Annual salary: 51,902.55 - 61,048.57 per annum Inc LA
Job title: Lecturer in Middle East Politics, Academic Education Route (AER)
Department: Department of Politics and International Studies
Contract Type: 1 Year Fixed-Term
Grade: 8
Salary: £51,902.57 - £61,048.57 per annum inclusive of London Allowance
Location: Bloomsbury, 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
We are looking for an excellent Middle East Politics lecturer (AER) for this 1.0 FTE, fixed term (12 months) position with a starting date on 21 September 2026. 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, and provide pastoral care for students. 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.
About the Department
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.
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
What We Offer:
We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:
- Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
- Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
- Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
- Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
- Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.
How to Apply:
Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement
Closing date: 20th September 2026
Interviews to be held: TBC
Use of AI
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Further information
Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.
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
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