Provisional interview date - Monday 14th September
The Widening Participation and Social Mobility Directorate (WPSM) is tasked with meeting the ambitious targets of the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP), which aims to improve the access, success and progression of students from underrepresented, disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds.
The Enhancement Team of WPSM supports this through the targeted provision of academic skills across the student lifecycle, contributing to student success initiatives designed to reduce non-continuation and degree awarding gaps. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to undertake the role of Mathematics and Statistics Officer.
The Role
As the specialist mathematics and statistics practitioner within the Academic Skills Service, the postholder will contribute expert knowledge and guidance to shape high-quality provision that supports students to develop the mathematical and statistical skills, confidence and understanding required for academic success within their programmes.
The successful candidate will develop and deliver a range of student-facing provision, including workshops, drop-ins, one to one appointments, and self-directed learning opportunities. They will develop innovative and sustainable approaches to mathematics and statistics support, helping students to become independent learners while enhancing their academic performance.
The postholder will work closely with academic colleagues across the University to integrate mathematics and statistics skills development into curricula, designing bespoke and discipline specific support that responds to the needs of different student cohorts. An integral aspect of the role will be to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and contribute to the university’s strategic aims to reduce awarding gaps and improve student outcomes.
The postholder will also provide specialist support for the quantitative evaluation of APP initiatives, offering advice on quantitative methods, data interpretation and reporting, while supporting colleagues to develop their confidence in quantitative evaluation practice.
The postholder will take a proactive approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the service and identifying opportunities for its continued development and promotion.
About You
You will have substantive knowledge and experience in mathematics, statistics, quantitative methods, or a related discipline, which may have been obtained through experience of teaching or supporting students in higher education or a comparable educational setting.
You will understand the challenges students face when developing quantitative skills and be able to communicate complex mathematical and statistical concepts in clear, engaging and accessible ways. You will have experience of designing effective learning materials and delivering student-centred support that promotes confidence, independence and success.
You will be a proactive and collaborative individual who is able to work across a large organisation to improve the student experience. You will be enthusiastic about widening participation and committed to supporting students from diverse educational and personal backgrounds to achieve their academic potential.
This is an enjoyable and exciting role and we are keen to work with individuals who share our passion for the transformative potential of academic skills education.
You are also encouraged to have an informal chat with the Enhancement Manager (Writing Skills and Mathematics and Statistics), Dr Julia O’Connell to learn more about the role and the team. Julia can be contacted via email j.r.c.oconnell@soton.ac.uk
The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and will be based at our lively Highfield Campus where you will have access to our sports complex, Hartley Library and Staff Social Centre. The university offers a number of benefits and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
* An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.