Lecturer in Human Geography and Climate

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

About us:

The Department of Geography is a vibrant community of students, teachers and researchers. Our holistic approach encompasses both human and physical geography perspectives on global challenges and pressing environmental, geopolitical, urban and rural issues.

Our research findings contribute to public debates and policy development at national and international scales, making important contributions to climate change, disasters, smart cities, risk regulation, water, human migration and wildfire hazards. We are also deeply committed to tackling pressing matters of social justice around the world.

We undertake field research in over 95 countries across seven continents. Meanwhile, using London as a laboratory, our students and staff study migration, transport, housing, displacement, air and water quality, and health impacts on Londoners.

About the role:

The Department of Geography, King's College London invites applications for a Lecturer in Human Geography and Climate. The successful applicant will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching - particularly the MSc in Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy and BA Geography - including in-person and online lecturing, supervision, tutorials, field trips, marking and academic and pastoral support of students. They will also be expected to undertake individual and collaborative research, contributing to the King's Climate Hub, and one of the five research groups within the Department (e.g. Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services or Contested Development).

Candidates should hold a PhD in geography or a cognate discipline (e.g. environmental studies, sociology, politics, conservation) and should have a developing research profile focusing on the impact of a changing climate, which may include its effects on politics, society and biodiversity. We particularly welcome applicants working on policy making and the wider societal and ecological consequences of a changing climate, including migration and climate finance. The successful applicant will be expected to play a leading role in modules including Fundamentals of Climate Change, Practicing Social Research, Fundamentals of Risk, Disasters and Resilience, Geographical Foundations and/or other introductory human geography modules. Experience or familiarity with the academic environment in the UK is an advantage.

The Lectureship is a three-year fixed term position with a 3-year probation period. Applicants must be available to start in September 2025. This post will report to the Head of Department of Geography.

The Lecturer will receive mentoring and support to develop their skills and experience in education, academic administration, and research.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st August 2028.
About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified in geography or a cognate discipline, e.g. environmental studies, sociology, politics, conservation (viva must be passed before September start date)
2. Experience of delivering modules on Climate and Society and Human Geography more widely
3. Experience of teaching relevant subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level, with evidence of innovative and effective teaching and ability to engage and inspire students of diverse and international backgrounds
4. Experience of supervising student research projects, including providing guidance in Human Geography methods and excellent feedback on assessment
5. Demonstrated ability, through peer reviewed publications, to make contributions to knowledge in your field of research
6. Demonstrable interest in research impact and/or public engagement
7. Demonstrable potential to be an invaluable colleague at King's with ability to discharge administrative duties efficiently and collaborate effectively across disciplinary and/or department lines with colleagues.

Desirable criteria

1. Completion of appropriate training in Higher Education teaching and learning/academic practice
2. Completion of appropriate training in equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion
3. Experience of academic leadership in education (e.g. as programme lead) or in the wider discipline (e.g. in professional associations, advisory boards, journals)
4. Familiarity with the UK education system and the physical geography discipline
5. Experience of designing and/or convening modules on Climate and Society and Human Geography more widely, including online provision.

Further information:

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our 'How we Recruit' pages.

Interviews are due to be held week commencing 19th May.