Career Development Fellowship - Sociology/Criminology in Bath

Career Development Fellowship - Sociology/Criminology in Bath

Bath Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Durham University

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research projects and teach engaging modules in Sociology/Criminology.
  • Company: Durham University, committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 42 days leave, generous pension, and health support.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Shape your academic career while making a real impact in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Good degree in Sociology/Criminology and potential for high-quality teaching.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Department of Sociology

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration: Three years

Key responsibilities

It should be noted that the precise content of each Career Development Fellowship will vary dependent on the experience of the role‑holder, their career aspirations, and the business need of the Department. At the outset of the Fellowship a personal development plan will be produced in discussion with the Head of Department, which will outline any training needs, or other experience the post‑holder wishes to gain to develop their academic career. The development plan is a tool to assist the post‑holder's academic career progression and will be reviewed regularly during the Fellowship to ensure that development needs are being met.

During the course of the Career Development Fellowship the successful candidate will gain valuable experience in a wide spectrum of academic activities. Examples include:

  • Membership of Departmental committees and appropriate professional body.
  • Contribute to a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
  • Engage in citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
  • Engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses, as detailed in the personal development plan.
  • Research Project Leadership.
  • Supported progression towards Higher Education Academy (HEA) membership.
  • Leadership in Learning and Teaching course.

Education

  • Teach modules at undergraduate/postgraduate levels, developing an awareness of different approaches to and methods of teaching and supporting student learning.
  • Develop the ability to manage own teaching and designing, planning and writing of engaging and innovative teaching materials.
  • Develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum and make an active contribution to an inclusive community in which diversity is embraced and celebrated.
  • Co‑supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students, and where appropriate act as part of a PhD supervisory team.
  • Provide student support, assessment of academic performance and provision of feedback, dealing with student disciplinary matters and complaints.
  • Demonstrate progress towards independent development of internationally excellent research/scholarship.
  • Develop clear plans for the pursuit of national and international funding opportunities to support research/scholarship and end‑user engagement.
  • Develop a personal research/scholarship plan which supports and enhances the department’s research and/or pedagogic strategy.
  • Contribute to enhancing the quality of the research environment.

Person Specification

  • Qualifications – a good first degree in Sociology, Criminology, or an associated degree subject and normally within eight years of completing a PhD. Applicants who are also under examination for a PhD in Sociology, Criminology, or an associated subject will be considered.
  • The ability to foster a respectful working and learning environment and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate the potential to produce high‑quality outputs that are recognised as internationally excellent or world‑class or that have the potential to be.
  • Experience, skills and/or achievements that demonstrate the potential to deliver high‑quality, effective and engaging teaching and assessments.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of students and colleagues across a variety of forums.
  • Experience, skills and/or achievements that demonstrate experience of or the potential to participate in the collegial/administrative activities or an academic Department, Faculty or University.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively work towards providing an environment where staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

Working at Durham – Benefits

  • Competitive salary.
  • 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days – a total of 42 days per year.
  • Generous pension scheme – automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
  • Parking across campus; cycle‑to‑work scheme; discounts with local bus and train companies.
  • Car Benefit Scheme – lease a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
  • Professional development courses, apprenticeships and qualification avenues.
  • Health and wellbeing support – discounted membership at state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
  • On‑site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted; holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
  • Family‑friendly policies – generous maternity and adoption leave.
  • Volunteer opportunities to make a difference in the local community.
  • Exclusive discounts via benefits portal – supermarkets, retailers, IT products, dining out and attractions.
  • Salary sacrifice schemes available.
  • Assistance with relocation for those moving to Durham, including help with removal costs and house‑hunting.
  • Visa support – coverage of most visa costs and interest‑free loan scheme for dependant visas.

Career Development Fellowship - Sociology/Criminology in Bath employer: Durham University

Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises equality, diversity, and professional development. With a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The Career Development Fellowship in Sociology/Criminology provides unique opportunities for academic growth, research leadership, and community engagement, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in academia.

Durham University

Contact Details:

Durham University Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Career Development Fellowship - Sociology/Criminology in Bath

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Durham University.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Durham University!

Showcase Your Passion and Expertise

Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Durham University, will notice your enthusiasm!

Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Durham University or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Career Development Fellowship - Sociology/Criminology in Bath

Research Project Leadership
Teaching Skills
Curriculum Development
Student Support
Assessment and Feedback
Communication Skills
Collegial Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to Durham University:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Durham University! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.