Professor (Politics and International Relations)

The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading aims to appoint a Professor in Politics or International Relations to provide leadership in research engagement and impact activities over the next 1-2 REF cycles and to develop the public profile of the Department and University, in keeping with our strategic focus on becoming a more ‘Engaged University’.

We are a dynamic department with established strengths in Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, and Strategy.  Our research outputs are particularly strong: we were scored 6^th highest in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, when measuring by output GPA (Politics and International Studies UoA), having been =10^th on the same measure in 2014.  Our priority now is to further enhance our engagement and impact work.

We would like to appoint a Professor who:

• has a demonstrable track record of developing networks and working with external stakeholders to generate research engagement and impact
• is committed to conducting high-class research and has an exciting and ambitious research agenda that will complement existing strengths within the department
• is motivated to pursue engagement and impact activities, to share their experience and expertise with other members of the department, and to take a leadership role in developing a strong and sustainable culture of dissemination, engagement, and impact
• will contribute to the life of the department across research, teaching, and administration

We are open to applications from any sub-field of Politics and International Relations, but we particularly welcome applications from established scholars with strengths in international security, public policy, or the functioning of democracy.

The successful candidate will be expected to take on the role of Impact Lead, working with the current Research Division Leader.  They will also pursue their own research engagement and impact activities, for which support is available both within the department, via workload relief, and at institutional level.

We strongly welcome applications from women and racialised minorities, who are currently under-represented in the department.

When applying, please include a full CV and ensure that your cover letter outlines your experience of research engagement and impact activities, in addition to setting out your research agenda and teaching experience.

Informal Contact Details
Contact role: Head of Department of Politics and International Relations
Contact name: Dr Adam Humphreys
Contact phone: 0118 378 6107
Contact email: a.r.humphreys@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Informal Contact Details
Contact role: Politics and International Relations Research Division Lead
Contact name: Prof Sarah von Billerbeck
Contact email: s.b.k.vonbillerbeck@reading.ac.uk

Closing Date: 26th February 2023

Interview Date: TBC

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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