Lecturer in Literary Studies, 1870-1930

Job description

The Department of English wishes to appoint a Lecturer in Literary Studies, 1870-1930, whose research interests and teaching experience straddle the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and whose work engages directly with Environmental Humanities. 

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. As well as helping to develop 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 late nineteenth and early twentieth-century literary studies and to help spearhead new initiatives in the field. 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 module convenor for UG and MA modules, as required 
• 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 undergraduate and MA students in the areas of literary studies, 1870-1930

3.      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

4.      Demonstrable research excellence in literary studies 1870-1930, with the potential for future grant capture

5.      Proven research interest in environmental humanities over the same period, with 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 late May/early June, with a start date of 1st September 2023.