Lecturer in Forensic Psychology

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 Science

The School of Science brings together three key subject areas; Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Forensic Science and Psychology. The School has strong links with key external agencies including the University Hospitals for Derby and Burton NHS Trust who support the Biomedical Sciences IBMS provision as well as research collaborations. The School also works with regional forensic science agencies including the police and private forensic science labs as well as numerous environmental agencies locally, nationally and internationally focusing on conservation, habitat management and environmental regeneration. 

About the Role

The Psychology subject area is home to the University's Psychology and Counselling and Psychotherapy provision, delivered at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. As a TEF Gold institution, we are proud to contribute high quality programmes grounded in psychological and behavioural science with a significant focus on applied psychology and professional practice. We host a large accredited provision across several Professional and Statutory Regulatory Bodies (including the BABCP, BACP, BPS, CIEHF, HCPC and NCPS). Programmes range from undergraduate underpinnings and initial postgraduate training for some psychological professions, to delivery that supports careers in sectors such as marketing, business, management and leadership (and many more). Furthermore we offer training in a range of therapeutic modalities across the counselling and psychotherapy courses and contribute to the development of the wider psychological workforce through our NHS based commissioned programmes. In Psychology our provision is underpinned by excellent student support to achieve the best possible outcomes for our students and high quality progression opportunities into a range of careers. Our delivery is further underpinned by high quality scientific research and scholarly activity, with industry informed and based research informing and leading the development of curriculum to ensure programmes are meeting the needs of employers to foster the success of our graduates from across the subject. 

We are excited to offer this permanent post to support the delivery of our growing British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited provision in Forensic Psychology and Psychology. As a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, you will contribute to the delivery of modules that form part of the undergraduate and postgraduate portfolio across the Psychology subject area, including core areas recognised by the British Psychological Society and any specialist areas. Our provision is delivered both on campus and online and this role will include delivery across both modes. Objectives of the post holder will be to contribute to the delivery of excellence in teaching across the portfolio, and to contribute to achievement of the highest outcomes for our students through excellent teaching and student support.

Psychology has an active research agenda and growing research profile. You will have the opportunity to engage with and/or support financially sustainable research and/or other appropriate academic and scholarly activity. 

The role will include supporting our marketing events (e.g., open days) and outreach (e.g., school visits) which occasionally take place into evenings and at weekends. We do support hybrid working as business needs permit and in agreement with the Subject Lead.   

We are advertising this role as a full time position, however we would also consider part time applications; please express your preference in your application.

About You

You will contribute to teaching across our excellent provision to enhance its quality and ensure an outstanding student experience.  There is an expectation of working collaboratively across the School of Psychology and more widely across the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care in curriculum contribution, and to progress the research and scholarship agenda. As such, skills in communication and collaboration are vital. The successful candidate will benefit from support to pursue research in keeping with the University of Derby academic themes, and contribute to our high-quality research profile.

We would especially welcome applications from candidates with expertise in forensic psychology, biological psychology and qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methods, although we will be pleased to receive applications from candidates with expertise in any of the core areas of psychology and applications of psychology to forensic contexts. We welcome applications from candidates who are in the final stages of completing their PhD (submitted or awaiting examination).

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Teacher’s Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Amy Baraniak, Subject Lead for Psychology via [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Important Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University. 

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI: 

Your job is on the Immigration Skills ListYou’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional trainingYou have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You must also meet the English Language requirement.

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

For more information, visit our website.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 19 Feb 2026

Area: Teaching and Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049 per annum