Lecturer in Social Anthropology

Location: Whiteknights Campus

Job details

Contractual hours: 35

Job category/type: Academic and Research

Job description

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 27th April 2026

Interviews will be held: 8th June 2026

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The Department of Archaeology is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Social Anthropology (Full Time – Teaching and Research) who has specific expertise in one or more of the following: the anthropology of collections/archives, museum anthropology, anthropology of material culture, and/or ethnographically-informed archaeology. We are particularly interested in individuals who will be able to contribute to our ‘Archaeology and Anthropology’ and ‘Museum Studies and Archaeology’ undergraduate degree programmes. You will be familiar with contemporary concepts, theories, methods and debates in social anthropology. You must also be able to contribute to excellent research within the Department. You will also be capable of taking an interdisciplinary approach, working with Archaeology, Anthropology and Museum Studies colleagues to support students across a range of degree programmes.

We offer a friendly, supportive, dynamic department with an outstanding research reputation (rated #1 in Archaeology at REF 2021) that also prides itself on teaching excellence. The post holder will report to the Head of Department and be assigned a mentor who will provide advice during the probationary period of their appointment.

You will have:

• A PhD or equivalent level of experience in Social Anthropology, or a related subject.
• A track record of research attainment and a proven ability to produce excellent research publications.
• Experience of grant application preparation.
• Experience of supervising students and/or teaching and assessment.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective teaching in two or more of the following areas: general social anthropology; the anthropology of collections/archives, museum anthropology, anthropology of material culture, and/or ethnographically-informed archaeology.
• Commitment to University level teaching and to working effectively and collaboratively with colleagues in the Department and wider University.

Informal contact details

Contact Name: Professor Duncan Garrow

Contact Job Title: Head of Department and Professor of Later Prehistory

Contact Email address: d.j.garrow@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Dr Alanna Cant

Alternative Contact Job Title: Departmental Director of Teaching & Learning and Associate Professor of Social Anthropology

Alternative Contact Email address: a.cant@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). 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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