Job Description

Dublin City University
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music
Assistant Professor in Biblical Studies (New Testament)
Permanent Contract (Full-Time)

Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is a young, ambitious and vibrant university, with a mission ‘to transform lives and societies through education, research, innovation and engagement’. Known as Ireland’s ‘University of Enterprise’, DCU is a values-based institution, committed to the delivery of impact for the public good. DCU was named Sunday Times Irish University of the Year 2021.

DCU is based on three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra region of north Dublin. More than 18,000 students are enrolled across five faculties – Science and Health, DCU Business School, Computing and Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and DCU Institute of Education.

DCU is committed to excellence across all its activities. This is demonstrated by its world-class research initiatives, its cutting-edge approach to teaching and learning, its focus on delivering a transformative student experience, and its positive social and economic impact. The university continues to develop innovative programmes in collaboration with industry, such as the DCU Futures suite of degrees, which are designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge required in a rapidly evolving economy.

DCU’s pursuit of excellence has led to its current ranking among the top 2% of universities globally. It is also one of the world’s Top Young Universities (QS Top 100 Under 50, Times Higher Top 150 Under 100). In the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2021, DCU ranked 23rd in the world for its approach to widening participation in higher education and its ongoing commitment to eradicating poverty, while it ranks 38th globally for its work in reducing inequality and 89th globally for gender equality.

The university is ranked 23rd in the world and first in Ireland for its graduate employment rate, according to the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings. Over the past decade, DCU has been the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer, as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

Overview of the department

The School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music is a dynamic and creative School with a strong commitment to social and cultural engagement, world-class research, and teaching that promotes critical thinking in students across a wide range of subjects. The academic study of Religion in DCU is pursued through the complementary disciplines of Theology and Religious Studies, offering students, on a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, an understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of religious faith and religious traditions. The School has particular strengths in the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as interreligious approaches to studying the world’s religions. The School offers excellent opportunities for staff to teach within their own areas of research expertise and to supervise PhD candidates. The School is committed to high quality research and supports its staff in such work.

Role Profile

The School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music wishes to appoint an Assistant Professor in Biblical Studies (New Testament), commencing 1st September 2022. The successful candidate will contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including the BA Joint Honours, the Bachelor of Religious Education, the BA in Theology and Religious Studies, as well as the MA in Theology and World Religions. The successful candidate will be capable of working in a team context and will contribute to the administrative work of the School. They will also be able to provide leadership in developing the School’s teaching, research, and engagement agenda. The School is committed to high quality research and expects its staff to maintain an active research profile, including international publications and the pursuit of research funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

Teaching and Learning

• The successful candidate will contribute to the development, teaching, assessment, and administration of modules in the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes delivered in the School, including:
• Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Theology and Religious Studies, including an introductory module on the Bible, along with more advanced modules on the Gospels, Paul, New Testament Greek, and other subjects related to the successful candidate’s specialisation;
• Online and remote delivery of teaching, as required;
• Tutorial and small group teaching in the programmes offered by the School;
• Providing marks and feedback to students in a timely manner, as agreed with Programme Chairs and the Head of School, and in line with Faculty policies;
• Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research, including MA and PhD, in New Testament and related areas (reception history, religion and gender, Theology, Religious Studies);
• Contributing to the design, development, and management of current programmes and other teaching and learning developments in the School.

Research and Scholarship

The successful candidate will be committed to high-quality research and publication in the field of biblical studies/New Testament on an individual and a collaborative basis. The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Pursue an active research agenda with ongoing research publications in prestigious international academic journals and book publishers, both individually and, where appropriate, in collaboration with colleagues in DCU and elsewhere;
• Actively search out and apply for research funding and grants consistent with the School’s research agenda;
• Promote biblical studies in the University and the public domain, as well as helping to plan and organise conferences, lectures, and other events;
• Attract and supervise high-calibre PhD students.

Service and Contribution to University and Society

Activities taken on the successful candidate’s own initiative, or allocated by the Head of School, will include:

• Undertaking administrative duties related to the subject and the position;
• Administrative and leadership roles within the School as allocated by the Head; Participation in School and University meetings;
• Representing the School in marketing activity and the recruitment of students;
• Developing relationships with stakeholders within and outside the University.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in Biblical Studies specializing in the New Testament or a closely related field with a relevant focus for this role.
• They must have at least three years’ relevant experience, with appropriate higher-level teaching experience.
• The successful individual should be capable of working in a team and contributing to developing the teaching and research agenda within the School, as well as supporting the School’s fund-raising activities through grant applications.
• The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong organisational, administrative, communication and leadership skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Expertise and interest in reception history, as well as feminist, postcolonial, and interreligious approaches is desirable.
• An ability to contribute to other areas beyond biblical studies would be welcome.
• Experience working with diverse cohorts of students, and teaching online and in blended learning environments.

Essential Training

The post holder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety and Data Protection (GDPR). Other training may need to be undertaken when required.