Reader/Professor in Development Studies

FURTHER PARTICULARS
 

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES 

Reader/Professor in Development Studies 

Introduction

SOAS is one of the colleges of the University of London.  Its Royal Charter of Incorporation dates from 1916. There are approximately 200 academic staff and more than 3,000 students.  SOAS is unique, in that it is the only higher education institution specialising in the study of Asia and Africa.  The academic structure of the School consists of 5 regional departments concerned with the languages and cultures of Africa, the Near and Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and East Asia respectively, and 11 disciplinary departments in humanities and social sciences. SOAS as a whole has a strong commitment to the study of a wide range of languages, literatures and cultures, many of which are taught nowhere else in the UK.   The School’s library is the national resource for the study of Asia and Africa. With over 1.2 million volumes, 4,500 periodicals plus an enormous collection of audio-visual materials and special collections, the library caters for many different teaching and research needs.   The School is fortunate in having the award-winning Brunei Gallery, built in 1995, which contains a teaching block, concert hall and art gallery. The latter hosts visiting exhibitions throughout the year. It also houses a small permanent collection. Since September 2002, departments have been grouped into Faculties of Languages and Cultures, Arts and Humanities, and Law and Social Sciences.   

Department Background

Development Studies is a highly successful department.  Its MSc programmes attract large student numbers each year. The keys to success are the commitment of academic staff, and their distinct blend of critical analysis of mainstream development thinking, quality teaching and engagement in practical development activities. The research activities of the department cover a range of issues relating to the political economy of globalisation and neoliberalism, agrarian change, violence, conflict and forced migration, poverty, gender relations and social change.  

The department currently teaches four MSc degrees – in Development Studies; in Violence, Conflict and Development; in Globalisation and Development and in Migration, Mobility and Development.  These degrees recruit around 230 students each year.  The department is also responsible for a BA joint honours degree in development studies, with an intake of around 70 students each year.  

The Reader/Professor will have a strong research record with a specialism in gender and development and the ability to contribute to development theory and practice more broadly. S/he will offer courses complementing the department’s offerings and the consistent with the department’s orientation and profile and will contribute to the development of a new core course for the department’s taught MSc programmes. 

Candidates seeking further information about the department should consult the Department’s website: http://www.soas.ac.uk/development. They may also contact the Head of Department, Dr Jonathan Goodhand, School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG, telephone +44 (0) 20 7898 4483, or e-mail jg27@soas.ac.uk. 

Closing date: February 23^rd, 2010

Interviews are provisionally scheduled for week commencing: TBC

Job applicants who have been shortlisted would normally be notified within six weeks of the closing date. If you have not heard from the Human Resources Department by this date, please assume that your application for employment has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

SOAS values diversity and aims to be an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This form summarises the purpose of the job and lists its key tasks
It may be varied from time to time at the discretion of the School, in consultation with the post holder.

Vacancy No:   000168

Job Title: Reader/Professor in Development Studies

Department: Development Studies



Accountable to:    Dean of Faculty through the Head of Department


Job Summary: 

At Reader level, to improve the academic standing of the School by carrying out and publishing research of the highest quality and by lecturing and tutoring students to a high academic standard. To provide academic leadership.

At Professorial level, to improve the academic standing of the School by carrying out and publishing research of the highest quality and by lecturing and tutoring students to a high academic standard.  To provide academic leadership up to the most senior level. 


Main Activities and Responsibilities

1. To advance knowledge in the subject by conducting research and other original work and publishing the results individually or in collaboration with others.
2. To provide of lectures, tutorials, seminars, classes and advisory services for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
4. To tutor undergraduate students and to supervise postgraduate students.

5. To examine students including examining students of other institutions when necessary.
6. To assist in the recruitment and selection of students.
7. To participate fully in the activities of such Centres and programmes as relate to the postholder’s subject.
8. To undertake appropriate administrative duties within the School (at Reader level)
9.  To undertake senior administrative duties within the School (at Professorial level)
10. To support colleagues and departmental staff (at Reader level)

11.  To assess, appraise, guide and support colleagues and support staff (at Professorial level)

11. To develop and maintain collegiate relationships in research and other academic activities including regularly attending meetings of School bodies to which the lecturer may be appointed.
12. To undertake other duties as may be required by the Director through the Dean and Head of Department.

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post.

[Nov 2009]

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:    Reader/Professor in Development Studies

Department: Development Studies




Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

1. Evidence of being able to carry out and publish research of world leading academic quality which will improve, or at least maintain, the Department’s research rating in the Research Excellence Framework

2.  Ability to lecture, tutor and supervise undergraduate to postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds and experience to a high academic standard. Teaching experience in a Higher Education environment, preferably a University is essential.

3. Preference will be given to candidates with a specialism in the field of gender and development and the ability to contribute to development theory and practice more broadly.

4. Proven senior administrative and organisational skills.

5. Sound time management skills; the ability to plan and to meet deadlines.

6. Well developed written and interpersonal communication skills.

7. A proven track record in research, teaching and overall contribution to the work of an academic institution. (at Reader level)

8. The ability to provide academic leadership.

9. National or international standing in the relevant subject or profession as evidenced by outstanding contributions to its advancement through publications, creative work, or other appropriate forms of scholarship or performance and through teaching and administration.

Essential Qualifications:

1.   A PhD in a relevant subject

Essential Personal Qualities:

1. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with students, staff, academic peers and external/professional organisations.

2. Ability to work independently and to participate fully as a team member.

3. Commitment to providing quality programmes at all levels.

4. Flexibility and responsiveness, particularly to the changing education environment.

5. Proven leadership and facilitation skills. (at Professorial level)

6. High degree of professional judgement and integrity.

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