Lecturer in Comparative Literature

Job description

The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at King’s College London seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Comparative Literature (Research and Education Pathway), with a starting date of 1 September 2023. This will be an indefinite contract.   

The successful candidate will have established a strong research profile and possess relevant teaching experience in areas of comparative literature which complement our existing areas of expertise. The successful candidate will have expertise in literatures of at least two different languages and cultures, preferably including at least one non-European language.  Expertise in fields that expand our current profile, such as East Asian literatures in comparative perspectives, or environmental humanities may be an advantage.   

The successful candidate will teach on a range of undergraduate modules and will also contribute to team-taught MA modules. They will additionally be expected to supervise BA and MA dissertations and to supervise PhD students as appropriate. They will take on administrative roles in the department and contribute to the pastoral care of students.   

Applicants should have submitted a PhD in a relevant field of literature by time of application and have relevant experience of undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching. The successful candidate will have a publication record appropriate to their career stage.   

Candidates should explain in their cover letter how their work is comparative and how it would complement the department's expertise.  

Our ambition is to work together to create a more inclusive environment at King’s and in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. We particularly encourage applications from members of groups with protected characteristics that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Equality Act.  

Provisional interview date scheduled for 22 May 2023. 

About the faculty:   https://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums   

About the Department:   https://www.kcl.ac.uk/dllc

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

Key responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, design, organisation and delivery of teaching activities within the department in accordance with established departmental practice.   
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to deliver relevant interdisciplinary programmes.   
• Supervise student dissertations and projects at all levels.   
• Act as personal tutor to students as agreed with the Head of Department.   
• Participate fully in assessment and examination processes according to Department practice.   
• Develop and sustain a research profile through appropriate outputs, dissemination of research, the development of funding applications and participation in the research life of the Department.   
• Take responsibility for administrative roles within the Department and Faculty as appropriate.    
• Engage in professional development as appropriate.   

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 Comparative Literature or related discipline submitted by the time of application  

2.        Knowledge of the theories, contexts, and critical traditions of Comparative Literature   

3.        Experience in teaching literatures of more than one linguistic and geographical area at BA or MA level  

4.        Ability to develop teaching content and carry out research in Comparative Literature in two languages    

5.        High-quality teaching skills: ability to communicate difficult concepts and material to students of all levels; ability to enable students to develop their individual intellectual and personal potential   

6.        Excellent presentational skills: ability to present information and concepts in written and oral form to a variety of levels   

7.        Excellent administrative skills: ability to support the organisational aspects of teaching, learning and research 

Desirable criteria

1.        Teaching experience at postgraduate level   

2.        Experience in the pastoral care of students  

3.        Administrative experience