Senior Research Fellow and Departmental Lecturer in Medieval and Scholastic Theology

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Research Fellow and Departmental Lecturer in Medieval and Scholastic Theology, tenable from 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a fixed-term 5-year position, and the role is jointly held between the Faculty of Theology and Religion (0.5 FTE) where the postholder will serve as a Departmental Lecturer, and Blackfriars Hall (0.5 FTE), where the postholder will serve as Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Aquinas Institute.

The postholder will contribute to the teaching, research, and academic life of the Faculty of Theology and Religion and Blackfriars Hall, a Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford, through specialist expertise in Medieval and Scholastic Theology. They will deliver undergraduate and graduate teaching, supervise postgraduate research, exercise academic leadership, and pursue an active programme of original scholarship within the field.

This post is designed to ensure continuity and development of teaching and research in medieval theological traditions (c. 800–1400), with particular strengths in Scholastic Theology and its dialogue with Philosophy, Ecclesiastical History, and contemporary theological questions.

Through their work at Blackfriars Hall, the postholder will play a significant role in promoting Medieval and Scholastic Theology, including the thought of Aquinas and the theological tradition associated with him, within Oxford and internationally, supporting emerging scholars, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to the wider public and ecclesial engagement of theological scholarship.

The post, and an additional annual grant of £10k per annum to support Aquinas Institute events, is generously funded by the McDonald Agape Foundation.

Further particulars are available on the separate document. If you would like to discuss the post, please contact the Faculty Board Chair, Prof. Mark Edwards (mark.edwards@theology.ox.ac.uk) or the Regent of Blackfriars Hall, Rev Dr John O’Connor OP (regent@bfriars.ox.ac.uk), to discuss the Faculty or

Blackfriars Hall aspects of the post, respectively.

Blackfriars Hall and the Faculty of Theology and Religion welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit a CV, a 500-word proposal for a research agenda for the duration of the post and a supporting statement, and details of two referees. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependents).  References will be requested after shortlisting.

The closing date for applications is 25 February 2026 at 12:00pm. Interviews will take place in person in Oxford on 23 March 2026, and will also involve a 10-minute presentation aimed at undergraduates.

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