Associate Lecturers in the School of Computing & Communications

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role

We are looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers in the areas of Data Analysis & Data Management in the School of Computing and Communications at the Open University.

The position is part-time (0.094) Full Time Equivalent (FTE), (amounting on average to around ½ to 1 day per week but significantly higher during marking periods and lower at other times) and would involve teaching on one or more modules. There are immediate teaching needs on TM351 and there is the possibility of teaching other modules within the School of Computing and Communications, should the need arise.

The position is home-based and has no fixed core hours. It is for two years in the first instance, with a probation period of two years.

The annual salary and workload are fixed, but there are significant workload peaks and troughs, mainly linked to providing marking and assessment feedback. This will include end of module marking tasks. Other tasks will be required such as facilitating group tutorials, focused student support (individual and forum), peer mentoring and working with the module team on assessment activities and quality improvement. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The appropriate level of FTE will be discussed at interview and there is the possibility of increasing the FTE later. The starting full-time salary is currently £38,784 paid pro rata based on your FTE, which for TM351 is approximately £3645.  Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, the position is paid over the full calendar year.

Start date: October 2026

Module description

This module will provide students with a practical, legal and ethical understanding of how to access, query, manage and explore data collections, using traditional relational databases and contemporary NoSQL approaches. Using real-world datasets, standard software packages, data visualisation techniques and summarising data views, students will learn how to explore data collections in order to answer questions about the world and develop an appreciation of user needs surrounding data systems.

Person specification:

The person specification for this position should be read in conjunction with the generic person specification for an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, and being enthusiastic and knowledgeable about data analysis and management as key skills for the 21st century you should have:

• The ability to program in the Python programming language utilising relevant libraries with sufficient expertise to conduct data exploration and analysis.
• A theoretical understanding of a variety of data analysis technologies and techniques, such as relational and NoSQL databases, for instance the underpinning of MongoDB, MapReduce, and data visualisation techniques, gained by either substantial academic study or industrial experience.
• A broad understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding data collection, management, analysis and limitations of data reuse.
• A thorough understanding of the process and mechanics needed to carry out all stages of a data analysis project.
• The ability to support students in their practical work, including the use of virtual environments and writing Python code to analyse previously unseen datasets using a variety of technologies and techniques.
• Some experience of using Jupyter notebooks or labs, particularly in the context of interrogating SQL and NoSQL type databases.
• Experience of teaching online in higher education or an understanding of the pedagogical issues surrounding online teaching for students in their final or penultimate year of undergraduate study in a cognate area.
• The ability to grade assignments accurately and to provide constructive feedback to students studying at this level of higher education.
• Demonstrable ability to encourage students to engage with external sources to develop their independent study skills (including awareness of resources appropriate to the subject area you will be teaching).
• Have a relevant degree or equivalent experience with a focus on data techniques and technologies with an appropriate theoretical underpinning.
• Be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about data analysis, visualisation and management as a key skill for the 21st century.

It would be an advantage to have:

• A higher degree or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area.
• Evidence of having taken the initiative to deliver better teaching and learning or to take advantage of emerging data analysis techniques or technologies in a teaching or commercial environment.
• Teaching qualification in relevant subject or HEA accreditation.
• Be able to program in another imperative programming language or languages with experience of their use for data exploration and analysis.

Note that candidates with only traditional relational database management skills or experience of high-level data manipulation tools are unlikely to be shortlisted for a role in teaching TM351.

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing Associate Lecturer with training and development in and beyond their current role. To ensure they remain up to date with developments in their academic field, Associate Lecturers are allocated 6 days (pro-rata) per annum for AL-led (i.e. self-directed) Academic Currency and 1 day, plus 5 days pro rata, per annum for Agreed Academic Currency and Professional Development, included in the 1 day is mandatory training. 

Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 27 days holiday per annum (pro rata) with variable (pro rata) Bank holidays and an attractive pensions proposition.

Tuition Delivery
It is expected that all tuition will be online though in the future some face-to-face teaching may be possible. 

How to apply

An application form and job-related information are available from the links located below. You should indicate in your application which role(s) you wish to be considered for.  Any queries regarding the application process please contact AL-Recruitment on [email protected], quoting the reference number STEM-002.

Job related information:

AL Application Form

Generic Person Specification

Terms and Conditions

Candidates may be asked to complete a practical exercise as part of the shortlisting process before being invited for interview. The interview may also require the preparation of tutorial materials and/or other practical activities.

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The University is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role as per the requirement laid out the UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK.

To work with us you will need access to the internet.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check or equivalent for their nation of residency.

Email: [email protected] 

An application form and job-related information are available from the links located below.  Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment Co-ordinator by email (on the link above), quoting the reference number.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential.  We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.

General Person Specification for an Associate Lecturer:

https://www5.open.ac.uk/employment/sites/www.open.ac.uk.employment/files/files/associate-lecturers-docs/Person-specification-English.docx