Lecturer in Criminology(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Role
The School of Law at the University of Reading is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and research-active Lecturer in Criminology to join its growing academic team. This permanent role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of new undergraduate criminology programmes and to strengthen the School’s criminological research profile.
You will join a supportive, ambitious academic community that values high-quality teaching, original research, and meaningful engagement with contemporary social and criminal justice issues.
Your Contribution
As Lecturer in Criminology, you will:
Deliver engaging and inclusive teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate criminology programmes.
Contribute to the design and delivery of core criminology modules, including:
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Advanced Criminological Theory
Research Methods
- Develop and sustain an independent, high-quality research agenda with clear plans for publication and impact.
- Supervise student research projects and dissertations.
- Contribute to academic citizenship within the School of Law and the wider University.
Research Focus
The School welcomes applications from candidates with ambitious research plans across criminology. While all strong applications will be considered, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates with expertise in:
- Race and racism
- Organised crime
- Green criminology
Existing strengths within the team include gender and youth crime, offering strong opportunities for collaboration.
Teaching Expertise
Applicants must demonstrate experience teaching criminology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Experience teaching quantitative research methods is especially welcome.
About You
You will bring:
- A PhD (completed or near completion) in Criminology or a closely related discipline.
- Evidence of high-quality teaching and curriculum development.
- A growing or established research publication profile appropriate to career stage.
- Clear and ambitious plans for future research and impact.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to academic work.
Visa Information
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who may require sponsorship are advised to independently check their eligibility before applying. Visa options will only be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
Policy and Professional Context
This role contributes to education and research within the UK’s legal and criminal justice landscape, informed by national policy and public frameworks, including:
Criminal justice system overview
Equality Act 2010
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance
Public Sector Equality Duty
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-sector-equality-duty
Equality, Diversity and Flexible Working
The University of Reading is committed to building an inclusive academic community. We actively support:
- The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
- The Race Equality Charter
- LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality
- The Disability Confident Employer Scheme (Level 2)
Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and considered in line with business needs.
