Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology

**Job details**

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**Responsible to**

Subject Lead for Sport and Exercise Science

**Location**

St Helena, ChesterfieldKedleston Road, Derby Campus

**Closing date**

Wednesday 29 April 2026

**Salary**

£38,784 to £46,049 per annum

**Job grade**

HE Lecturer

**Reference**

0069-26

**Contract type**

Fixed term contract until June 2027

**Post type**

Full-time

**Adaptive working type**

Hybrid

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available in line with our Adaptive Working Framework.

**About the University**

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

**About the College/Department**

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

**School of Sport and Exercise Science**

The School of Sport and Exercise Science covers physiology and psychology; biomechanics and performance analysis; strength, conditioning and rehabilitation; sport management; sport education and coaching. The School will have a focus on performance sports, exercise and recreational sports, and physical activity for health and wellbeing. Sport and Exercise Sciences at Derby engages with industry and ensures impact through our applied provision across a broad range of professional, semi-professional and amateur sport organisations across Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby County Football Club, Derby Rugby Football Club, Derventio Swimming Club, Derbyshire Institute of Sport, and Active Derbyshire.

Our industry-informed and student-led approach, combined with our wide knowledge and skill set in a broad spectrum of areas within health and performance, drive industry standards and promote development, transition and independence. This creates a vibrant, exciting and inclusive place for our students to learn and allows our graduates to make a real impact in the health and sporting world.

**About the role**

The Sport and Exercise Science subject area is a dynamic and driven group with expertise spanning a wide range of topics from physical activity for health and wellbeing to performance sport. Our staff combine applied work with active research, ensuring that teaching is underpinned by industry insight and cutting-edge knowledge. We deliver a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are highly valued by students and recognised by employers, with specialist facilities that support practical, hands-on learning. Therefore, you will be required to teach across multiple sites, including our Chesterfield Campus.

We are seeking an experienced Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology who is confident in inspiring the next generation of industry leaders during this time. You will contribute to delivering engaging and innovative teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within your specialist field. you will also support student learning and development, and contribute to the School's research and enterprise activities. You will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional development, research activity, and industry collaboration.

**Anticipated interview date Friday 8th May.**

*This position is offered on a fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave, with the contract due to end in mid June 2027**. There may be the potential for the contract to be extended beyond this date, however this cannot be guaranteed.*

*Please note, this role will sit under the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation within the College of Health and Humanities as of 1st August 2026.*

**About You**

We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking academic with a strong foundation in Sport and Exercise Physiology. You will bring a blend of academic expertise and industry insight, with a passion for delivering high-quality, student-centred learning and contributing to impactful research and enterprise activity.

You will hold a good honours degree in a relevant discipline, alongside experience in professional practice within performance sports and/or relevant industries, or research and/or innovation experience in relevant subject areas to Sport and Exercise Physiology; which could include a PhD (or near completion);as well as Fellowship of the HEA or a willingness to achieve this.

To be successful in this role, you will have proven experience in a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students in the area of Sport and Exercise Physiology, with strong practical capabilities to support student learning, and a track record of research activity or applied experience.

**Principal accountabilities**

### **Learning and Teaching**

Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects/modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.

Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.

Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures.

Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the ‘Derby Graduate’.

Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

### **Research / Scholarship**

Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.

Engage in research and collaborate both on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.

Develop and maintain contacts and relationship with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.

### **Other**

Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate.

Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.

Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.

Develop external links in order, for example, to support student recruitment, secure student placements, facilitate outreach work, generate income or build relationships for future activities.

Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.

Contribute to effective cross College / University working.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

**Person specification**

### **Essential Criteria**

#### **Qualifications**

• Good Honours Degree in relevant subject discipline
• Experience in professional practice within performance sports and/or relevant industries, or research and/or innovation experience in relevant subject areas to Sport and Exercise Physiology, which could include PhD (or submitted and awaiting examination), or willingness to work towards within an agreed timeframe.
• Fellowship of the Advance HE or willingness to work towards

#### **Experience**

##### **Learning / Teaching**

• Experience or knowledge of quality assurance and validation of Higher Education (HE) modules / programmes
• Experience or knowledge of higher education and ability to use a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students

##### **Research / Scholarship**

• Demonstrable experience of own discipline to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field
• Applied experience working in the Sport and Exercise Physiologysector, e.g experience of research/enterprise activity
• Evidence of active publishing in high quality journals or other outputs in research or practice that will contribute to the REF

#### **Skills, knowledge & abilities**

• An appropriate level of digital capability with practical experience of applications which aid student learning
• Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups
• Proficient in using IT to support own work and for application to technology-enhanced learning / teaching and research activities
• Excellent written and oral communication, networking and relationship building skills, both across the University and externally
• Able to demonstrate both independent self-management and team working
• Able to work with competing priorities and to tight deadlines
• Demonstrates competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
• Demonstrates professionalism in learning / teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE
• A sound understanding of the employability agenda and its relevance to learners and the curriculum
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Innovative and creative
• Committed to continual enhancement and a high quality student experience
• Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality

#### **Business requirements**

• Able to take a flexible approach to work

+ Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for research or teaching

+ Some evening and occasional weekend teaching

+ Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.

+ A commitment to own professional development

### **Desirable Criteria**

#### **Qualifications**

• Masters degree in relevant subject area
• Relevant industry qualifications e.g.,

+ Accredited member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)

+ Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP)

• Subject specific qualifications

#### **Experience**

##### **Learning / Teaching**

• Proven experience of recent excellent teaching identified by peer review
• Experience of module leadership
• Experience of developing innovative module/programme content and delivery methods

##### **Research / Scholarship**

• Developing national and international profile of research and scholarly activity
• Experience of bidding for and obtaining external research funding
• Experience of successfully applying discipline to income generation activities, including consultancy, industry-based applied research and KTPs

#### **Skills, knowledge and abilities**

• Knowledge of contemporary issues within Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Able to identify potential sources of funding

**Benefits**

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

**Key contact**

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Laurice Fretwell, Subject Lead for Sport & Exercise Science via l.fretwell@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

**Important information**

#### **Visa Sponsorship Eligibility**

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

#### **Equity, diversity and inclusion**

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.

We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

Further, we are committed to ensuring an environment which is trans and non-binary-inclusive for all our staff, students, partners, and visitors, and continuously review our policies, guidance and training.

When applying to join the University, you can choose your preferred title, including the gender-neutral title 'Mx'. We also ask our candidates if they would like to share their preferred pronouns. This is voluntary but demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity for trans and non-binary candidates. Once employed, you can add pronouns and preferred names onto our system.

The University of Derby undertakes anonymised shortlisting during the staff recruitment process. This means that, when shortlisting, panel members will not be able to see an applicant’s name and will see an applicant number instead. This demonstrates the practical steps we are taking to remove barriers to recruitment by minimising the possible impact of our unconscious bias.

However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

Read more about equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby.

#### **Environmental Sustainability**

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

**Achieve your academic ambitions, apply today at University of Derby.**

**How to apply**

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You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

**The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.**

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.