At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire students in Ethics and Moral Philosophy while engaging in research.
- Company: Pembroke College, part of the University of Oxford, with a vibrant Philosophy community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, research allowances, pension scheme, and free meals in College.
- Other info: Mentorship from senior academics and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and develop your academic career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Ethics and Moral Philosophy; teaching experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 14088 - 15558 £ per year.
Pembroke College wishes to appoint a College Lecturer in Philosophy, from 1 October 2026 to 31 August 2027, with the possibility of a further one-year extension. This is a fixed-term career development position intended to provide academics with the opportunity to develop their teaching and administrative skills at the same time as pursuing their research.
We welcome applicants with expertise in Ethics, Practical Ethics, and Moral Philosophy. We have an engaged and active Philosophy community at Pembroke. You will be mentored by senior academics and work alongside a number of college lecturers and researchers in the College, including Professor Guy Kahane and Professor James Read.
All of our teaching is in small groups (tutorials of two/three students and classes of up to six). You will be required to teach the following courses to undergraduate students:
- For First Year Students: Moral Philosophy (a first-year course on Mill’s Utilitarianism).
- For Undergraduate Students more generally: Ethics and Practical Ethics.
It would be an advantage if applicants were also able to teach one or more of the following subjects: Aesthetics, Kant, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Cognitive Science, and Wittgenstein.
You will be required to provide teaching for an average of five hours’ contact time per week during the eight weeks of Oxford’s three terms. You will be expected to set weekly essays and provide timely feedback, set and mark College examinations, write end-of-term reports, and participate in undergraduate admissions. You will also take on administrative and pastoral responsibilities, including attending student review meetings, participating in College Open Days and access activities, organising undergraduate events, and acting as a graduate advisor if requested.
You will be expected to be actively engaged in research and to agree and participate in a career development plan with the support of the College.
The salary will be in the range of £14,088–£15,558 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. You will have access to research and teaching allowances, use of a room for teaching, membership of the USS pension scheme, and an entitlement to take three lunches or dinners in College per week. The salary figures are 2025–26 rates and are subject to an annual uplift.
Applicants should submit their Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter electronically to the Academic HR Officer by 9am (UK BST) on Monday 15 June 2026. Please include the names and contact details of two referees who we can contact if you are shortlisted for interview.
Philosophy Lecturer: Ethics & Moral Philosophy (Fixed-Term) employer: University of Oxford
Pembroke College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative environment for Philosophy Lecturers to thrive. With a strong emphasis on mentorship from esteemed academics and a vibrant community, employees benefit from professional development opportunities while engaging in meaningful research and teaching. The college's commitment to small group teaching fosters close relationships with students, enhancing the overall educational experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philosophy Lecturer: Ethics & Moral Philosophy (Fixed-Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia, especially those who might know someone at Pembroke College. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the subjects you'll be teaching. Brush up on Mill’s Utilitarianism and other key topics. We want you to show off your expertise and passion during the discussion!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your teaching style! Think about how you’d engage students in small group settings. We recommend having a few examples ready to demonstrate your approach to tutorials and feedback.
✨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 proactive and enthusiastic about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Philosophy Lecturer: Ethics & Moral Philosophy (Fixed-Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your teaching experience, research interests, and any relevant skills that align with the role. Keep it concise and tailored to the Philosophy Lecturer position.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter! Address it to the right person and mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you. Show us why you're passionate about Ethics and Moral Philosophy and how you can contribute to our community.
Showcase Your Teaching Style:We want to know how you engage students in small group settings. Share examples of your teaching methods and how you provide feedback. This will help us see how you fit into our tutorial system at Pembroke.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure you submit your application through our website by the deadline. Double-check that you've included all required documents, like your CV and cover letter, along with the names of your referees. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Philosophy
Brush up on key concepts in Ethics and Moral Philosophy, especially Mill’s Utilitarianism. Be prepared to discuss how these theories apply to real-world scenarios, as this will show your depth of understanding and ability to engage students.
✨Engage with the Community
Familiarise yourself with Pembroke College's Philosophy community. Mention any specific faculty members you admire or research that excites you. This shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their academic environment.
✨Prepare for Teaching Scenarios
Think about how you would approach teaching small groups. Prepare a mini-lesson or discussion point that showcases your teaching style and ability to facilitate engaging conversations among students.
✨Show Your Research Passion
Be ready to discuss your research interests and how they align with the college’s goals. Highlight any past projects or papers that demonstrate your commitment to advancing knowledge in Philosophy, particularly in Ethics and Practical Ethics.
