Lecturing without research responsibilities

amyelmo

I would like to inquire if anyone knows of the possibility of science lecturing positions (in Ireland or the UK) that do not require running a lab at the same time. I have a 1.1 BSc. and will soon complete a PhD with 2-3 publications. I have experience teaching at many stages from substitute teaching in primary schools up to giving seminars to post grads. But I don't have 'lecturing experience' in an university setting. (I am fortunate/unfortunate to have a well paid PhD stipend that doesn't require me to help out with training students, and doesn't give me the opportunity to.) As I would like to go into lecturing I don't see the point of continuing with a post-doc, as I don't want the responsibility of running my own lab, although I would be happy to supervise research.

I believe that the teaching would be improved-if the lecturers wanted to teach, rather than it being an obligation. Some researchers are extremely interested in their research and take their lecturing responsibilities seriously-unfortunately not all. I feel completely the opposite-I enjoy teaching, but not the continuous pressure of publishing.

btw. I'm currently studying for my PhD in Germany. Would 'foreign experience' be considered advantageously?


Many thanks!

Tom Dunne

Sounds like lecturing in an Institute of Technology is what you are after.

Now, before I get slated, I do accept there is a level of R&D done at IT's, but it is nowhere at the level of the universities. Nor is there the pressure of publications.

I personally love standing in front of a class and if I could get a full-time position, I would jump at it. You would certainly be at an advantage with the PhD, the minimum requirement is a BSc (though the vast majority of staff in any IT I have worked at have at least a masters).

amyelmo

Thanks! Any idea if speculative applications would be considered? Realistically, I'll be another couple of months here yet - but could start applying for Sept. 08. Or is it best to just apply for advertised positions?

Tom Dunne

amyelmo wrote: »

Thanks! Any idea if speculative applications would be considered? Realistically, I'll be another couple of months here yet - but could start applying for Sept. 08. Or is it best to just apply for advertised positions?

Any position going would have to be advertised, so I would certainly apply for any you see in the paper. April-June is typically when they are advertised for the following September.

I am not sure if they look at CVs on file when a position arises, but I would imagine it would hurt to send one in without a position being advertised.

MathsManiac

Tom Dunne wrote: »

..., but I would imagine it would hurt to send one in without a position being advertised.

Did you mean "wouldn't hurt"?

dingding

Most institutes of technology will have available positions advertised on their websites.

http://www.totalireland.com/index/reference_and_education/technology_institutes/

List of all institutes.

amyelmo

thanks for all the input! I'll keep an eye on the websites.