Job description

The Department of Geography, King’s College London invites applications for a Lecturer in Human Geography. This is an open call for an outstanding candidate working in the broadly defined field of Human Geography. The successful applicant will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching including in-person and online lecturing, fieldtrips, supervision, tutorials, marking and academic and pastoral support of students. They will also be expected to undertake individual and collaborative research, contributing to one of the research groups within the Department (e.g., Contested Development; Urban Futures; Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services).  

Candidates should hold a PhD in geography or a cognate discipline (e.g., anthropology. environmental studies, sociology, politics) and should have a developing research profile in human geography. We particularly welcome applicants working on international development, conservation, political ecology, water, energy, inequality and social justice. The successful applicant will be expected to teach across the undergraduate BA Geography degree and contribute to one or more of our MSc programmes (e.g. Environment, Politics and Development; Sustainable Cities; Geopolitics). 

The Lectureship is a three-year fixed term position with a probation period. This post will report to the Head of Department of Geography. The Lecturer will receive mentoring and support to develop their skills and experience in education, academic administration, and research. 

At King’s, we are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. King’s offers inclusive benefits to staff including flexible working, Enhanced Parental Leave, funds for Parents and Carers and the potential to join community staff networks. The Department of Geography is committed to the provision of equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity for all our students, staff and visitors. We hold Bronze Athena SWAN certification and our policies align with the College’s equalities policies, including efforts to build an anti-racist university as outlined in the King’s Race Equality Action Plan 2020-2024. We are committed to encouraging further growth from diverse groups. We currently have an underrepresentation from women, BAME, disabilities and LGBTQ communities. As such, we particularly welcome applicants from these groups. 

This post will be offered on a 3-year fixed term contract. 

This is a full-time  post.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in mid-April 2024.  

Key responsibilities

• Development of Human Geography teaching materials suitable for delivery both online and in-person (blended teaching or fully online) 
• Teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students: in class, online, and in the field (including fieldtrips) as necessary in topics across the broader field of human geography 
• Personal and academic tutorial delivery for all stages of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes for in-person and online cohorts 
• Departmental administrative roles as appropriate for career stage  
• Publish research and submit grant applications that contribute to one or more of the Department’s research groups 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria  

1.       PhD awarded in geography or a cognate discipline (e.g., anthropology, environmental studies, sociology, politics) (awarded before starting the post); 

2.       The ability to design and deliver lectures, practicals, seminars and tutorials in the field of Human Geography;  

3.       Experience of teaching relevant subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level, with evidence of innovative and effective teaching and ability to engage and inspire students of diverse and international backgrounds;  

4.       Demonstrate ability, through peer reviewed publications or other appropriate modes of dissemination, to make contributions to knowledge in your field of research within Human Geography;  

5.       Ability to contribute to the Department’s research profile;  

6.       Demonstrate potential to be an invaluable colleague at King’s with ability to discharge administrative duties efficiently and collaborate effectively across disciplinary and/or department lines with colleagues on teaching. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Completion of appropriate training in Higher Education teaching and learning/academic practice. Those without this will need to complete this in their first year in post. 

2.       Completion of appropriate training in equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. Those without this will need to complete this in their first year in post. 

3.       Experience of academic administrative roles.  

4.       Experience of providing academic advice and pastoral support to students, and a commitment to supporting student welfare and enhancing the student experience. 

5.       Familiarity with the UK education system. 

Further information

Short-listed candidates will be invited to a staff presentation (virtual) followed by an online interview, which will start with a five-minute presentation (5 slides) on their approaches to teaching and research, specifically how their work adds value to existing expertise in the department.