Associate Professor or Professor in Sociology

The Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Reading is seeking to make a strategic appointment at Associate Professor level (or, for an exceptional candidate, at Professor level) to lead the development of new UG programmes in Sociology.

The successful candidate will deliver outstanding research in their specialist area and will have the appetite and experience to lead the development and delivery of two new programmes which are currently going through the approval process and which are expected to admit students from Sep 2025: a single honours programme in Sociology and a joint honours programme in Sociology and Criminology. They will have particular responsibility for

• Developing the content of new core modules in Sociology Part 1 for delivery in Sep 2025 and proposing new, specialist Part 2/3 modules in Sociology
• Providing academic leadership in the development and marketing of the two new programmes and acting as Programme Director
• Shaping a strategy for further new appointments in Sociology from summer 2025 and for possible further expansion of our Sociology provision

We welcome applications from individuals with strong track records in teaching, research, and leadership across any area of Sociology. We especially welcome applications from candidates whose research expertise falls into areas – such as migration, gender, race and ethnicity, identity, education, work, class, the welfare state, and social policy – which have some connection to areas of interest among existing members of the Department of Politics and International Relations. 

Candidates must have a background and substantial teaching experience in Sociology and be capable of developing and delivering core modules on UG Sociology programmes (such as Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory, and Research Methods) and of offering optional modules within their specialist area. They must also have an established reputation and an ambitious forward-looking research agenda within their area of expertise as well as a track record of producing high-quality research outputs capable of contributing to a strong REF (Research Excellence Framework) return.  They must be willing and able to contribute to the leadership and intellectual life of the Department of Politics and International Relations.

The department is a friendly and supportive place which has performed very strongly in the last two REF assessments. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly welcome applications from women, racialised minorities, and other groups who remain under-represented in the department and in academia more broadly.  

Interview date - 2nd July 2024

Informal contact details

Contact role: Head of Department of Politics and International Relations
Contact name: Dr Adam Humphreys
Contact phone: 0118 378 6107
Contact email: a.r.humphreys@reading.ac.uk

Alternative informal contact details

Contact role: School Director of Teaching and Learning
Contact name: Dr David Marshall
Contact phone:0118 378 7369
Contact email: d.j.marshall@reading.ac.uk

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

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. 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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