We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

At the University of Derby, we are shaping the future of medical education through innovative programmes, widening participation and strong partnerships with our local communities and healthcare providers.

Central to this ambition is the development of the University of Derby Medical School, with plans to deliver a five-year undergraduate MBChB programme. Our growing Medicine at Derby portfolio also includes an Access to HE (Medicine) Diploma, the Recognising Potential Pathway to Medicine, outreach activities and postgraduate and professional development opportunities.

Working closely with NHS partners, schools, colleges, community organisations and the University of Sunderland, we aim to develop a skilled, compassionate healthcare workforce that meets the needs of Derby, Derbyshire and beyond.

About the Role

We are seeking an innovative medical professional with an interest in education to lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the University's Recognising Potential programmes and associated pathways into medicine and healthcare. The role will focus on supporting learners from underrepresented backgrounds to raise their aspirations, develop their skills and confidence, and successfully progress into higher education and future healthcare careers.

Working closely with the Founding Dean of Medicine and a wide range of internal and external partners, you will design and deliver engaging educational programmes for learners aged 8–18 and beyond, including aspiring medical students and those studying on the University's Access to Medicine Diploma. Activities will include medical school application support, UCAT and Multiple Mini Interview preparation, clinical and communication skills workshops, simulated work experience, outreach activities and summer schools.

You will play a key role in developing innovative learning resources, evaluating programme impact and using evidence to drive continuous improvement. Building strong partnerships with schools, colleges, healthcare organisations and community stakeholders will be central to creating sustainable educational pathways and expanding access to medicine and other healthcare professions.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of the University of Derby Medical School, champion widening participation and social mobility, and help shape a future healthcare workforce that better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

Please note this role is 0.2 FTE (working pattern to be discussed at interview; however may include some weekends and evenings); on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract.

The anticipated interview date will be 25^th November 2026.

About You

You will be a qualified medical professional with a primary medical qualification and full GMC registration with a licence to practise, alongside experience in medical education, widening participation or supporting learners aspiring to enter medicine and other healthcare professions. You will have a strong understanding of UK medical school admissions processes, including UCAT and Multiple Mini Interview preparation, and a passion for helping learners from diverse backgrounds realise their potential.

You will bring experience of developing engaging educational programmes and resources, delivering interactive, learner-centred teaching and evaluating educational activities to improve outcomes. With a clear understanding of widening participation, social mobility, equality, diversity and inclusion, you will be committed to breaking down barriers to higher education and creating opportunities for underrepresented learners.

An excellent communicator and relationship-builder, you will be confident working collaboratively with academic colleagues, schools, colleges, healthcare organisations and community partners. You will have strong organisational and project management skills, the ability to analyse data and produce reports, and the confidence to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences. You will be proactive, adaptable and able to use your initiative while contributing effectively to a wider team.

Benefits

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Runa Saha, Founding Dean, r.saha@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information

If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 08 Nov 2026

Area: Teaching and Research

Salary: £33,662 to £45,641 per annum pro rata