Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science

University of Kent - Chemistry and Forensic Science

Location: Canterbury

Salary: £58,225 to £65,509 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 12th June 2026

Closes: 5th July 2026

Job Ref: SNS-085-26

Interview Date: 23 July 2026

Do you have the practitioner expertise, academic leadership and ambition to help shape the future of forensic science education?

Forensic Science at the University of Kent is expanding its ambitions, and we are looking for an experienced Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science to help shape the next phase of a distinctive and innovative programme. This is an opportunity to contribute to practice-led teaching, curriculum development & applied scholarship that prepares the next generation of forensic professionals for contemporary practice.

Kent has a strong track record of investing in facilities that enhance student learning, research and professional practice. Alongside our new ballistics facility, planned trace analysis suite, purpose-built crime scene house, taphonomic facility, specialist forensic laboratories and dedicated practical teaching spaces, you’ll be part of an environment that supports realistic, end-to-end forensic training.

The role is offered on an Education, Scholarship and Professional Practice contract, suitable for candidates who are student-focused in teaching, scholarship, pedagogic research and/or professional practice. We welcome applicants from academic, professional and practitioner backgrounds, particularly those with expertise in forensic analysis and interpretation, crime scene investigation, courtroom practice, digital forensics, trace evidence or environmental forensics.

As Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science you can expect to be involved in:

• Teaching, convening and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Forensic Science and related subject areas
• Providing academic leadership in curriculum development, programme enhancement & quality assurance
• Supporting inclusive, practice-led teaching across specialist facilities & applied learning environments
• Supervising student projects and developing professional networks that support teaching, employability & knowledge exchange

What will you bring to the role?

• Extensive specialist knowledge in forensic science or a closely related discipline, with evidence of academic or professional standing and leadership
• Experience designing, delivering and leading teaching, training, assessment or professional development in forensic science or a related field
• The ability to contribute to curriculum development, programme enhancement & innovation in teaching, learning and assessment
• A commitment to high-quality, practice-led education, with the ability to engage students & support their academic and professional development

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

The School of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent is one of the UK’s premier Universities for Forensic Science. Our accredited forensic degree courses were ranked 1st in England and Wales for the years 2024 and 2025 on the complete university guide. Our teaching team is built with academic staff originating from a range of backgrounds, allowing us to sit dynamically at the forefront of the discipline.

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number SNS-085-26.

We particularly welcome applications from female and black, Asian & minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area.