Job Description

About the Department

The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading is a research-active, vibrant academic community committed to excellence in teaching, research, and policy engagement. We are now seeking to appoint two Lecturers in International Relations with distinct areas of specialism:

• Contemporary War and Conflict
• International Security

These roles offer the opportunity to join a department that is globally connected and engaged, with a focus on research that addresses pressing international challenges.

The role

As a Lecturer in International Relations, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, research-led teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Supervise student research projects in International Relations and Security Studies
• Conduct innovative, high-impact research in your area of expertise
• Contribute to the department’s Centre for Global Security and Governance
• Support student recruitment, guidance, and academic administration
• We are particularly interested in candidates whose work addresses:
• The changing character of contemporary conflict and warfare
• Global security challenges, including emerging technologies, climate change, environmental security, and cybersecurity
• Policy-relevant research with measurable impact
• A record of producing high-quality research outputs and the potential to secure external research funding will be highly valued.

What we’re looking for

Successful candidates will normally have:

• A PhD in International Relations, Politics, Security Studies, or a related discipline
• An ambitious, innovative research agenda capable of contributing to a strong REF return
• Experience of teaching and supervising at university level
• The ability to engage students with stimulating, research-led teaching
• A commitment to academic professionalism and supporting an inclusive student experience
• We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary approaches, or expertise in areas that enhance the department’s existing strengths.
• Contract and working arrangements
• Permanent, full-time appointments (1.0 FTE)
• Based at Whiteknights Campus, Reading
• Flexible working and part-time arrangements will be considered
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be possible; applicants must check eligibility via the UK Visas and Immigration guidance

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from:

• Women and LGBTQIA+ scholars
• Racialised minorities
• Candidates from other underrepresented groups

The University supports:

• The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
• The Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ equality initiatives
• Disability inclusion as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
• Applications for job-share, flexible, and part-time roles will be considered in line with operational needs.