Career Development Fellowship - Sociology/Criminology

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.