Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology - School of History and Cultures - 107435 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology - School of History and Cultures - 107435 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 36636 - 46049 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The University of Birmingham

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Teach and support students in Social Anthropology, covering various modules and supervising dissertations.
  • Company: University of Birmingham, a diverse and inclusive institution committed to equality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Join a vibrant community dedicated to innovation, diversity, and sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while exploring fascinating topics in anthropology.
  • Qualifications: PhD in anthropology or related field, teaching experience, and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.

The Department of African Studies & Anthropology, School of History and Cultures, College of Arts and Law is located at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK.

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822. This is a Grade 7 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2027. The closing date for applications is 28th June 2026.

The successful candidate will teach and advise undergraduate and postgraduate students within established teaching programmes in the Department of Anthropology & African Studies and the College of Arts & Law. They will be under the supervision of a member of the Department of African Studies & Anthropology with ultimate responsibility for the design, delivery and assessment of the teaching programme.

Role Summary

We are looking to recruit a Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology (12 months fixed term) to support the delivery of our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The successful candidate will:

  • Teach and assess on core and optional modules across all years of the taught curriculum, covering introductory modules in anthropology, an anthropological theory module, and optional modules entitled Anthropology of Islam and Anthropology of/and Activism.
  • Supervise dissertation projects and provide pastoral support to students.
  • Contribute to the enhancement of student experience or employability.
  • Contribute to teaching delivery, administrative support and student experience on the MA International Heritage Management (distance learning) programme.
  • Offer teaching on cognate disciplines in the College of Arts & Law.

Main Duties

  • Teach modules at a range of levels within anthropology and cognate disciplines to undergraduates and postgraduates, predominantly through allocated lectures and seminars.
  • Plan and prepare own teaching, including guidance notes and handouts in accordance with the established objectives of the teaching programme.
  • Devise and supervise projects, student dissertations and practical work.
  • Develop an approach to planning and reviewing own teaching.
  • Undertake full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining.
  • Frequently update own subject expertise.
  • Undertake personal professional development in teaching, including self-reflection on own teaching, using student and peer review feedback, to enhance own teaching and learning processes.
  • Contribute to knowledge transfer on own specialism.
  • Undertake management/administration arising from teaching.
  • Contribute to Departmental/School teaching-related activities and teaching-related administration.
  • Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities.
  • Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

  • PhD in anthropology (in hand or corrections to be submitted prior to 1st September 2026) with research expertise in religion/Islam and/or politics/activism.
  • Teaching experience within anthropology or cognate disciplines.
  • High level analytical capability.
  • Ability to design and deliver module materials successfully.
  • Ability to assess and organise resources effectively.
  • Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
  • Experience of working with others to organise events and/or student-facing activities.
  • Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Juliet Gilbert, email: j.gilbert.2@bham.ac.uk.

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology - School of History and Cultures - 107435 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes equality. As a Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology, you will benefit from competitive salary progression, opportunities for personal and professional development, and the chance to engage with a dynamic community of scholars and students in the heart of Edgbaston. With a commitment to sustainability and a supportive environment for career growth, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the academic landscape while fostering student success.

The University of Birmingham

Contact Details:

The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology - School of History and Cultures - 107435 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the University of Birmingham, especially in the Department of African Studies & Anthropology. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help us stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the modules you'll be teaching. Show us your passion for anthropology and how you can engage students. Bring some fresh ideas to the table!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your teaching experience! We want to hear about your past successes in the classroom. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to connect with students and enhance their learning experience.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our community.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology - School of History and Cultures - 107435 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Teaching Experience in Anthropology
Module Design and Delivery
Assessment and Marking
Supervision of Dissertation Projects
Analytical Capability
Resource Organisation
Event Organisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the role, so avoid using too much AI-generated content. Make sure your application reflects your own unique communication style.

Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to the specific role of Teaching Fellow in Social Anthropology. Highlight your relevant teaching experience and how it aligns with the modules you'll be teaching. This shows us that you understand the position and are genuinely interested.

Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t forget to showcase your research expertise, especially in areas like religion/Islam or politics/activism. We’re looking for candidates who can bring their knowledge into the classroom, so make sure to highlight any relevant projects or publications.

Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you pay attention to detail and care about the impression you make. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham

Know Your Modules Inside Out

Make sure you’re familiar with the core and optional modules you'll be teaching, especially those related to anthropology of Islam and activism. Prepare to discuss how you would approach teaching these topics and any innovative ideas you have for engaging students.

Showcase Your Teaching Experience

Be ready to share specific examples of your previous teaching experiences. Highlight any unique methods you've used to enhance student learning or engagement, and how you’ve adapted your teaching style based on feedback.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Anthropology

Express your enthusiasm for the subject and your commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment. Discuss your research interests and how they align with the department’s goals, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Have a few insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could be about the department's future plans, opportunities for professional development, or how they support diversity and inclusion within their teaching practices.