Associate Professor (Research & Education)

The Department of Geography at Durham University seeks to appoint an outstanding individual to an Associate Professorship in Human Geography. The post is part of Durham University’s strategic Heritage 360 initiative and applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of Heritage Landscapes and/or Social Justice and Wellbeing in heritage, with the ability to teach our students to an exceptional standard and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.

Heritage 360 is a new and exciting research platform funded through Durham University’s Strategic Research Fund. Dedicated to holistic approaches to heritage, and to drawing together research on natural and cultural heritage, Heritage 360 involves six academic departments (Archaeology, Biosciences, Chemistry, Geography, History, Modern Languages and Cultures) and Library and Collections. The position is permanent and successful postholders will be department-based, but for the four-year duration of the initiative will be focused on research, with teaching by agreement with department and Strategic Research Fund management. Contribution to masters teaching and continuing professional development programmes will be expected.

The successful applicant will have an outstanding research record with evidence of substantial grant capture, collaborative working within and without academe, and agenda-setting leadership. We encourage work that develops a range of theoretical, conceptual, and/or methodological approaches. In addition, they must demonstrate the ability to teach on cultural and/or natural heritage at all levels, including postgraduate, and a proven commitment to academic citizenship commensurate with their grade.

Geography at Durham consistently ranks among the very best departments not just in the UK, but also in the world. We were ranked =1^st in REF 2021 and our research environment was awarded the highest possible 100% 4* score. Our students report very high satisfaction levels in the National Student Survey.

As an Associate Professor, you will benefit from a generous research leave policy, will be able to apply to the Department’s Research Development Fund for pump priming work, and we support academic staff with a generous travel allowance. Your work will have the support of a departmental research office, as well as cartographic and photographic support. We regularly host visiting academics and research students from around the world. The Department also benefits from the ESRC NINEDTP, AHRC Northern Bridge, and IAPETUS NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships. For more information on the Department of Geography see: www.dur.ac.uk/geography

The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of leading research and teaching while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution. We are proud of our efforts to decolonise our curricula and ensure inclusive fieldwork, and to be part of a vibrant university community that celebrates diversity, and we encourage talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1^st January 2026.

Please direct informal enquiries to Prof Colm O’Cofaigh (Head of Department). The closing date for applications is 30/06/2025.

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