Assistant Professor in Politics (UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
The Opportunity
The School of Law, Politics and Sociology is seeking a committed and engaging Assistant Professor in Politics to join the department on a short-term basis. This appointment will provide teaching and administrative continuity during a period of research leave and sits within the Education and Scholarship pathway.
This role is ideal for an academic who enjoys high-quality teaching, student engagement, and contributing positively to a collaborative departmental culture. You will play a key role in maintaining an excellent learning experience for undergraduate students during this period.
What You Will Be Doing
- Deliver undergraduate teaching through lectures and seminars across core Politics modules
- Convene and lead The Far Right and the Politics of Immigration module
Teach on modules such as Feminism and the Politics of Gender and The Neoliberal Age? Interpreting Modern Britain, with scope to contribute to additional core modules as needed
- Design and mark assessments in line with University standards
- Provide academic guidance and pastoral support to students
- Contribute to essential administrative and quality assurance activities within the department
About You
You will hold a PhD in Politics or a closely related discipline and have experience teaching at university level. You will be confident delivering lectures and facilitating seminars that encourage critical thinking and inclusive discussion.
Your academic background will align well with the subject areas covered in this role, which may include:
- Far-right movements and party politics
- Immigration and migration
- Gender, feminism, and political theory
- British politics and political change
You will be a clear and effective communicator, able to work collegially within an academic team while managing teaching responsibilities with professionalism and care.
About the Department
Politics at Sussex is a research-led, internationally recognised department with a strong reputation for excellence in both teaching and scholarship. The department includes around 20 academic staff and supports approximately 600 students.
It is home to leading research centres, including the Sussex European Institute and the Centre for the Study of Corruption, and has particular strengths in British politics, political parties, citizenship, migration, populism, protest politics, and challenges to the contemporary political order.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 96% of outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, alongside strong performance in the National Student Survey, with high levels of student satisfaction for teaching quality.
Further details about the School of Law, Politics and Sociology can be found on the University website.
Why Join the University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is a globally recognised, research-intensive institution set within a beautiful campus adjacent to the South Downs National Park.
The campus is well connected, with Falmer railway station just a five-minute walk away, frequent bus services, and excellent cycling facilities supported by a Cycle to Work scheme.
Sussex is proud of its diverse and inclusive community and recognises that its success is built on the people who work and study here. Staff are supported through a strong commitment to wellbeing, equality, and professional development.
You can explore more about:
- Staff reward and benefits
- Equality, diversity and inclusion at Sussex
Visa and Right to Work Information
All work for the University must be carried out in the UK. While this role has an assigned eligible SOC code, it does not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship requirements due to its part-time status.
Helpful UK Government Guidance (External Links)
The following official UK government resources may be useful for applicants:
- Right to Work in the UK – Employer Checks
- Skilled Worker Visa – Eligibility Information
- Higher Education Teaching and Employment Standards
- Equality Act 2010 – Employment Rights
- Working in the UK – Immigration Rules Overview
Further Information
For informal enquiries about the role, please contact:
Dr Jonathan Moss – j.moss@sussex.ac.uk
The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
