Associate Lecturer - Political Theory

Are you passionate about central problems of contemporary political theory? Do you find yourself questioning the very idea of a ‘Western’ tradition of political thought? Are you attracted to working for a leading London University?

The School of Social Sciences at Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking an Associate Lecturer in Political Theory for next Spring 2025. 

As Associate Lecturer you will teach the following modules:

• Political Theory and Contemporary Politics, Level 7, 30 hours on Wednesdays 6-9pm, 10 weeks, January – March 2025.

For the Political Theory and Contemporary Politics, you will have excellent knowledge of the history of modern political thought including a familiarity with key texts, and an understanding of the central problems of contemporary political theory.

• Social and Political Theory, Level 6, 30 hours, Tuesdays 6–9pm, 10 weeks, January – March 2025.

For Social and Political Theory, you should be able to teach an advanced undergraduate course focused on key texts in modern social and political theory. You should be qualified to the corresponding level of the award as required to teach (or demonstrate equivalent professional/industry level experience) 

Further to the person specification, essential requirements for this role are: 

• A good knowledge of classic texts in the history of modern political thought, including the work of authors such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill and Marx.
• A good understanding of debates in contemporary political theory around problems such as the state and sovereignty, democracy, rights, culture and identity.
• Experience of teaching political theory at least at undergraduate degree level.
• An engaging and inclusive teaching style that encourages students to apply their theoretical and conceptual knowledge to pressing problems of politics in the present.

Please refer to the person specification for further selection criteria.

If you are passionate about political theory, we want to hear from you. Join us at Birkbeck, University of London, and make a significant impact on our institution and its students.

Salary and benefits

Payment is based on an hourly rate for contact hours worked. The specific rate depends on length of continuous service with the College and includes of pro-rata London Allowance and holiday pay. This hourly rate of £68.13 per hour is based on the starting point of Grade 7 and is inclusive of a ‘Duties Related to Teaching Multiplier’ which covers preparation, teaching, administration, assessment marking and other examining duties in connection with the course.

Contract

Part-time, 3 month fixed-term contract Jan-March 2025. Teaching Tuesday & Wednesday evenings 6-9pm. Closing date: Monday 4 November 2024. Interview date: Tuesday 19 November 2024. 

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Dr Jason Edwards, at j.edwards@bbk.ac.uk.

If you have technical issues or difficulties using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk, providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered. www.birkbeck.ac.uk/jobs

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.