At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching and marking in various anthropology modules while inspiring students.
- Company: Durham University, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community that values equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while deepening your own knowledge in anthropology.
- Qualifications: Enrolled in a PhD programme in Anthropology or related field with teaching experience.
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.
Department: Anthropology
Fixed Term - Atypical
Typical/Contracted Hours: up to 6 hours per week
Closing Date: 16-Jun-2026, 10:59 PM
Payment will be at Grade 6 (with the increment level based on past experience) and calculated on an hourly basis for teaching, preparation, and marking time. This will include, where relevant, one hour of preparation time when you teach a class for the first time, 30 minutes of preparation time for any repeat classes, and one office hour during which students will meet with you for one-to-one consultations, per week during term time. You will also be paid at the same hourly rate for any compulsory training that you are required to attend to support your teaching. Any marking will be paid at the same rate per hour at 20 minutes per 1000 words or 15 minutes per hour of exam. PGTAs will be asked to submit timesheets, using the online Oracle system, with payment made by the end of the month.
You will be expected to be in Durham and available for all the teaching allocated to you, so please consider your application carefully, especially if you plan to be away from Durham for parts of the academic year.
Anticipated Roles (may be subject to change):
- ANTH1101 – Doing Anthropological Research – 4 tutors to provide marking support for the quantitative and qualitative elements of the module (2 for each). Tutors for the quantitative element may also be asked to provide support for computer practicals. Knowledge of R is essential for the quantitative component. Experience of conducting ethnographic research is important for the qualitative component.
- ANTH1041 – Health, Illness and Society – 3/4 tutors to run seminars and undertake formative and summative marking in social and/or biological/evolutionary approaches to health. Candidates should ideally be qualified to teach both social and biological/evolutionary elements of the module.
- ANTH1061 – People and Cultures – 3/4 tutors to run seminars and undertake formative and summative marking in introductory social anthropology.
- ANTH1091 – Human Evolution and Diversity – 2/3 tutors to run practicals and undertake formative and summative marking in biological and evolutionary anthropology.
- ANTH1111 – Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of Anthropology – 3/4 tutors to run seminars and undertake formative and summative marking in introductory social and evolutionary anthropological theory.
- ANTH2187 – Research Project Design – 2 tutors to help assess undergraduate dissertation ethics applications.
- ANTH3162 – Anthropology Dissertation – 1/2 tutors to run drop-in sessions for students working on projects that involve statistical analysis.
Requirements:
- Enrolment on a PhD in Anthropology or closely related discipline.
- Subject knowledge relevant to the area of anthropology in which you wish to teach (this may be via completion of an undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in anthropology, research interests/experience, and/or prior teaching experience) or a willingness to actively acquire subject knowledge where relevant and necessary.
- A commitment to excellence in teaching and learning in anthropology, including an ability to inspire and enthuse students new to the subject.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom.
- Prior experience of teaching in Anthropology at university level.
- Research interests allied with the teaching content.
Application Information Required:
- Surname
- First name
- Have you completed the PGR teaching induction session? If so, please confirm date of completion?
- Explain why you are applying for this position and what you hope to get out of the role.
- Outline your previous teaching experience, including seminars/tutorials, practicals, marking, etc. Include any experience of teaching using online methods.
- Describe the qualities you would bring to the role of teaching assistant. Please provide any relevant evidence.
- Which of the modules would you be most interested in teaching.
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
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.
CASUAL ACADEMIC - Postgraduate Combined Role employer: Durham University
As a Casual Academic in the Anthropology Department at Durham, you will join a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all employees. With flexible hours and a commitment to professional development, this role offers a unique chance to inspire students while engaging in meaningful academic work. The vibrant academic community in Durham provides ample opportunities for collaboration and growth, making it an excellent place for aspiring educators to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CASUAL ACADEMIC - Postgraduate Combined Role
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the anthropology field, whether it's through LinkedIn or academic events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that casual academic role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your teaching philosophy and be ready to discuss how you can inspire students in anthropology. We want to see your passion shine through, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your subject knowledge! Be prepared to talk about your research interests and how they align with the modules you’re interested in teaching. We love candidates who can connect their expertise to the curriculum.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re committed to fair treatment throughout the recruitment process, so don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace CASUAL ACADEMIC - Postgraduate Combined Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for anthropology and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your relevant teaching experience and how it aligns with the modules listed. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Show Your Commitment:We’re looking for candidates who are dedicated to teaching and learning in anthropology. Share examples of how you've inspired students or contributed to an inclusive classroom environment. It’s all about showing us your commitment!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Modules Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific modules you’re applying to teach. Brush up on the key concepts and recent developments in anthropology, especially those related to the quantitative and qualitative elements. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the subject.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous teaching experiences in detail. Highlight any seminars, tutorials, or practicals you've conducted, and be ready to share examples of how you engaged students. If you’ve used online methods, mention that too, as it’s increasingly relevant.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Since the role values equality, diversity, and inclusion, think about how you can demonstrate your commitment to these principles. Prepare examples of how you’ve created an inclusive learning environment in the past or how you plan to do so in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the department or the modules. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about the support available for new tutors or how the department fosters collaboration among staff.