Assistant Professor in Criminology Research and Education - School of Social Policy and SocietyGrade 8

Position Details

School of Social Policy and Society

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 46735 to 55755 with potential progression once in post to 62728

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 8 salary 52566

Full Time Permanent

Closing date: 14th May 2025

Interview date expected w/c 2nd June 2025

Background

We are seeking to appoint a criminologist as Assistant Professor to expand our vibrant Department of Social Policy Sociology and Criminology.

This post represents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our vibrant Department of Social Policy Sociology and Criminology. The Department is located within the University of Birminghams School of Social Policy and Society which is one of the four Schools in the College of Social Sciences.

Applications are invited for the post of Assistant Professor in Criminology which is available from 1st September 2025.The postholder will be expected to make a strong contribution to criminological and interdisciplinary research across the Department.

Potential candidates will have a doctorate be research active and have excellent administrative and teaching skills.

Role Summary

You will contribute to a range of educationrelated and research activities. In addition you will be expected to contribute to academic citizenship developing and maintaining mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students and ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others carry out theirs.

Teaching is likely to include a substantial contribution to: (a) the management development and delivery of teaching and assessment at all levels; and (b) enhancement of the student experience and employability. The role will typically also involve developing and advising others including: (a) providing expert advice to staff and students and (b) developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods.

Research is likely to include a substantial contribution to the national and international reputation of criminology at the University of Birmingham through the production of original research work and a demonstrable ability to deliver impact.

Management and administration is likely to include developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer enterprise business engagement public engagement widening participation schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University.

Main Duties

Education

You will contribute across the range of teaching and learning activities by:

• leadingcurriculumdevelopmentand/orrenewal;
• developingandmanagingapproachestoteachingandlearningthatare bestpracticeinthe subject area or institution;
• advisingothersonaspectsoflearningteachingandassessment;
• advancingthepracticeofteachingintheirmodulesandwithintheschoolandplayan important role in student academic support;
• informingyourteachingpracticebydisciplinebasedresearch;
• developing an external profile evidenced through engaging in external quality assurance activities related to teaching eg. external examining and engaging with/supporting education in other institutions;
• playing an important and sustained role in the recruitment and admission of students;
• cosupervising doctoral students to completion;
• leading the development of teaching learning and assessment policies and strategies;
• undertaking own teaching which will include teaching and examining courses at a range of levels planning and reviewing own teaching approaches developing programme proposals supervision marking and examining.

Research

To pursue sustained research activity through original research and scholarship including other researchrelated contributions through conference papers and presentations and/or consultancy projects and advice including (as appropriate):

• contributing to successful research funding bids;
• publishing internationally excellent research;
• supervising and examining PhD students both within the institution and externally;
• peer reviewing articles for peer reviewed academic journals;
• research that involved impact activity including public engagement and makes contributions to policy development at a national and/or international level.

Management/Administration

To contribute to Departmental /School administration. This may include:

• contributing to the administration/management of teaching across the Department/School;
• where appropriate leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new and/or revised process (e.g. new programme or a recruitment drive);
• advising on personal development of colleagues and students;
• making a contribution to administrative activities within the University (e.g. appeals panels working groups);
• developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer enterprise business engagement public engagement widening participation schools outreach;
• promoting equality diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour.

Citizenship

Contributing to an inclusive working environment:

• pursuing your activities in a way that helps others to pursue their activities effectively and efficiently;
• demonstrating a willingness to be involved in a variety of activities supporting University life (e.g. participation in graduation Departmental/School committees);
• demonstrating support for colleagues such as sharing resources providing advice;
• willingness to volunteer for oneoff duties (such as supporting School Institute and Departmental projects);
• positively engaging in School strategic initiatives;
• proactive support and involvement in activities specifically contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.

Person Specification

• NormallyahigherDegreerelevanttothedisciplinearea(usuallyPhD)orequivalent qualifications.

Teaching

• Ability and/or previous experience in designingdeliveringassessingandrevisingteachingprogrammes.
• Extensiveexperienceanddemonstratedsuccessindevelopingappropriateapproachesto learning and teaching and advising colleagues.
• Experienceandachievementinknowledgetransferenterpriseandsimilaractivitythat enhances the student experience or employability.

Research

A developing national reputation through the production of original research work and a developing record of impact. Evidence of success under the following headings as appropriate to the discipline:

• The ability to produce high quality outputs resulting in impact on discipline and recognition.
• A record of peer reviewed research publications.
• Ability to successfully supervise doctoral students to completion.
• Evidence of or ability to generate research income e.g. through research grants contracts research consultancy or other external funding.
• Ability to produce high value impact knowledge transfer and enterprise that is of manifest benefit to the College and University.

ManagementAdministration

• AbilitytocontributetoSchool/Departmentalmanagementprocesses.
• Abilitytoassessandorganiseresources effectively.
• Understandingofandabilitytocontributetobroadermanagement/administrationprocesses.
• ExperienceofchampioningEqualityDiversityandInclusioninownworkarea.
• Abilitytomonitorandevaluatetheextenttowhichequalityanddiversitylegislationpolicies procedures are applied.
• Abilitytoidentifyissueswiththepotentialtoimpactonprotectedgroupsandtake appropriate action.

Informal enquiries to Dr Sam Weston email:

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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.