Teaching Fellow in Political Theory

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.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Fixed Term Teaching Fellow in Political Theory. The ideal candidate will have the required expertise to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and teach modules primarily in political theory with the potential for some additions as appropriate. Teaching Fellowships offer valuable experience to those early in their academic careers, and the University is keen to maximise the benefit to as many people as possible. The post will involve a significant teaching load, which may extend into the summer period, and there may be related scholarship and opportunities for administrative duties related to education and pedagogy. The post is for a fixed term only, and it is not anticipated that the post will be extended beyond this fixed term. Successful applicants will need to be in post by 1st September 2026.

The University provides an inclusive and welcoming working and teaching environment, and candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach modules in appropriate learning environments at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, demonstrating an increasing awareness of different approaches to and methods of teaching and supporting student learning.
• Teach modules in political theory and potentially provide some teaching in adjacent fields.
• Manage own teaching, design, plan, and write teaching materials.
• Lead some aspects of modules and contribute to modules led by others by collaborating with colleagues on course development.
• Develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum and actively contribute to an inclusive community in which diversity is embraced and celebrated.
• Seek and take on board feedback on teaching and engage with others in CPD.
• Contribute to educational skill of colleagues, for example giving a seminar to colleagues or engaging in constructive discussion about a seminar.
• Build internal contacts and participate in networks to exchange information.
• Start to engage in scholarship, e.g. develop online teaching resources.
• Participate in the Board of Studies, membership of some departmental committees and professional bodies.
• Provide student support, assess academic performance, provide feedback, handle student disciplinary matters and complaints.
• Undertake, effectively and efficiently, any administrative role allocated by the Head of Department.
• Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming, and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• Engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University. 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. Generous pension scheme. New members are automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). Ample parking across campus, a cycle-to-work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance. Comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships, and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career. All staff have dedicated annual time for personal development opportunities. Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme. On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and access to holiday camps for children aged 5‑16. Family‑friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave that are among the most generous in the higher education sector. Opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. Exclusive discounts via our benefits portal, including savings at supermarkets, high‑street retail stores, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. Various salary sacrifice schemes available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. Assistance with removal costs, house hunting, schools, visa costs, and an interest‑free loan scheme to pay for dependent visas for those moving to Durham. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and values our collective aim to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We actively work towards providing an environment where staff and students can study, work and live in a supportive and inclusive community.

Person Specification

• A good first degree in Politics or a closely related subject.
• Demonstrable ability to teach courses in Political Theory.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Politics or a related subject, or equivalent demonstrable practitioner experience which may include appropriate certification and/or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Experience of teaching and examining at university level with positive student feedback gained.
• Experience of contributing to the development and delivery of high‑quality teaching and/or assessment of learning, including the design and creation of successful learning environments and curricula.
• Demonstrable ability to participate in the collegial/administrative activities of an academic department and/or discipline.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of students and colleagues across a variety of forums.
• Experience of successfully developing innovative teaching methods for the design/delivery of high quality teaching.
• Experience of successfully working in an administrative role within an organisation or department.
• Experience of providing high‑quality one‑to‑one student supervision.
• Evidence of work undertaken (or which would be undertaken) in preparation for teaching and keeping up to date with developments in the subject area, such as: active membership and engagement with a professional body, demonstrable innovation in educational practice, publication in a scholarly journal or relevant professional publication, attending and presenting internal and/or external seminars or at a regional conference.

Candidates may have, or should have the ability to attain the rank of Fellow of HEA.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic‑related enquiries: please contact Dr Beth Kahn if you have any queries about this role. Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application: please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing. Alternatively, call from the UK, or from outside the UK (operating 09:00‑17:00 Monday‑Friday UK time). We will normally respond within one working day (excluding UK public holidays).