Associate Lecturers in Sport and Exercise Science

FTE (Full Time Equivalent): 0.148 to 0.355 FTE based upon business need.

Fixed term contract end date: Two year fixed term contract

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 area of Sport and Exercise Science. 

The position is part-time with work being offered between 0.148 and 0.355 FTE, and this will be based on business needs.  The workload is uneven but will average around 7 hours per week during the teaching period, peaking during the marking, for one tutor group. 

The position is home-based and has no fixed core hours. It is initially Fixed Term for two years 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. As required, this is likely to include exam and end of module marking tasks. Other tasks may include 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 £38,784 paid pro rata based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, the position is paid over the full calendar year.

We anticipate any contract will start between September and October.

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, you should have:

• A postgraduate qualification (Master's degree or above) in Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Psychology, Sports Coaching, Strength and Conditioning, or a closely related discipline. 

• Recent experience of teaching at least one sport and exercise science discipline (e.g. Biomechanics, Physiology, Sport Psychology, Nutrition) at undergraduate level or higher.

• Recent experience and proven ability to facilitate positive teaching and learning relationships within the online and distance learning environment.

• Demonstrable experience of teaching through the assessment of student work in higher education and providing constructive, developmental and personal feedback.

• Experience of supporting students from diverse educational, social, and cultural backgrounds.

• An awareness of the needs and challenges faced by adult and part-time learners. 

It would be an advantage to have:

• A fellowship of Advance HE (or equivalent professional recognition). 

• Experience of using digital technologies to enhance teaching, learning and student engagement. 

• Experience of taking a proactive role in improving the student learning experience. 

• Professional experience within the sport or exercise sector, including coaching, instruction, athlete support, or related practitioner roles.  

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your 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 (ie. self-directed) Academic Currency and 1 day, plus 5 days pro rata, per annum for Agreed Academic Currency and Professional Development. 

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
Tuition delivery is online.

How to apply

An application form and job-related information are available from the links located below. Any queries regarding the application process please contact AL-Applications on [email protected], quoting the reference number WELS_002.

Job related information:

AL Application Form

Generic Person Specification

Terms and Conditions 

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

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.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.

If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

Interviews

It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 29 June or 6 July 2026.

Email: [email protected]

An application form and job related information are available from the links located above. Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment team by email ([email protected]), quoting the reference number: WELS_002.

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.