Lecturer in Behavioural Science and Security

Job description

The Department of War Studies seeks to recruit a Lecturer in Behavioural Science and Security Studies, to support BA and MA teaching in the department and to undertake high-quality research.

We welcome applications from a broad range of expertise within the behavioural and social sciences with a preference for, but not limited to those working on societal, technological and global challenges relating to digital, environmental or health security.

The successful candidate will contribute by planning, organising, and delivering core as well as elective modules at BA and MA-level. The successful candidate will be expected to design and develop new modules in line with their research expertise and in support of the expansion of our research profile in this area. They will understand and develop a variety of methods to deliver these modules and to assess students learning and provide feedback.

Beyond teaching and administrative duties, the successful candidate will commit to undertake high-quality research in their subject area, and publish in recognised journals, with research mentorship offered in support of this activity. The role holder will further maintain research activities and connect through a portfolio of individual and/or joint research projects and work to secure external funding required. This includes supporting the current work of the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response.

War Studies is located within the School of Security Studies and the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy. Together, we support an inclusive culture and diversity for our staff and students. We are committed to encourage further growth from diverse groups, and we look forward to welcoming applicants of all abilities, whom we are able to support with our flexible varied working practices.

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for 3 year from 1 September 2023.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality research in the subject area, publish the findings in highly rated internationally recognised journals, and participate in the major internationally recognised academic networks 
• Sustain high-quality research activity through a portfolio of individual and/or joint research projects and secure the funding required for this research as required 
• Supervise BA and MA student projects as well as postgraduate research students and/or research staff 
• Attend meetings and conferences to share and present research findings, which creates a professional network and enhances the national and international standing of the Department 
• Take responsibility for the planning, organisation and delivery of both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching activities within the Department 
• Develop and use a variety of methods to assess student learning and provide feedback that is timely, relevant and appropriate 
• Act as personal tutor to students as agreed with the Head of Department and assist with difficulties, e.g., learning support problems. 
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Head of Department 
• Carry out administration as 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.       PhD awarded in a relevant field. 

2.       Expertise in behavioural science and security or a closely related field and an ability to add to the diversity of subject matter expertise among the faculty associated with behavioural sciences. 

3.       Experience of interacting with a wide variety of non-academic stakeholders. 

4.       An emerging research agenda and track record in research dissemination. 

5.       Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

6.       Experience of teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

7.       Experience of innovative curriculum and teaching design. 

8.       Understanding of and commitment to enhancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.  

9.       Established communication skills, both oral and written 

10.   For an appointment at Grade 7, candidates must have a PhD thesis published or in press as a monograph AND at least 2 papers published/ in press in peer-reviewed journals; OR at least 5 research papers published/in press in peer reviewed journals. Candidates must also show proven ability in and experience of academic leadership 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience of successful grant capture 

2.       Experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods 

3.       Track record of researching and engaging with communities likely to experience social, economic and health inequity.