At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and research social science perspectives on global health and contemporary medicine.
- Company: Join the interdisciplinary team at King’s College London, a leader in global health education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced parental leave, and inclusive staff networks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social sciences while inspiring diverse students.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences or humanities and proven teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 53947 - 63350 £ per year.
The Department of Global Health & Social Medicine is a unique, interdisciplinary social sciences department at King’s College London founded in 2012. Its mission is to address the changing landscape of global health and medicine through social science perspectives.
The Department invites applications for a Lecturer in Social Science and Social Theory. This is a 2-year fixed term post that will not be extended beyond the 2 years.
We welcome applicants in any area of the social sciences with an interest in the social, cultural, political and economic aspects of contemporary medicine and health. You should hold a PhD degree in the social sciences or humanities (e.g., anthropology, sociology, history, geography, political science, STS, development studies). Your areas of research might include but are not limited to: the politics of global health; drugs and culture; the politics of reproduction; racism and health; emerging infectious diseases and zoonosis; toxic environments and health; humanitarian reason; pharmaceuticalisation; structural violence; mental health and society; biopolitics; as well as other areas that relate to one of our research groups.
The successful candidate will also have proven teaching ability, expertise in enquiry-based, participatory and critical pedagogies, and a commitment to inclusive and democratic ways of working.
At King’s, we are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. King’s offers inclusive benefits to staff including flexible working, Enhanced Parental Leave, funds for Parents and Carers and the potential to join community staff networks.
The start date for the post is expected to be no later than January 2027. This is a full-time post, and you will be offered a 2-year fixed term contract.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- PhD Degree in a relevant area of the social sciences or humanities (e.g., sociology, anthropology, geography, political science, history, science & technology studies, development studies)
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of a relevant field of expertise
- Experience of teaching relevant subjects at undergraduate level, with evidence of innovative and effective teaching and ability to engage and inspire students of diverse and international backgrounds
- Commitment to student learning, supporting student welfare, and enhancing the student experience
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to use own initiative and think critically
- Desirable criteria
- Developing record of high-quality scholarly publications appropriate to career stage
- Experience of assessment procedures in UK Higher Education and providing excellent feedback
- Completion of appropriate training in Higher Education teaching and learning/academic practice
- Experience of academic administration
- Experience of providing academic advice and pastoral support to students
At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.
When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment.
We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages. We anticipate interviews will be held in late September.
Grade and Salary: £53,947 to £63,350 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 148786
Post Date: 05-Jun-2026
Close Date: 02-Sep-2026
Contact Person: Carlo Caduff
Contact Details: carlo.caduff@kcl.ac.uk
Lecturer in Social Science and Social Theory in London employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to contribute to impactful research projects in the heart of Greater London, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about advancing knowledge and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer in Social Science and Social Theory in London
✨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 King’s College London.
✨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 King’s College London!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨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 King’s College London 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 Lecturer in Social Science and Social Theory in London
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 King’s College London:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to King’s College London! 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 King’s College London
✨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.
