Applications to pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy degrees have seen an increase in recent years, with higher education being at the forefront of the discovery of new drugs and treatments which meet the complex health challenges of the 21st century.
An increase in demand means and increase in the need for universities to recruit experts who can train aspiring pharmacology professionals while making world-leading breakthroughs in medical science.
Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy lecturers teach and research across a wide range of scientific and medical disciplines. Here we look at the lecturing roles available in this fast-moving area of the health and medical sector, the qualifications and experience you need and opportunities for career progression.
Job Descriptions
Lecturer in Pharmacology
Pharmacology lecturers contribute to a variety of teaching and research activities across medical, biosciences and life sciences faculties and schools.
Duties:
- Teaching and assessment of pharmacology-related undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Small group teaching of seminars, practical classes and tutorials
- Conducting individual and collaborative research projects
- Securing funding for research and publication of outcomes
- Forging relationships with professional bodies and industry contacts
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in Pharmacology or related biomedicine/biochemistry discipline would be essential for pharmacology lecturing positions. You would also need to have undertaken high quality postdoctoral research in a field related to pharmacology.
Although not always necessary, a recognised teaching qualification is highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for pharmacology lecturers start in the region of £30,000 to £49,999, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
The next step up for a pharmacology lecturer would be senior lecturer or associate professor. Promotion depends on research output and the quality of your teaching.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Pharmaceutics
- Lecturer in Drug Discovery
- Lecturer in Molecular Biology
- Lecturer in Public Health
Where can I find lecturer in pharmacology jobs?
You will find pharmacology lecturer jobs in university medicine and bioscience schools. Most lectureships are offered on a full-time, permanent basis and the busiest time for recruitment to lecturing posts is around May and June.
Find lecturer in pharmacology jobs here
Lecturer in Toxicology
Toxicology lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students following pharmacology, medical, biosciences and biomedicine degree programmes. They also play an active role in ongoing research projects.
Duties:
- Planning, delivery and teaching of toxicology modules to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Supervising and mentoring doctoral students in toxicology
- Carrying out toxicology and bioscience research and publishing outcomes.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
As there are very few undergraduate degree programmes in toxicology in the UK, you would probably have a first degree in a related biosciences or pharmacology subject and a PhD in toxicology.
You would also need to have considerable experience as a registered toxicologist or in toxicology research, with a track record of published research outcomes.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for lecturers in toxicology start in the range of £34,304 to £50,296, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining significant teaching experience, the next academic level would be senior lecturer or associate professor in toxicology or related field. Alternatively, you may wish to apply for research-only roles, as a senior research associate or fellow.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Forensic Toxicology/Science
- Lecturer in Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Lecturer in Molecular Toxicology
- Toxicologist
Where can I find lecturer in toxicology jobs?
Toxicology is often integrated within pharmacology degree programmes, therefore availability of lecturing roles for toxicology as a standalone subject is relatively low. However, it’s worth looking at lecturing posts for pharmacology, a broader field which incorporates expertise and research in toxicology.
Find lecturer in toxicology jobs here
Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice
Pharmacy Practice lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students following a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree programme. They also carry out research into related areas, such as drug design, development and distribution.
Duties:
- Conducting and disseminating pharmacy-related research projects.
- Attracting research income
- Teaching and assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy practice students
- Curriculum development and placement supervision
- Delivery of seminars, laboratory classes and workshops
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD or Professional Doctorate in Pharmacy would be essential for pharmacy practice lecturer positions. You would also need to demonstrate postdoctoral research experience as well as being registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The job of pharmacist has been added to the Government’s Shortage Occupation List. Therefore, universities are particularly interested in hiring qualified pharmacists who have experience of working in a community pharmacy or hospital, to enable students to benefit from more hands-on training and experience.
A Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), as well as a recognised teaching qualification would be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for lecturers in pharmacy practice start in the range of £42,149 to £50,296, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience, you could move up to a role as a senior lecturer or associate professor. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching practice and research output.
Related roles:
- Teaching Assistant in Pharmacy
- Lecturer in Health Data Science
- Lecturer in Pharmacy Education
Where can I find lecturer in pharmacy practice jobs?
You will find pharmacy practice lecturer jobs in higher education pharmacy schools and departments, which are evenly spread across the UK HE sector. Lecturing roles in pharmacy tend to be offered on a fixed-term, permanent basis, therefore jobs have limited availability.
Find lecturer in pharmacy practice jobs here
Further Information:
- Academic Jobs in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy
- Research jobs in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy
- Senior Level academic jobs in pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy
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