Lecturer in Physical Geography

The School of Natural and Built Environment seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Physical Geography to support and enhance our teaching and research portfolio within Geography, the School and the wider Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. This full‑time, permanent post will contribute to Queen’s University Belfast’s commitment to world‑class research, sustainability leadership and societal impact.

The postholder will have expertise in Physical Geography/Geoscience, with a research focus on climate change - particularly Earth system dynamics, environmental resilience, and/or natural hazards. We welcome applicants whose work addresses contemporary environmental challenges and their societal implications, supported by approaches such as GIS, remote sensing, and environmental modelling. The post offers an opportunity to strengthen the School’s geoscience capacity and contribute to interdisciplinary teaching and research aligned with institutional priorities in sustainability and climate action.

The postholder will develop an internationally recognised research profile, securing external funding, publishing in leading journals, and contributing to collaborative initiatives across the School and University. They will be expected to build partnerships with government, NGOs, and industry to ensure their research delivers applied insights and enhances student engagement with real‑world environmental issues.

The postholder will contribute to professionally accredited teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across Geography and the School. Responsibilities include delivering lectures, fieldwork, group‑based learning, project supervision, and supporting the coordination and administration of interdisciplinary modules.

In addition to advancing Physical Geography, they will contribute to the School’s wider research strengths, engaging with themes linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Queen’s Global Challenges. This includes developing a distinctive interdisciplinary agenda addressing socio‑spatial challenges arising from environmental, technological, economic, and governance change. The role requires building a strong research profile through competitive funding, high‑quality publications, PhD supervision, and impactful knowledge‑exchange activity.

Essential:

• PhD (awarded or with corrections only to be made) in Physical Geography, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline PhD focussed on climate change science.
• Experience of teaching and supporting student learning in one or more settings (e.g. lectures, tutorials, laboratory/practical classes, field classes).
• Evidence of a developing track record of high-quality peer-reviewed research outputs appropriate to career stage.
• Evidence of engagement beyond academia through research, knowledge exchange, professional practice or public engagement.
• Clear, engaging and well-paced presentation delivered within the allotted time. Effective use of visual materials that support and enhance the verbal presentation.
• Use of GIS and/or remote sensing in teaching and/or research.

Desirable:

• Experience of Government, NGO, consultancy, industrial partnership or collaboration.
• PGCHE (or equivalent) teaching qualification. Evidence of substantial organisation / delivery of teaching – e.g., designing / leading modules.
• Papers published in high-quality international journals.
• Demonstrable societal, environmental, policy or economic impact.
• Awareness of the opportunities, limitations and responsible use of generative AI and related technologies in teaching and/or research.

The panel will take appropriate account of career-stage, personal circumstances and other relevant mitigating factors in accordance with the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles.

This is not an exhaustive list. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

Apply Online via the ‘Apply’ button above

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