Here we take an in-depth look at three senior academic roles in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy, the qualifications and experience you need and the opportunities for career progression.
Senior-level academic pharmacologists, toxicologists and pharmacists lead internationally-recognised research programmes and manage teaching and learning activities in a university.
Pharmacological research and teaching plays a central role in the curricula of medical and scientific disciplines. Academics at this level have the research and teaching experience needed to train the next generation of scientists, doctors and dentists. They also drive the strategic vision and global reputation for pharmacological research and practice of the university.
Job Descriptions
Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology
Senior lecturers in pharmacology lead a team of lecturers in the teaching and assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacology students. They may also teach across other disciplines within a medical or life sciences faculty.
As well as teaching, a senior lecturer in pharmacology would be active in the leadership of ongoing and new research projects.
Duties:
- Planning, design and leadership of teaching activities.
- Curriculum design, supervision of doctoral students and placement activity.
- Developing personal and collaborative research projects.
- Dissemination of research outcomes, through publication and conferences.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
You would need to have a PhD in Pharmacology (or closely-related discipline), plus considerable experience of teaching and research in a university. Although not always essential, current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GMC) would give your application the edge.
You would also need to have a proven track record in published pharmacological research. Some institutions may also ask for a recognised teaching qualification and fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
What’s the pay?
Salaries for senior lecturers in pharmacology start in the range of £36,382 to £51,799, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience as a senior lecturer, the next step on the academic career path would be associate professor or professor. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching practice and research output and publication.
Where can I find senior lecturer jobs?
Most senior lectureships are advertised as full-time and permanent. Therefore, job availability can be low and related to the specific research programmes of the university.
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Head of Department – Pharmacy
The head of a pharmacy department shapes the curriculum and leads teaching and research activities. Working with the Dean of School or Faculty, they lead, manage and promote the activities of the department globally, while fostering strong collaborative partnerships.
Duties:
- Providing leadership of the teaching and research activities of the pharmacy department.
- Management and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses and programmes.
- Initiating and developing strategic links with external organisations and other universities.
- Leading and supporting teaching staff within the department.
- Representing the pharmacy department’s interests in the formulation of university policy.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A Head of Department would generally be a professor, reader or senior lecturer with an established academic career, who is looking to move into a leadership and management role in a university.
A PhD in Pharmacy (or related area) and a strong track record in education, teaching and research would be essential criteria for a Head of Department role.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for Heads of Department start in the range of £56,587 to £71,638, depending on qualifications, research and leadership experience.
What can it lead to?
The next move up the career ladder for a Head of Department would be Dean of a medical/science faculty or school.
Where can I find Head of Department – Pharmacy jobs?
Head of department opportunities tend to be offered on a permanent basis, with the incumbents staying in the role for the rest of their careers. Therefore, availability of opportunities are highly selective.
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Professor of Toxicology
Toxicology professors lead research in their area as well as teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical and sciences students. They teach and undertake research across several departments, such as pharmacology, public health and pharmacy.
Duties:
- Leading a programme of internationally recognised toxicology research
- Publishing research and presenting at high-profile conferences
- Providing leadership to a team of lecturers, associate professors and tutors
- Developing grant proposals and securing research funding
- Delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
What qualifications and experience do you need?
You would need a PhD in Toxicology (or related area) and an outstanding track record in research and teaching across multiple disciplines. You would also have strong leadership and management skills.
Experience of working as a registered toxicologist and fellowship of the British Society of Toxicology would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
Salaries start in the range of £50,000 – £59,999 for professorships in toxicology, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
Becoming a professor in a university is a long road, so many consider this role to be the height of their careers. However, professors can be selected to become head or director of their departments or move into a Deanship.
Where can I find Professor of Toxicology jobs?
Professorships in Toxicology are not widely available and can form part of a professorship within the medical sciences disciplines. Professorships in Toxicology are often taken up by visiting professors.
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Further Information:
- Academic Jobs in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy
- Lecturing jobs in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy
- Research jobs in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy
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