Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and Behaviour Change SLSBC260506
Centre for Alternative Technology – Machynlleth SY20 9AZ
Title:
Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and Behaviour Change
Area of Responsibility:
MSc Sustainability and Behaviour Change, MSc Sustainable Food and Natural Resources, MSc Sustainability and Ecology and/or MSc Sustainability and Adaptation
Responsible to:
Programme Leader
Responsible for:
N/A
Contract type:
Fixed term, one year, Part time
Responsibility Grade:
33 (Senior Lecturer)
Location:
Workplace is the charity’s site near Machynlleth, mid Wales. However the department is open to home working in between onsite modules where necessary
Hours:
0.6 FTE 21.6 hours per week ideally but time fraction is negotiable
Working Days:
Generally Monday to Friday though some evening and weekend work is required at times.
Salary: Senior Lecturer £40,521 per annum pro rata
Work remotely: See Location
Application deadline: 9am 8 June 2026
Interviews to be held: week commencing 15 June 2026 (on site)
Expected start date: As soon as possible
About CAT
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an internationally renowned environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK, based near Machynlleth in Mid Wales.
CAT provides inspiration, education and training in solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency.
Key activities include a visitor centre where groups can see solutions in action, residential short courses, vocational training and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of sustainability-related topics, with online courses and events offered alongside in-person learning.
Overview of Role
The Graduate School of the Environment (GSE) at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) runs some of the leading postgraduate programmes in the field of sustainability in the UK. The GSE team leads the way in the advancement of post-graduate environmental education. The work of the GSE is central to CAT’s mission of equipping people with the skills and knowledge to deliver practical solutions for sustainability and transformation.
The GSE currently delivers a suite of Masters programmes based around sustainability and adaptation to environmental change, including the overarching MSc and MRes Sustainability and Adaption (SA), and 4 more specific MSc degrees focusing on Behaviour Change (SBC), Food and Natural Resources (SFNR), Ecology (SE), and Green Building (GB).
The MSc courses can be studied on-site through block residential stays at CAT, via distance learning, or ‘blended’ as a combination of the two, according to student requirements. Courses are validated by either the University of East London (UEL), or Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
Students on all these programmes benefit from CAT’s experience in the fields of sustainable architecture and building, food production, renewable energy, environmental management, and global environmental issues. CAT provides a unique environment for study, with access to leading academics and industry practitioners in relevant fields, and a mix of onsite biodiverse semi-natural environments, renewable energy technologies and low-impact buildings in use and on display alongside an environmental visitor centre.
We are seeking a dynamic individual who will bring enthusiasm and skill to the delivery of our MSc suite, primarily focusing on the management and delivery of the MSc Sustainability and Behaviour Change (SBC), programme. Candidates will be required to demonstrate specialist knowledge of current approaches in one or more of the following areas:
· Communication, engagement and campaigning within sustainability context
· Co-creation and participatory methods
· Psychology of environmental behaviour
· Climate justice and ethics
· Social enterprise and / or ethical business
· Futures and systems thinking
· Quantitative and/or qualitative experimental approaches
Candidates should be proficient in lecturing and personal tutoring, in providing on-line academic support, in marking and providing feedback to students at Masters level, and have the skills necessary to lead blended (onsite and distance learning) modules. Block on-site delivery typically comprises one five- day intensive residential module per month at CAT, with students supported via distance-learning methods whilst away from CAT for the remainder of the module period. Distance-Learning delivery typically comprises scheduled teaching sessions, phased learning activities and private study spread over an eight-week module period. Distance-learning modules are typically only delivered concurrently with associated on-site modules.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute academic expertise across CAT’s work. The post holder will be mainly focused on the delivery of the GSE MSc courses but will also have options to teach visiting groups and on our short courses as well as provide advice and input on CAT’s wider research, communications work, and the development of the CAT site.
To make an informal enquiry about the role please email Jane Fisher (Programme Leader for Sustainability and Behaviour Change) [email protected], or the Head of School: Adrian Watson, [email protected]
CAT is committed to promoting a just, diverse and inclusive community. Any selection criterion is based upon merit and the ability to do the job, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or philosophical belief.
Main Purpose and Responsibilities
Responsible to the Programme Leaders and Head of School. To provide module delivery, ensuring that academic quality, aims and outcomes in relation to modules are met.
Overview of main responsibilities includes the following: -
· To lead the academic and administrative aspects of the module(s) including assessment, with the resources available as agreed with the Programme Leader;
· To develop and update existing modules as required and develop appropriate teaching, learning and assessment strategies, using a range of delivery techniques to enthuse and engage students;
· Contribute towards programme development associated with the modules in consultation with the Programme Leader and Head of School;
· Arrange for the delivery of lectures, workshops, seminars, presentations and other relevant activities within modules;
· To monitor the outcomes of modules as required by the Programme Leader;
· Proactively interact with students and staff to offer or facilitate appropriate guidance and ensure deadlines are met;
· Contribute teaching and academic expertise to other aspects of CAT’s activities including short courses and university visits, and other areas where required.
General including leading modules
· To ensure that high academic standards are maintained, ensuring that module academic staff deliver to the required standards;
· Tackle and resolve issues affecting the quality of delivery within scope of own level of responsibility, referring more serious matters to others as appropriate;
· Communicate effectively with staff and students associated with modules;
· In collaboration with the Programme Leader, manage the resources required to run modules;
· To work with other academic and administrative staff to ensure effective module delivery and student support;
· Conduct risk assessments and take responsibility for the health and safety of others;
· Ensure that all students and supervisors are aware of and follow University regulations and procedures applicable to each module;
· Collaborate with colleagues on the implementation of assessment procedures;
· Contribute to the accreditation of courses and quality control processes;
· Be responsible for the pastoral care of students within a specified area, using listening, interpersonal and pastoral skills to deal with sensitive issues concerning students and provide or refer for support where needed;
· Ensuring that the appropriate actions and regulations are followed in cases of suspected academic misconduct;
· Liaison with student support staff in relation to record keeping;
· Other teaching, administrative and related duties as required by the Programme Leader or Head of School.
Teaching
· Delivery of lectures, workshops, seminars, presentations, tutorials and other relevant teaching activities within the module as agreed with Programme Leader;
· Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to teaching and appropriate external activities;
· Contribute to the planning, design and development of objectives and materials;
· Use appropriate teaching, learning support and assessment methods;
· Develop and produce learning materials and disseminate the results of scholarly activity;
· Undertake student supervision and assessment;
· Routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media;
· Respond constructively to student feedback;
· To carry out research, scholarly and development activity in agreement with the Programme Leader;
· Resolve problems affecting the quality of module delivery and student progress, referring more serious matters to others as appropriate.
Staff management and development
· Mentor colleagues with less experience and advise on personal development;
· Depending on the area of work, there may be an expectation to supervise the work of others;
· Co-ordinate the work of others to ensure modules are delivered to the standards required.
The duties and responsibilities will be broadly in line with the JNCHES HERA Level 3. Level 3 responsibilities build on the level of demand in Level 2.
Application forms are required. CVs will not be accepted.
Further details, including application form, can be obtained from our website: https://cat.org.uk/posts/vacancy/senior-lecturer/
Applications should be forwarded to vacancy'at'cat.org.uk by the deadline stating the job title in the Subject line.
Any queries should be addressed to vacancy'at'cat.org.uk
Closing date: 9am 08 June 2026
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 21.6 per week
Pay: £21.65 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Machynlleth SY20 9AZ
