MSc Course Director

Overview

Hours per week 37. Project title: JIC Course Director for the MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement. Expected/Ideal Start Date: 01 Oct 2025. Months/Duration: Indefinite. Interview Date: 11 Jun 2025. Flexible options: Although full-time hours are available, applications for part-time hours are welcomed.

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job

Lead and be responsible for the strategic direction, design and delivery of the MSc degree curriculum. Deliver lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and other key training to MSc students. As academic advisor to all MSc students, provide pastoral care and mentoring in relation to their future career progression. Develop and nurture links with UK agricultural charities to secure academic scholarships for UK students. Identify potential sources of scholarships for international students.

Key Relationships

Work in partnership with University of East Anglia (UEA) Learning and Teaching Services to ensure maintenance of academic standards. Work in partnership with the UEA Admissions Recruitment and Marketing team to maintain an effective student recruitment strategy. Maintain and nurture current interactions with the UK plant breeding industry in the delivery of bespoke teaching that meets industry training requirements. Work in partnership with JIC colleagues to deliver key training requirements of the degree programme and to coordinate the delivery of teaching.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Percentage Lead on the strategic development of the MSc degree curriculum to ensure it continues to meet the training requirements of the plant breeding industry, and for student progression onto PhD programmes. 35
• Deliver lectures covering key theoretical concepts and relevant practical training. 20
• Coordinate development and delivery of the taught and research elements of the course with colleagues at JIC, partner institutes in the Norwich Research Park, and relevant industrial partners. 5
• Collaborate with University of East Anglia to ensure appropriate academic regulations, maintenance of academic standards, and QA compliance. 5
• Enhance recruitment to the course through advertising strategies and securing scholarship funding for UK and international students. 5
• Liaise with UK plant breeders to arrange site visits that enhance learning. 5
• Budget management for the MSc. 5
• Line-manage the MSc Course Administrator. 5
• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice at UEA (for less experienced candidates). 5
• CPD training at UEA in course design, assessment, student feedback, and maintaining academic standards. 5
• Identify new links with industrial partners to enhance the MSc curriculum. 5
• Chair the annual MSc course Advisory Board. 5
• Student mentoring. 5
• Other duties as commensurate with the role, as agreed with the line manager. 5

Person Profile Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance BSc in a Biological Science Essential PhD in Plant Science Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance A research or teaching background in plant genetics/plant breeding and/or plant biotechnology Essential

Experience Essential: degree curriculum design and delivery; academic mentoring, pastoral care, and advising on career development; HE teaching at Level 6; ability to work in a UK HE Institution (Level 6). Desirable: Masters level teaching (Level 7).

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) Essential; Good organisational skills Essential; Good interpersonal skills and teamwork Essential.

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential; Promotes equality and values diversity Essential; Willingness to embrace Institute values and behaviours Essential; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Willingness to work outside standard hours when required; Ability to travel for off-site visits; Complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice if not already possessed. (Programme delivered by UEA School of Education). Essential

Who We Are

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research to train scientists and make findings available to society. We are committed to inclusive, diverse, and welcoming work environment. For immigration information, HR Team: (0) or .

We are an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident employer. We hold Gold Athena SWAN award and are a member of Stonewall Diversity Champions. The Institute is a registered charity (No. 223852).

Department

Crop Genetics

The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on cereals, brassicas and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation, supporting plant breeding technologies and high-yielding varieties.

Contract & Closing Details

Job title: MSc Course Director. Salary: £45,450 - £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Contract: Indefinite, full or part-time (29.6 - 37 hours per week). Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. Closing date: 26 September 2025. Reference: .