Find out what the tutor role involves. Tutors are more experienced academic staff that include post-doctoral researchers. As a tutor you are expected to be more independent and be capable of leading a class of students in sessions that cover key learning outcomes from lectures or other course materials.Tutors are often supplied with teaching materials (by course organisers), but the assumption is that the tutor already has adequate knowledge and academic experience to deliver the teaching required.Sometimes pre-doctoral students with specialist knowledge related to their PhD are recruited as tutors. This recruitment is likely to come directly from course organisers and PhD supervisors, but the Biology Teaching Organisation (BTO) team can also use the skills questionnaire to help course organisers select students with the appropriate skills and knowledge for the role.Develop personal and professional skillsThe professional and interpersonal skills that you can explore and develop through teaching experience (either tutoring or demonstrating) are a valuable part of your continuing professional development (CPD).For more information on this see the 'Why become a demonstrator' section.Why become a demonstrator Tutor job description Document Tutor Job Description Biological Sciences - Nov25 (215.9 KB / PDF) Tutor pay scalePostdoctoral staff (salaried) are not eligible for further payment for their role as a tutor, but do so as part of their ongoing professional development.Postgraduate tutors are paid on the UoE 6 scale. Getting paid Related linksTutoring for postdoctoral researchers This article was published on Monday 29 June 2026