FHASS PGR Writing Mentor

Lancaster University

  • United Kingdom
  • £17.33 per hour
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 21 hours ago
We are welcoming applications to join our team of Student Writing Mentors for the next academic year. The mentors work at the Academic Writing Space in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Science (FHASS) and are managed by Learning Development.To apply you must be a doctoral student studying at Lancaster University in one of the four Schools in FHASS (School of Arts, School of Global Affairs, School of Law, School of Social Sciences).What is the Writing Space?The Writing Space is collaborative café-style space on campus where any student from FHASS can come to discuss academic writing with a peer writing mentor,1-to-1.Mentors work in 2-hour shifts and in groups of four on Tuesdays in term time, under the supervision of the Learning Developer. Since we began in 2012 we have provided 5000 writing consultations on this basis.Further informationWhile successful applicants must have a strong level of English and be successful in their studies, candidates must also demonstrate an awareness that this is a nurturing role, which requires self-awareness and reflection, empathy and consideration of other students. Ideal candidates will be willing to learn and grow through this process.We welcome applications from all diversity groups and recognise the value of diversity for students who visit the Academic Writing Space.To apply, please include a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should outline why you are applying for this role and explain how your experience, skills and ethos complement our role description and person criteria. Cover letters may be written to Ms Joanne Wood.We run on Tuesdays during term time, after some training in weeks 1-3. We are a team of 12 people and usually have a few vacancies every year. Each mentor works 2 hours each week chosen from 3 shifts (with 4 mentors per shift).The Writing Space is popular with our students - we held 350 1-to-1 meetings last year. These comments are typical of the feedback we receive:“The academic advisors/mentors have been so helpful in understanding feedback, reviewing my work and guiding me in where to go to improve”“The writing space provided me with a calming environment and reassurance that I was able to achieve my best”Preferred start date: 29th of September 2025Expected end date: 31st of July 2026Weekly hours: 2 hours per week (Tuesdays in term time)Location: On the Lancaster University campusJob DescriptionWriting Mentors in FHASS are required to:
  • Attend training early in the first term (October 2025). This is likely to be 3 x 2hour. training sessions on campus spread over weeks 1-3 in October.
  • To work in the Academic Writing Space on campus for approximately two hours a week in term-time. We usually work the first 5 weeks of the summer term. You will never work alone at the Writing Space.
  • To work 1-to-1 with students, discussing their academic writing
  • Keep brief records of student consultations.
  • Attend occasional meetings for debriefing and reflection.
  • There may be opportunity to support wider Learning Development provision, such as occasional teaching support and resource development.
  • Any further hours are not mandatory to the role.
Person SpecificationThe successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:Essential:
  • PhD student in academic year 2025-26
  • A good academic track record and a high standard of written and spoken English
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Reliable and approachable
  • Able to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students
  • A reflective approach, with an interest in academic, personal and professional development
  • Willingness to take direction and work within the guidelines of the scheme
Working in this role will help develop the following skills and experience:
  • Analysing
  • Creativity
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Exercising professional judgement
  • Flexibility
  • Interpersonal sensitivity
  • Knowledge
  • Sharing
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
For any queries about this role please contact Joanne Wood -You are required to submit a cover letter to support your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. .Please note: Unless specified otherwise in the advert wording, this role is only open to individuals living in the UK.Under the terms of this work, we endeavour to provide the advertised number of hours however, hours are not guaranteed and that work may cease if there is a fall in demand.Adverts that display a closing date should be treated as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.ShareHelp and advice on making applications can be found on the Lancaster University Careers pages. Visit

Lancaster University