Your Responsibilities
The Academic Skills Tutor plays a central role in equipping Gisma students with the foundational and advanced academic competencies necessary to succeed in higher education and beyond. Working within the Academic Skills and Learning Development team, the postholder will design, deliver, and continuously improve modules covering academic writing, research methods, critical thinking, and academic integrity , providing both structured teaching and targeted individual support.This role is particularly suited to someone who is passionate about student success in an international context, has a strong command of academic discourse across disciplines, and is motivated to contribute to a supportive, scholarly learning environment.
The Academic Skills Tutor will be expected to:
- Plan and deliver engaging lectures, seminars, and workshops across academic skills modules, ensuring content is appropriately pitched for an international student cohort.
- Providestructured guidance on academic writing conventions, argument construction, source evaluation, and citation practices across disciplines.
- Work closely with the Library and Academic Resources team to support students in developing information literacy skills, including effective literature searching, use of academic databases, and critical evaluation of sources.
- Deliver workshops (in collaboration with library services) on database usage, referencing tools, and research skills.
- Offer one-to-one and small-group support sessions for students at all stages of their studies, including those working on dissertations, research projects, and major assessments.
- Monitor student engagement and progress,identifyingat-risk studentsearlyand implementingappropriate academicsupport interventions.
- Collaborate with module leaders andprogrammedirectors to embed academic skills development within the broader curriculum.
- Contribute to the design, review, and updating of learning materials, ensuring alignment with current academic standards and student needs.
- Participate in marking and assessment activities related to academic skills assignments, providingtimelyand constructive feedback.
- Support the development and maintenance of resources on the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), including Canvas.
- Engage with institutional quality assurance and enhancement processes, contributing to module evaluations andprogrammereviews.
- Participate actively in staff meetings, departmental events, and professional development activities.
TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
The postholder will be primarily responsible for teaching and supporting the following academic skills areas. These areas should align with Gisma’s foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate modules, particularly those requiring academic writing, research methods, and dissertation support.
Academic Writing
- Essay structure, paragraph development, argumentation, and coherence
- Academic register, style, and discipline-specific conventions
- Proofreading and revision strategies
Research Methods - Qualitative and quantitative research approaches
- Literature searching, source evaluation, and synthesis
- Structuring andwritingresearch proposals and dissertations
- Use of academic databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and library resources for literature review development
Critical Thinking and Analysis - Evaluating evidence, constructing reasoned arguments, andrecognisinglogical fallacies
- Applying critical frameworks to academic and professional texts
Referencing and Academic Integrity - APA, Harvard, and other referencing systems
- Avoiding plagiarism and understanding academic misconduct policies
- Supporting students in understanding intellectual property and citation ethics
Quantitative and Analytical Skills (where applicable) - Introduction to data interpretation, statistical reasoning, and analytical approaches relevant to business and social science
- Supporting students in quantitative modules requiring academic writing or research design.
- Contribute to institutional initiatives aimed at enhancing academic quality, student experience, and learning outcomes.
Your profile
- Master's degree in a relevant field, such as English Language, Applied Linguistics, Education, Academic Development, Communication, Business, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of five years of academic teaching experience at university level, with a demonstrable track record of delivering academic skills or foundation-level programmes.
- Proven experience supporting students in higher education settings, including dissertation and research support.
- Strong command of academic writing conventions and the ability to teach these effectively to non-native English speakers.
- Experience working in international or multicultural higher education environments.
- Familiarity with digital learning platforms, particularly Learning Management Systems such as Canvas, Moodle, or equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD (or equivalent doctoral qualification) in a relevant academic discipline. Candidates with a completed or near-completion doctorate will be given preference.
- Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCert in Higher Education, FHEA, or equivalent).
- Experience with accreditation processes and quality assurance frameworks in higher education.
- Publications or scholarly contributions in areas related to academic skills development, higher education pedagogy, or applied linguistics.
- Prior experience at a German university or within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
| Teaching & Academic | Interpersonal & Professional |
| Excellent command of academic English (written and spoken) | Strong interpersonal skills and an approachable, student-centred manner |
| Ability to adapt teaching methods for diverse learning needs and cultural backgrounds | Effective communicator across different platforms and audiences |
| Competence in curriculum design and learning outcome mapping | Collaborative team player with experience working across departments |
| Sound knowledge of assessment and feedback practices | Organised and self-directed, with the ability to manage a varied workload |
| Proficiency in digital tools and VLE platforms (e.g., Canvas) | Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice |
| Familiarity with academic integrity tools (e.g., Turnitin) | Sensitivity to the challenges faced by international and non-native English-speaking students |
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via the Gisma careers portal. Applications should include a current CV, a cover letter detailing relevant experience and motivation for the role, evidence of teaching qualifications, and any supporting documents (e.g., teaching evaluations, publications).
Why us?
- Opportunity to work with a great team in a dynamic and international culture
- A workplace in our modern, centrally located campus in Potsdam
- Numerous campus events from the fields of art, culture, business, and science
- Opportunity to develop and implement new ideas and concepts
- Personal and professional development