Teaching Fellow in Philosophy - School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion - 105521 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job description

Position Details

School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Part Time (25.5 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to August 2027

Closing date: 8th May 2025

Background

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Birmingham seeks to appoint a 0.68fte Teaching Fellow in Philosophy for a fixed term of 24 months (1st September 2025 – 31st August 2027). The post holder will teach at a range of levels to undergraduates and postgraduates, through allocated lectures and seminars, and online as part of our Distance Learning programme, so that the Department of Philosophy’s teaching objectives are met. The post holder may contribute to the design and running of modules with other colleagues, will plan and prepare teaching, undertake management/administration arising from teaching, and contribute to Departmental/School teaching-related activities and teaching-related administration.

The successful applicant will convene a Masters level course in Analytic Theology, including a version for our Distance Learning Programme. This includes giving seminars, monitoring discussion boards, all marking, and the creation of all teaching materials. They will also teach on two undergraduate courses, one in Early Modern Philosophy and another in the Philosophy of Religion. Other duties will include the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate taught students’ dissertations and other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Head of Department.

Teaching is done within an established teaching programme (under the supervision of an academic member of staff). The post holder will also contribute to the enhancement of student experience and employability. This role is an excellent opportunity to be part of a vibrant philosophy department with an excellent research environment and high student satisfaction.

Role Summary

• Teach within own subject area within an established teaching programme (under the supervision of an academic member of staff).
• Teaching will include undergraduate early modern philosophy, undergraduate philosophy of religion, and delivering a Masters-level course on Analytic Theology, as well as other teaching and UG/PGT supervision as determined by the Head of Department in line with the needs of the department.
• Contribute to teaching-related administrative duties in the department.
• Contribute to enhancement of the student experience or employability; design CPD programmes for clients external to the University; deliver CPD programmes, consulting on own specialism and the like, often under the supervision of a project leader.

Main Duties

• Teach courses at a range of levels within specified subject area and within own area of subject specialism to undergraduates, postgraduates and CPD students, predominantly through allocated lectures and seminars, so that the School’s teaching objectives are met.
• Contribute to the design of modules with other colleagues.
• Plan and prepare own teaching, including guidance notes and handouts in accordance with the established objectives of the teaching programme.
• Devise and supervise projects, student dissertations and practical work.
• Develop an approach to planning and reviewing own teaching.
• Undertake full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining (including summative assessment, such as unseen examinations, essays, dissertations or presentations, subject to validation by the academic supervisor).
• Frequently update own subject expertise.
• Undertake personal professional development in teaching, including self-reflection on own teaching, using student and peer review feedback, to enhance own teaching and learning processes.
• Contribute to knowledge transfer on own specialism that is of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Undertake management/administration arising from teaching.
• Contribute to Departmental/School teaching-related activities and teaching-related administration.
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Higher degree relevant to research or teaching area or equivalent qualifications.
• Demonstrable ability to teach in the areas specified.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to design and deliver module materials successfully.
• Ability to assess and organise resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

As part of your application please submit a CV and cover letter (up to 1000 words) including a short teaching statement.

Informal enquiries to Professor Nikk Effingham, Head of Department of Philosophy, email: [e-mail]

View our staff values and behaviours here.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.