Assistant/Associate/Professor in Political Theory

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university. For this post, we particularly welcome applications from women and people from minority ethnic communities.

The Department of Government is recruiting for an open‑rank position in Political Theory. Candidates should have a strong research record and teaching interests in political theory. The successful candidate will strengthen and complement our existing expertise in the field. We welcome applications at Assistant, Associate and (Full) Professor level. Applicants must state the rank for which they are applying. Applicants must demonstrate a record of research achievements, academic standing, and leadership appropriate to that rank. In all cases, candidates must hold a PhD in political theory or a closely related discipline and have an outstanding research record, demonstrated by publications in highly rated academic journals and/or books. All candidates should have excellent communication skills and be able to teach political theory at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Success in obtaining research grants, impact and knowledge exchange activities is an asset.

The specific expectations at each rank are set out below.

• Assistant Professor: Candidates must have an emerging research record and trajectory in political theory, evidenced by at least one article published in leading academic journals and/or a book with a leading academic press, as well as other published or forthcoming work. Candidates should have a well-developed research agenda and potential to establish an international reputation and develop academic leadership. Experience in teaching political theory is desirable.
• Associate Professor: Candidates must have an established record of internationally excellent research and an international reputation in political theory, evidenced by publications in leading academic journals and/or books with leading academic presses. Candidates should have a research agenda with the potential to deliver world‑leading outputs and provide evidence of academic leadership. Proven excellence in teaching political theory at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is essential.
• Professor (Full): Candidates must have a substantial record of world‑leading research and a world‑leading reputation in political theory, evidenced by influential publications in leading academic journals and/or books with leading academic presses. Candidates should demonstrate a well‑developed research agenda that will sustain world‑leading output, alongside extensive evidence of intellectual and academic leadership. Proven excellence in teaching political theory at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and in doctoral supervision is essential.

The expected start date is 1 September 2027. In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include: an occupational pension scheme, a research grants policy with personal reward options, generous research leave (sabbatical) entitlement, a collegial faculty environment, and excellent development opportunities.

The closing date for applications is 20 September 2026 (23.59 UK time).