Job Title: School of Dentistry Senior Lecturer or Lecturer posts (minimum of 3 opportunities)
Reporting to: Chair and Foundation Head of the School of Dentistry
Location: RCSI, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
School (or department): School of Dentistry
Contract type/duration: Permanent, (preferably full time)
Closing date for applications: 5pm, 20th April 2024
Interview date: TBA
About the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI):
As a global institution in Dublin, Bahrain and Malaysia, headquartered in Dublin Ireland, RCSI is a dedicated health sciences university with a broad international reach and the ability to unlock significant advancement for patient safety and clinical outcomes worldwide. For over two centuries, across five international campuses, RCSI has welcomed students, surgical trainees, faculty and researchers from every corner of the world. RCSI is also the national centre for surgical training and standards in Ireland. We are ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and are the second most highly ranked institution in Ireland. We are also ranked in the Top 50 in the World for 'International Outlook' - THE World University Ranking 2023. Our performance in the rankings is linked in particular to our research strengths – with our publication citation rate being the highest in Ireland.
About the School of Dentistry
RCSI has a strong heritage in dental education and training. As the second oldest dental school in Europe, it delivered an undergraduate dentistry programme between 1878-1977 (LDSRCSI) and the Faculty of Dentistry to provide postgraduate education, accreditation of programmes and quality assurance through examination was established in 1963. Against this backdrop of our international standing, tradition and ambitious growth strategy, we now seek to embark on an ambitious goal to launch an undergraduate School of Dentistry commencing student enrolment in September 2025. Through a community-based approach to dental education, our graduates will be ready to working a primary care environment where they will practice. The School of Dentistry sits alongside seven other established Schools in RCSI in producing work ready graduates trained to work, thrive and lead in the environment in which they will practise contributing to benefit healthcare at a national and international level.
Work has already commenced on developing the programme, a curriculum has been selected and facilities to support the delivery of the programme identified and in the process of being provisioned. The next and critical part of this programme is to identify experienced and motivated staff to join RCSI on the exciting programme.
For more information on our new School of Dentistry, please visit https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/about/faculty-of-medicine-and-health-science...
Objectives of these posts:
You will join the expanding School of Dentistry undergraduate development team and play a key role in the development of a new undergraduate dentistry programme. You will also be part of the teaching faculty resource team who will be responsible for delivering and teaching the new undergraduate dentistry programme. Professor Albert Leung has been appointed Professor of Dentistry and foundation Head of the School of Dentistry. We are seeking a minimum of three academic colleagues to join Professor Leung’s team at Senior Lecturer/Lecturer level to complement our academic staff and help us at this exciting time to prepare the programme in advance of the commencement of the first BDS student intake in September 2025.
Specific Duties of the Roles:
Programme Development:
RCSI has proposed a community-based curriculum, which will be aligned with the relevant dentistry regulatory requirements for undergraduate teaching in Ireland. Infrastructure such as academic and clinical teaching facilities have also been identified
* You will be tasked with working collaboratively with the team to contribute to and participate in the design, development and delivery of the School’s level 8 educational programme.
* You will contribute to the development and enhancement of the School of Dentistry Curricula, ensuring that the applications to clinical practice contents are current, relevant, and aligned with advancements in the practice of dentistry.
Programme Organisation:
You will be expected to work with your peers to advance the programme of work to enable implementation of this
ambitious project, including supporting;
* The development of teaching and assessment schedules based on the proposed programme whilst utilizing available resources as efficiently as possible.
* The implementation and set up of Dental Education Facilities (DEFs) – a key facility for the delivery of community-based dentistry model, and positive learning experiences for students.
* The technology platform development to support the delivery of the dentistry programme in close collaboration with IT colleagues.
* The development of the Marks and Standards documentation.
* The development of and coordination of in-module and end of module assessments as required.
* The quality assurance/quality improvement and accreditation of existing modules. Where applicable support External Examiner / Accreditation audits or activities.
Teaching
* Prepare in advance of September 2025 and subsequently lead the delivery of teaching to students across the dentistry programme. Ensure that modules you teach on are delivered and examined appropriately and effectively and in adherence to the relevant Curriculum Course Book and Marks & Standards regulations.
* Integrate innovative teaching methods, technology, and research findings into the curriculum to enhance students’ learning experience, in accordance with the School of Dentistry teaching and assessment strategies.
* Act as liaison between students and staff managing Student communications (Academic Performance;Approach to learning journey; Content sign posting etc.)
Research
* Where applicable, to conduct original research in basic and dental sciences related to the practice of dentistry.
* Sustain an independent and highly productive research profile aligned with established priority areas of research within the School and across RCSI.
* Where applicable, to collaborate with other researchers, clinicians, and dental healthcare professionals in related fields to advance the understanding of oral health.
* Mentor and supervise undergraduate students and research staff (where applicable)
* Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and contributing to the academic literature in dentistry basic sciences.
Support and Collaborations
* Collaborate with dental clinicians and other healthcare professionals to integrate aspects of basic sciences
and clinical applications of these sciences in relation to the practice of dentistry.
* Work closely with inter-disciplinary healthcare teams to address Oral Health Challenges and contribute to the development of evidence-based clinical care strategies.
* Collaborate with and provide support to colleagues in the RCSI Schools and across the RCSI international campuses as required.
Continuing Development
* Undergo programmes of training and development as may be required.
* Always represent the best interests of the School of Dentistry and RCSI.
* Stay current with advancements in dentistry, basic sciences, and related fields through continuing professional development activities.
* Participate in national and international conferences to share research insights, collaborate with peers, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Administration
* Participate in departmental and institutional activities, such as committee work, to contribute to the overall functioning of the academic and research environment.
* Collaborate with administrators to secure funding, manage budgets, and support the growth of the dentistry basic sciences department.
* The development of standard operating procedures around all aspects of the operational delivery of the dentistry programme (Teaching; Assessment; Student Communications; Scheduling; Induction; Quality Improvement etc.).
* Support the on boarding and mentorship of new resources, which will be required to fulfil the school’s operational needs.
The Ideal Candidate:
Will have demonstrable evidence of the below although not all are essential:
* A PhD or equivalent in an area relevant to dentistry or dental education alongside registration as a dentist withthe Dental Council in Ireland or holds a qualification recognised by the Dental Council in Ireland for registration as a dentist in Ireland. We are particularly interested in applicants with clinical and academic experience in Operative and Restorative Dentistry, Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery or Oral Medicine with special interests in Dental Anatomy.
OR
* A PhD in a relevant field of science relating to Oral Health (Anatomy, Physiology etc).
AND
* Experience of university teaching.
* Strong educational interest and skill set, as evidenced by experience in undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching and assessment in dentistry or relevant health science domains.
* An ability to engage undergraduate students through a range of teaching modes.
* An ability to continuously adapt and innovate teaching methods.
* Demonstrate an interest in seeking opportunities to support students’ whole development
* Strong commitment to own personal and professional development.
* Effective communication style appropriate to audience and situation.
* Able to build and maintain strong working relationships.
* Requires minimum direction to effectively deliver on assigned functions, and demonstrates a positive,student–centred and solution focused approach to addressing challenges and ambiguity.
* Has flexibility to work irregular hours on occasion, and for international travel on occasion if required.
* Deadline-oriented while delivering high quality teaching.
* A sustained track record of both senior authorship of papers in high quality peer-reviewed journals and of securing competitive grant funding in the areas of digital and connected health.
* Qualification in teaching and learning in higher education.
* Qualification in digital education or technology.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do apply — we would love to hear from you.
The Process:
Application Process:
Please apply online at this Link you will be asked to submit a CV and Cover Letter. Please indicate in your cover letter the role your experience is aligned with. We are recruiting for academic colleagues, who are qualified dentists with a specialised interest in the key areas relevant to undergraduate dental education, including but not limited to clinical and academic experience in Operative and Restorative Dentistry, Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, or Oral Medicine with special interests in Dental Anatomy. In parallel, we are also recruiting for academic colleagues with relevant qualifications and background in basic sciences related to oral health including Anatomy (General and Dental), and Physiology. Consideration will also be extended to applicants with experience in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience
Please direct queries towards Ms July Walsh at judywalsh@rcsi.com
Please confirm that you are currently eligible to work in Ireland. Applications by candidates who are not eligible to work in Ireland unfortunately cannot be processed.
Interview and presentation
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a formal competence-based interview and presentation.
Particulars of Post
This post is a full-time permanent position. The appointee will report to the Head of Department or nominee.
Employee Benefits
RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future. Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee:
* Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days
* Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles
* Additional leave options incl. paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave
* 7% Employer pension contribution
* Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl. classes and PT sessions
* Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe
* Free eye test and annual flu vaccination
* TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes
* A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative
* Competitively priced café and restaurant
* Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups
* Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life
* Learning and Development training programmes incl. LinkedIn Learning for career progression
* Discounted services incl. GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands
* Sports and social club incl. yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ
*Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events.
Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through Judy Walsh, Human Resources Department (email: judywalsh@rcsi.com). All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage www.rcsi/careers. Judy can arrange for relevant queries on the academic aspects of the role to be addressed by the hiring manager. More details about RCSI can be found at www.rcsi.com
Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role. Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed inadvance by the SMT representative.
