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 appointment comes at an exciting stage in the development of the School’s criminology provision, with new undergraduate programmes launching and a strong emphasis on expanding our research profile.
We welcome applications from candidates who are passionate about criminology, committed to excellent teaching, and motivated to develop an ambitious and impactful research agenda. The role is available on a permanent basis, with flexibility for full-time or part-time working arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Contribute to the design, delivery, and assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate criminology modules
Teach across core areas of the criminology curriculum, including:
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Advanced Criminological Theory
Research Methods
- Support student learning through engaging, inclusive, and research-informed teaching practices
- Develop and sustain a high-quality research profile, including publications and future funding plans
- Participate in academic administration and contribute to the wider life of the School of Law
Research Profile
The School already has strong research expertise in gender and youth crime. While applications are welcomed from all areas of criminology, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates whose research focuses on one or more of the following areas:
- Race and racism
- Organised crime
- Green criminology
- Applicants should demonstrate research outputs and future plans that align with their career stage and experience.
Teaching Expertise
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
- Experience teaching criminology at undergraduate and/or postgraduate taught (PGT) level
- Capability to teach core criminology modules listed above
- Experience or confidence in teaching quantitative research methods (highly desirable)
Eligibility and Right to Work
Due to the complexity of the UK Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who may require visa sponsorship are strongly encouraged to review eligibility criteria in advance via the UK Government website:
The University is unable to offer visa advice during the application stage and will only discuss immigration routes with shortlisted candidates.
All appointments are subject to the Right to Work in the UK:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Reading is proud to promote a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support:
- The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
- The Race Equality Charter
Equality for LGBT+ staff and students
We are also a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcome applications from disabled candidates. Flexible working arrangements, including job-share and part-time working, will be considered in line with operational requirements.
Further information on equality and employment rights can be found at:
Informal Enquiries
For informal discussions about the role, please contact:
Professor Jo Phoenix
Deputy Head of School, School of Law
Dr Alexandra Cox
Criminology Co-Lead
