Job description

The Department of English wishes to appoint a Lecturer in Contemporary Literature, Culture and Theory. Applications from candidates with the following specialisms would be particularly welcome: contemporary British literature and culture; gender and sexuality in imperial and post-imperial contexts; activist literatures and cultures in post-war Britain; race, empire, and ecology; British cultural studies. 

The successful candidate will have a record of outstanding published research commensurate with the stage that they have reached in their career and possess clear potential for future grant capture. They will provide teaching at UG level (including the module ‘Study and Struggle’), MA level (including the module ‘Imperialism and Sexuality’), and dissertation supervision for the MA in Contemporary Literature, Culture and Theory. As well as developing UG and MA modules relating to their own areas of specialism, the successful applicant will also be expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing development of the English Department at King’s as a key location for contemporary studies in the UK, and to spearhead initiatives in contemporary British literature and culture. A record of work in public engagement and research impact would be an advantage. The postholder will also play a full part in departmental administration and pastoral care. The post will be based on the Strand Campus. The appointee will be responsible to the Head of Department.  

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

About the Department of English:   https://www.kcl.ac.uk/english

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

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

Key responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, organisation and delivery of teaching activities within the department in accordance with established departmental practice
• Produce research of international quality and contribute to the research culture of the Department and Faculty
• Attend and contribute to appropriate research seminars/conferences
• Serve as required as module convenor for UG and MA modules
• Act as personal tutor to students as agreed with the Head of Department and assist with difficulties, e.g. learning support/problems
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations 
• Participate fully in assessment and examination processes as appropriate, using a variety of methods and techniques and provide effective, timely and appropriate feedback to students to support their learning
• Contribute to the administration of the Department
• Engage in professional development as appropriate
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested 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.       Awarded PhD in English literature or related fields

2.       Experience of teaching in the areas of contemporary literature, culture and theory

3.       Experience of teaching MA and undergraduate students 

4.       High quality teaching skills: ability to communicate difficult concepts and material to students of all levels; ability to inspire and innovate as appropriate; skilled at helping students to develop their individual intellectual and personal potential

5.       Demonstrated excellence in research in areas directly related to the advertised post, with the potential for future grant capture

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

7.       Experience of working with virtual learning environments

8.       Collegiate, proven ability to work with others and to support them where necessary.

9.       Experience of contributing to the pastoral care of students 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience of postgraduate research supervision

2 . Engagement in professional organisations and broad participation in the field (conference papers, workshops, memberships)  

The selection process will consist of an interview, a presentation and the submission of a writing sample and module outline. We hope to conduct the interviews in early June, with a start date of 1st September 2023.