St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth is seeking a Lecturer in Pastoral Theology Two-year Tenure Track with a view to a Permanent Position

St Patricks Pontifical University (SPPU) is nationally and internationally recognised centre of theological and philosophical learning scholarship and research. Founded as the Catholic National Seminary in 1795 it was recognised as a Pontifical University with Faculties of Theology Canon Law and Philosophy in 1896. The Faculty of Theology of St Patricks Pontifical University offers a variety of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. St Patricks Pontifical University is located on one of the most historical campuses in Ireland alongside one of Irelands youngest third level institutions Maynooth University.

Since 2011 all awards accredited by the Pontifical University have been submitted to the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) the statutory body that recognises academic awards in mandate of The Pontifical University is expressed in its constitutive document Veritatis Gaudium (2017) and quality assured by AVEPRO (Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties). Currently SPPU has been recommended for Listed Awarding Body status with Quality Qualifications Ireland.

Building on a 225-year-old educational legacy our vision states:By 2030 St. Patricks College Maynooth will be established as a leading Pontifical University and its campus recognised globally as a place of innovation and transformation where learning and living for the individual and community is in a sustainable inclusive and unbounded capacity of the Pontifical University is in its people relationships heritage and expertise. These roles further position it to realise its fullest potential in serving society and church nationally and internationally.

The Role

St Patricks Pontifical University offers undergraduate and postgraduate awards in Theology and seeks aLecturer in Pastoral Theology who is committed totheCatholic intellectual tradition and suitably qualified to teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Skills and Experience:

• Applicants are required to have a Doctorate / PhD in Pastoral Theology or Practical Theology. A successful candidate will also be required to have or be undertaking a Licentiate in Theology (specialisation in Pastoral Theology or Ministry) or equivalent from a Pontifical or Catholic University; namely a qualification which permits teaching modules in both the canonical and non-canonical degrees.
• An applicant will be required to have proven experience of undergraduate teaching a willingness to engage with postgraduate candidates particularly in writing of minor dissertations and be collaborative and versatile in terms of delivering modules and courses.
• A successful applicant will be expected to embrace a more interdisciplinary engagement of theology and also to advance the horizon of theological enquiry through strategic inter-disciplinary research projects and inter-institutional alliances.
• An applicant will be expected to integrate the teachings sources and modes of appropriation of the Christian faith for a varied audience comprised of students who are people of faith and students who might not describe themselves as such.
• A successful applicant will be required to have the necessary skills in contemporary pedagogical technologies (e.g. blended learning) as well as experience in supervising postgraduate dissertations at masters licentiate and doctoral levels. While respecting a work/life balance the successful applicant may be required to teach when necessary on some evenings / weekends or on outreach programmes.
• A successful applicant should be available to students (both postgraduate and undergraduate) for advice mentoring and discussion.
• A successful applicant will be ready to serve in general administration of the Faculty of Theology and of the Pontifical University. He or she will be able to work collaboratively with colleagues on Faculty committees and boards; while some administrative experience is desirable it not essential for appointment.
• The successful candidate will show evidence of research and publications in Theology in any of the following areas of Pastoral Theology Practical Theology Ministry empirical or qualitative and quantitative methodologies and other cognate areas as they relate to theology with concrete future research plans which will contribute to and enhance the profile of the discipline and of the Faculty.
• TheFacultyalso desires a candidate who is committed totheCatholic intellectual tradition.

Key Accountabilities Duties and Responsibilities

The key accountabilities duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Theology.
• Supervision of postgraduate research in Pastoral Theology / Ministry at Masters and Licentiate levels.
• Publication of ones own research in respected peer-reviewed journals and by publishers of repute; where appropriate this will be carried out in collaboration with colleagues in the Pontifical University and elsewhere.
• A willingness to assume administrative roles within the Faculty of Theology and the Pontifical University.

How to apply

Click on theApplybutton. You will be brought through a series of questions or requests which will include supplying:

• A complete Curriculum Vitae/Resume which should include a comprehensive list of publications and research interests.
• A personal statement of suitability addressing the criteria set out above and specifically indicating how the candidates teaching research and service will enhance the academic and ecclesial mission of the Pontifical University.
• A selection of your recent peer-reviewed publications.
• Full contact details (to include email and postal addresses as well as telephone numbers).
• The names and current contact details of two academic the case of a priest an additional letter of recommendation and support from his the case of a non-ordained religious an additional letter of recommendation and support from her or his religious superior or Bishop.

Post status: Tenure Track - This position is Tenure Track position which is 2-years in the first instance permanency is subject to satisfying the tenure requirements. The salary scale for this post is as given and the point on this scale on which the successful candidate will be appointed will be based on applicants level of experience. Candidates must be available to take up the role by 1st September 2025 to be conversant of the expectations for the new Academic year- 2026/2027. Requests for further information to

Information social media video links for SPPU available from

Home St Patricks Pontifical University Maynooth ()

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 12.00 noon (GMT) on Friday 20th February 2026. Interviews will be scheduled to take place in March 2026

Required Experience:

Senior IC