Assistant Professor in Politics (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

The School of Law, Politics and Sociology at the University of Sussex is seeking a motivated and committed Assistant Professor in Politics to join the department on a six-month fixed-term basis. This role is part of the Education and Scholarship pathway and has been created to support teaching and academic administration during a period of research leave.

You will play a key role in maintaining continuity and quality in undergraduate education, contributing to teaching delivery, assessment, and student support across core areas of the Politics curriculum.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early- to mid-career academic who enjoys teaching, curriculum engagement, and working collaboratively within a research-led department.

What You’ll Be Doing

Convening and delivering the undergraduate module The Far Right and the Politics of Immigration

Teaching lectures and seminars on modules including:

• Feminism and the Politics of Gender
• The Neoliberal Age? Interpreting Modern Britain
• Contributing to assessment design, marking, and feedback
• Providing academic guidance and support to undergraduate students
• Supporting essential administrative activities related to teaching delivery
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a positive student learning experience

About You

You will be a dedicated educator with a strong grounding in Politics or a related discipline, and a commitment to inclusive, high-quality teaching.

You will bring:

• A completed PhD in Politics or a closely related field
• Experience teaching in a higher education setting

Subject expertise relevant to the modules listed, such as:

• Far-right politics
• Immigration and citizenship
• Gender and feminist politics
• British politics
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work effectively as part of a collegial academic team
• Research activity is welcome but not required beyond supporting teaching excellence during the contract period.

About the Department & School

Politics at Sussex is a well-established, research-led department with a strong national and international reputation. The department comprises around 20 faculty members and approximately 600 students, offering a vibrant academic environment.

Key strengths include:

• British politics and political parties
• Citizenship, migration, and corruption
• Populism, protest politics, and anti-politics
• The internationally recognised Sussex European Institute
• The Centre for the Study of Corruption

In the most recent REF, 96% of research outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Teaching quality is also a strong focus, reflected in consistently high National Student Survey results.

Further information about the School of Law, Politics and Sociology can be found on the University’s website.

Why Work at the University of Sussex?

The University of Sussex is located within 150 acres of parkland beside the South Downs, offering a distinctive and supportive academic environment.

You’ll benefit from:

• Excellent transport links, including Falmer Station, a short walk from campus
• On-campus bus routes and cycle-friendly infrastructure
• A cycle-to-work scheme and wellbeing initiatives
• A diverse, inclusive, and international academic community
• Competitive pay, pension, and benefits

At Sussex, people are at the heart of everything we do — and we are committed to creating an environment where staff and students can thrive.

Visa & Right to Work Information

All work for the University must be undertaken in the UK.
While this role has been assigned an eligible SOC code, it does not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship requirements due to its part-time nature.

Helpful UK Government guidance:

• Skilled Worker visa overview
• Right to work checks
• Employment status guidance
• Working hours and contracts
• Equality and workplace rights

Key Dates & Contact Information

• Closing Date: 22 February 2026 (3:59 PM)
• Interview Date: 12 March 2026
• Expected Start Date: January 2027
• Contract Duration: 6 months