Assistant Professor in Human Geography

Durham University - Department of Geography

The Department of Geography at Durham University seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in Human Geography who has expertise in the field of Health Geography that will complement and extend our current work in our Geographies of Life research cluster. We encourage applications in health geographies broadly defined. This could include but is not limited to: political economies and political ecologies of health; health and environment; more-than-human health geographies; feminist, queer and decolonial approaches to health; health and geohumanities; care economies; mental well being; disability; neurodiversity; and health inequalities and social justice.

The successful candidate will develop world class scholarship in their field, and we encourage work that develops a range of theoretical, conceptual, and/or methodological approaches. They will have completed a PhD in a relevant field, have a track record of internationally excellent and agenda setting publications and demonstrate a track record of, or potential for, securing external funding. They will have experience of, or show a commitment to, delivering excellent teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and Master’s-level teaching. In addition to their research, the successful candidate will contribute to the department through administrative roles commensurate with their grade.

Geography at Durham consistently ranks among the very best departments not just in the UK, but also in the world. We were ranked equal =1st in the REF 2021 research assessment exercise with a research environment that was awarded the highest possible 100% 4* score. We are ranked 6th in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Our students report high satisfaction levels in the National Student Survey. From the field to the virtual environment, we are dedicated to exploring innovative methodologies. As an Assistant Professor, you will benefit from our commitment to ensure that your teaching load is sustainable, and from our generous research leave policy. This will give you time to carry out internationally excellent research, informing your teaching and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate level. We support academics with a generous travel allowance and you will be able to apply to the Department’s Research Development Fund for additional funding to develop your research. We regularly host visiting academics and research students from around the world. The department benefits from access to diverse PhD funding sources including the ESRC NINEDTP, AHRC Northern Bridge, and IAPETUS NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships.

The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to internationally excellent research and teaching while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution. The department achieved an Athena Swan Silver award, and we continue to further embed actions to promote equality in everything we do. We are proud of our efforts to decolonise our curricula and ensure inclusive fieldwork, and to be part of a vibrant university community that celebrates diversity, and we encourage talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st October 2026.

Please direct informal enquiries to Prof Colm O’Cofaigh (Head of Department). The closing date for applications is 10th May 2026.

For more information on the Department of Geography see: www.dur.ac.uk/geography