Lecturer in Psychology

About the Role

The post holder will work in teams that produce and deliver innovative and exciting learning resources across the School of Psychology & Counselling, focusing on the development and teaching of the British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited psychology qualifications, with a particular focus on forensic psychology. They will have the opportunity to work as part of teams of fellow academics, editors and producers to create innovative teaching and learning materials using a variety of media.

The post holder will conduct independent research (appropriate to career stage) and contribute to future  (or equivalent). They should undertake research that aligns with, or extends, the School’s established research profile – particularly with the Forensic Cognition Research Group (FCRG). Candidates should have demonstrable experience and a keen interest in contemporary trends, debates and practices in forensic psychology.

Teaching

• Contribute to teams producing, presenting and updating relevant modules and qualifications for the School of Psychology & Counselling.
• Play a leading role in the teaching of forensic psychology across undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.
• Support teaching and learning activity appropriate to online and distance education and qualifications for The Open University.
• Take an active role in School and Faculty activities and groups, developing innovative curricula and pedagogies.
• Contribute to the production and delivery of interdisciplinary curricula involving psychology within the Open University curriculum more broadly.

Research

• Engage actively in research and produce high- quality research outputs that can be entered in a future  (or equivalent) for Unit 04 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
• Demonstrate a research synergy with, or extension to, areas investigated by members of the Forensic Cognition Research Group.
• Contribute to research activities and events complementary to ongoing research in the School, Faculty and the Open Psychology Research Centre, and take an active role in research communities.
• Engage actively in making external research grant applications.

Academic Management

• Contribute to academic management within the School, Faculty and University, as required by the Head of School.

• A PhD or equivalent in psychology or a cognate discipline.
• A developing profile of teaching excellence in psychology.
• Evidence of understanding contemporary issues and trends in forensic psychology.
• Evidence of understanding the issues involved in supporting and delivering distance learning in Higher Education.
• Evidence of interest in and commitment to online teaching and learning.
• Experience teaching at various levels in psychology.
• Writing skills that demonstrate the ability to produce written material for students appropriate to their level of study.
• A developing profile of research excellence in an area of psychology with research synergy, or extension to, the existing strengths of the Forensic Cognition Research Group.
• Evidence of high-quality research outputs appropriate for career stage.
• Evidence of potential for securing research funding.
• Commitment to the value of open and engaged research, interacting meaningfully with various stakeholders.
• A track record of working collaboratively and successfully in teams.
• Experience of working with and producing distance‑teaching materials.
• Experience using and developing online and multimedia teaching materials.
• Experience supervising student dissertations and projects.
• Experience of additional research activity (e.g. knowledge exchange, impact activities) appropriate for career stage.
• Research activity with a clearly applied dimension.
• A teaching qualification appropriate to Higher Education.
• Be HCPC eligible in forensic psychology.
• Experience working in forensic psychology settings.

Contact or email  quoting the advert reference number for any questions or assistance relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role.

The Open University offers a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work‑life balance. Flexible working arrangements, including job share, part‑time, compressed hours or other arrangements, are open to discussion.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, with at least one day per month in the Milton Keynes office, although this may increase as business needs dictate.

Interviews are likely to be held in mid July 2026.

Applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the vacancy may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered.

Apply via the link to the Open University site.