applying, please state which Semester you prefer or if you are flexible.
If you would like to teach in Semester 1, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any queries, please email Dr Owen Kavanagh, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science o.kavanagh@yorksj.ac.uk.