Lecturer in Comparative Politics

The Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Reading welcomes applications for a full-time but temporary (3-year) Lectureship (Teaching and Research) in Comparative Politics, to start on 1 Sep 2025.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with demonstrable potential to produce exciting, innovative, and methodologically rigorous research and to deliver inspiring teaching within the broad area of Comparative Politics.

The successful candidate will have an innovative and ambitious research agenda in Comparative Politics and a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research outputs capable of contributing to a strong REF (Research Excellence Framework) return. We are open to a variety of sub-disciplinary specialisations. A track record of attracting research funding and/or undertaking policy-relevant research which has the potential for impact may be an advantage.

Candidates must be able and willing to teach an optional Undergraduate Part 2 module in British Government and Politics and to contribute to teaching across the broad field of Comparative Politics. The ability to teach American Government and Politics and to develop an optional module which complements our existing offerings may be an advantage. Successful candidates will also be expected to contribute to student support, recruitment, and general administrative duties within the department.

The department is a friendly and supportive place which has performed very strongly in the last two REF assessments. We are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and this is a fixed-term position as it is supported by fixed-term grant funding.

Please apply via the online portal, making sure to include a CV and a ‘supporting statement’ that addresses the job description and person specification (this need not go through each criterion separately so long as they are, as a whole, fully addressed). The deadline for applications is Mon 21 April.

Closing Date - 23:59 21/04/2025

Interview Date - TBC

Contact details

Contact Name: Adam Humphreys
Contact Job Title: Head of Department of Politics and International Relations
Contact Email address: a.r.humphreys@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: David Marshall
Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Professor (Comparative Politics)
Alternative Contact Email address: d.j.marshall@reading.ac.uk

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

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. 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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