Chair of History and Theory

Location: London – Bedford Square

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Reports to: Director, Architectural Association

Hours of work: Full-time or 0.8 (4 days)

The Architectural Association (AA) is an independent architectural school and an international cultural institution that serves as a forum for ideas. Being a major Centre for debate, the AA offers an unparalleled public programme of lectures, symposia, and exhibitions, together with accompanying publications.

The Architectural Association was founded in 1847, opening as a day school in 1901. The AA is committed to public benefit attained by the learning, teaching, discussion and promotion of architecture. The School is recognised as a worldwide leader in architectural education, with graduates that include many of the world’s leading architects, scholars, critics and educators. The academic and professional programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, up to and including doctoral level, are validated by external professional and academic bodies.

The AA campus is located in historic 18th century Bedford Square in London with a 350 acre woodland setting in Hooke Park in Dorset. The AA has an annual revenue of £18 million, a student body of 1000 students, 200 faculty, 90 staff, 6,500 members and thousands of visitors that come to engage with the most relevant debates in architecture today.

Role Overview:

The AA invites applications from candidates with a research focus on any aspect of the theory or history of architecture, urban or landscape design, and socio-cultural studies to contribute to teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, be actively involved in unit and programme-based design discussions, lead research initiatives and participate in the wider life of the school.

We are seeking 2-3 individuals with a rising academic trajectory and a strong record of research publications commensurate with their level of experience that shows potential to make a significant impact on architectural discourse, and who has the potential to become a key player in the AA's teaching and research activities. Candidates should have a doctorate in architecture or a related area and experience lecturing and teaching.

The successful candidate will be expected to take up appointment on 1 September 2023.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, including up to 40 days’ leave per annum, in addition to Bank Holidays, a defined pension scheme, season ticket loans and access to professional development opportunities.

You will also be able to take part and be involved in a creative and unique teaching environment, where the students display their amazing work with various on-site exhibitions, public programmes and lectures.

Our Bedford Square campus is based just a 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station, right in the heart of Central London.

Terms of Appointment:

• Tenure and Probation: Appointments are for five years and are renewable. The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a two-year probationary period.
• Right to Work in the UK: We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, any offer of employment we make will be conditional upon you gaining it.
• Qualifications: The person specification for this position lists qualifications that are essential and/or desirable. Please note that if you are offered the post you will be asked to provide your relevant original certificates of these qualifications.
• References: Offers of appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.

How to Apply:

Please email the below documents via the 'Apply' button above by the closing date of 28th April 2023 stating the job title in the subject heading.

• AA Application Form
• Cover Letter / Email highlighting why you feel you are the right person for the role. This should be no more than two-pages
• Full CV

As well as an interview, you will be expected to make a presentation at the school on the 15/16 May. Further details will be given about this at the time.

Informal enquires should be addressed to recruitment@aaschool.ac.uk or 02078874110

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Please note that it will not be possible for the AA School to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for successful candidates. Therefore, the appointed candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of their employment with the AA School, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Thank you for your interest in the AA and this role.