Lecturer (Teaching) in Middle East Politics

Job title: Lecturer (Teaching) in Middle East Politics 

Department: Politics and International Studies

Contract Type: 1 year, Fixed Term Contract 

Grade: Grade 8/Ac3

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom

Hours: 35

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

We are looking for an excellent Middle East Politics lecturer (AER) for this 1.0 FTE, 1 year, fixed term contract position. The role holder will be expected to contribute to the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as our online and distance learning programmes. The role holder will convene and teach both general and specialist in-person modules (individually and with others), convene online and distance learning modules, advise both undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, provide pastoral care for students, and contribute to administrative roles as needed. The role holder will also be expected to work in a collegial and collaborative manner with both academic and non-academic staff across the Department and the School. We are open to all thematic expertise within the sub-field of politics and international relations of the Middle East. Since this is an AER position, there is no expectation for the role holder to engage in research, although pedagogic scholarship in support of teaching is desirable Please note: 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.

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.

About the Department

Within SOAS, the Department of Politics and International Studies is a world-leading, research-led department, ranked 3 rd globally for its outstanding “Academic Reputation” (QS World University Rankings 2025). The Department of Politics and International Studies is currently one of the largest at SOAS. It is known for its research-based engagement with the political realities of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and for providing innovative and challenging perspectives on these realities. Our academic staff, together with our research students, work across a wide spectrum of global, international, regional, and theoretical issues, including international security, international organisations, international political economy, diplomacy, and migration, as well as comparative political theory, the politics of regimes and resistance, cultural identity, urban politics, climate change, and violence. We are an exceptionally diverse department with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Most of our faculty members have regional and theoretical interests, a command of one or more languages in the regions they study, and substantial fieldwork experience. One of our core commitments lies in fostering a supportive learning environment for our students. There are currently about 1,250 students enrolled on the Department’s on-campus degree programmes. The majority study for a BA in Politics (or Politics with another subject) or a BA in International Relations (or International Relations with another subject). In addition, the Department hosts three postgraduate programmes: MSc Politics and International Relations, MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy, and MA International Studies and Diplomacy. The Department also delivers the MA Global Diplomacy online programme. N.b. Our MSc Politics and International Relations programme appeals to generalists as well as those with specific thematic and/or regional interests, offering distinctive pathways focused on Comparative Political Theory; International Politics and Security; Conflict, Rights, and Justice; and the Politics and International Relations of Africa; the Middle East; South Asia; Southeast Asia; East Asia; and Central Asia. Nurturing multiple research-oriented events every week, the Department hosts interdisciplinary research centres/clusters focused on International Studies and Diplomacy as well as Comparative Political Thought; International Politics and Security; Conflict, Rights, and Justice; and (more generally) the politics and international relations of Asia; Africa; and the Middle East.

How to Apply: 

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

Closing date: 12th October 2025 at 23:59                            

Interviews to be held: 31st October 2025

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 may be 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

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