Job description

The Philosophy Department at King’s College London is seeking an outstanding philosopher with research expertise and teaching experience in Political Philosophy. Research specialization and ability to teach at all levels and supervise postgraduate students in that area are required.  

The successful candidate will lead or direct their own original and independent programme of research, at international standard.

Research and/or teaching expertise or competence in areas that will help widen or consolidate some areas of our curriculum are desirable. These areas include, but are not limited to other philosophical traditions (for example Indian or Chinese), and philosophical issues concerning race or gender. 

The Department of Philosophy is one of the largest and most distinguished in the UK. We have particular   research strengths in the history of philosophy, philosophy of mind and psychology, philosophy of language and linguistics, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of science and moral and political philosophy. 

This post will be offered on a full-time, indefinite contract.

Key responsibilities

• To undertake an original research project of international standard, and to disseminate it through publication and participation in the relevant research communities, and to contribute to the research culture and profile of the Department and the advancement of the discipline
• To contribute to the teaching at BA and MA levels of Philosophy as directed by the Head of Department, within the candidate’s areas of expertise and/or competence
• To supervise BA, MA and Postgraduate research students in Philosophy within the candidate’s areas of expertise and/or competence
• To assist with setting and assessment by coursework or examination, to attend Examiners’ meetings, and to complete student reports for undergraduate and postgraduate students as required
• To act as personal tutor, who provide pastoral care to assigned tutees
• To carry out administrative duties assigned by the Head of Department

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.       PhD in Philosophy or relevant related area (awarded or viva passed) at time of appointment  

2.       Outstanding research achievement and potential, leading their own programme of research at international standard, in Political Philosophy.  

3.       Relevant teaching competence and outstanding ability to engage, teach, supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate students, with experience appropriate to career stage. 

4.       The willingness and ability to develop new teaching and research initiatives as needed, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.  

5.       The ability and willingness to manage effectively and imaginatively assigned administrative tasks as needed for the running of the Department, the Faculty and the College.  

6.       The ability to work in a team in close collaboration with others. 

7.       Outstanding research achievement and potential, leading their own programme of research, with a recognised international profile in Political Philosophy.  (Senior Lecturer) 

8.       Relevant teaching competence, proven experience and outstanding ability to engage, teach, supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate students. (Senior Lecturer) 

9.       Experience of having managed effectively and imaginatively assigned administrative tasks as needed for the running of a Department, Faculty or similar. (Senior Lecturer)

Desirable criteria  

1.    Research and/or teaching expertise or competence in other areas that will help widen or consolidate our curriculum. 

Further information

We welcome applications from all and especially encourage applications from members of groups underrepresented in UK academic Philosophy and from people marginalised on any of the grounds listed under the UK Equality Act 2010. 

Please submit the following materials with your application:  

1. Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications 
2. Two recent pieces of research (published or in ms) on a topic relevant to the post of no more than 8,000 words each (these may be an indicated portion of a larger piece of work). 
3. Statement of current and future research plans (no longer than 500 words) 
4. Cover letter (no longer than 250 words) explaining your suitability to the post 
5. Names and contact details of two referees

Presentations and interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held in early 2023. The start date for the post is 1st September 2023 but an earlier or later start date may be possible.