Lecturer in Theology and Ministry

The Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the fixed term role of Lecturer. We welcome applications from those with research and teaching interests in any area of theology that relates to Christian thought, practice, ministry and mission in the contemporary world.

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of excellent research, teaching and validation work within an exciting and progressive institution. For more information, please visit our Department pages at www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/theology-religion/

In 2013, Durham University was contracted by the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England to provide validation arrangements for a suite of academic programmes in Theology, Ministry, and Mission, offered at a number of Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) around the country, and to provide academic resources and services to staff and students based at these institutions.

The Common Awards team includes an academic support team led by Alyson Bird (the Quality Assurance Manager) based in the University's Curriculum, Learning and Assessment service, and a small academic team currently comprising Prof Mike Higton (Professor of Theology and Ministry) and Dr Selina Stone (Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theological Education), based in the Department of Theology and Religion.

The members of the academic team work with the academic support team to

• maintain oversight of the delivery of Common Awards programmes at the partner TEIs, and develop related academic policies and quality assurance processes;
• facilitate a range of research conversations and projects drawing in staff from around the partnership, and designed to help enhance the theological education provided around the partnership; and
• provide a suite of activities aimed at enhancing the experience of students undertaking Common Awards programmes around the partnership.

More detail on the existing programme of Common Awards research activity is set out at https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/common-awards/ .

This role of Lecturer is for a fixed term of four years, because the post forms part of the Common Awards scheme, which is funded through to 31st August 2027. If the Common Awards contract is renewed beyond that point, extension of this post in some form may be possible.

Successful candidates will ideally be in post by 1 September 2023.

The role is full-time, but we will consider requests for flexible working arrangements including potential job shares

Applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of theology or a related discipline, with relevance to Christian thought, practice, ministry and mission in the contemporary world; the capacity to provide excellent academic quality assurance and leadership to our partners in the Common Awards scheme, and the ability to teach to an exceptional standard and to engage fully in the services, citizenship and values of the University. The University provides a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.