Lecturer in Sustainability and Development (AER)

Job title: Lecturer in Sustainability and Development (AER)

Department: Development Studies

Contract Type: 3 years, fixed-term contract) AER (Academic Education focused Route)

Grade: 8/Ac3

Salary: £51,248.57 to £60,268.57 per annum (Inclusive of London Allowance)

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London

Hours: 35 per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

The Department of Development Studies is looking to recruit a talented interdisciplinary scholar with an excellent teaching and scholarship record who will contribute to the mission of the Department, as one of the leading development studies departments in the world.

You will have strong expertise in sustainability, climate change and development studies.  You should have capacity to teach across a range of courses on sustainability and development studies, including the political economy and sociology of development; sustainable development; climate change; poverty and inequality; food security and social protection; and decolonial approaches to knowledge and development.

You must be able to teach a range of modules at postgraduate level for both on-campus and distance learning; as well as support research projects undertaken by MSc and potentially PhD students. Expertise in teaching online programmes is desirable, especially at postgraduate level. It would be desirable for the role holder to be a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy but, if not, SOAS will support them in applying to the HEA.

About the Department

The Department of Development Studies at SOAS is a world-leading, research-led department, ranked 5th worldwide and 2nd by academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025).

Development Studies at SOAS emerged in the 1990s, initially in the form of a Centre, combining expertise and strengths from Economics, Politics, Anthropology and Sociology, and Geography. Even though there was already a strong tradition of development research in all these departments, this was an opportunity to create a new space of reflection, teaching and research which eventually led to the creation of the Department in 1995, with a rapid growth in student enrolments, programmes, and staff, resulting in a diverse collective encompassing a wide range of sub-fields and interests.

In 2025, 28 full-time academics, more than 300 postgraduate students, and a strong undergraduate cohort populate the classrooms. We offer a range of degree programmes on-campus and online, bringing together a cross- and interdisciplinary approach that combines political-economy, economics, politics, anthropology, sociology and history amongst others.

Our academic staff create an intellectually engaged and challenging space across the many branches of Development Studies (including global labour and social justice, migration and

displacement, conflict, humanitarian action, political ecology, and aid and institutions). Our high standing in global rankings reflects the high reputation of the Department and its vibrant teaching and research environment. We are committed to theoretical and methodological pluralism, and interdisciplinarity.

Further information online: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/schools-and-departments/department-development-studies

Within the Department, the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP, www.soas.ac.uk/cedep) coordinates research and distance learning teaching, building on a 35+ year track record of high quality online postgraduate education since its origins at Wye College, University of London. CeDEP offers two online distance learning MSc/PGDip/PGCert 30cr programmes: in Climate Change and Development; and Sustainable Development. CeDEP is already among the market leaders for distance learning programmes in these areas, with potential for further growth. The CeDEP research portfolio includes low carbon transitions, adaptation and climate resilient development; climate and sustainable finance; and sustainability learning. Our work reflects our collaborative engagement with other researchers, staff, the student body and the network of associate staff and partners to develop projects and outreach activities.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement

Closing date: 9th July 2025 at 11:59 p.m                               

Interviews to be held: week commencing 21st July 2025

Further Information

If you would like an informal conversation about the role please contact Prof. Carlos Oya, via email: co2@soas.ac.uk

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.