Early Career Fellowship in Theology, Philosophy and the Arts

About us:

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies has a strong record of research and teaching that bridges the divide between theology and religious studies, with expertise in multiple religious traditions and a wide variety of research methods. The successful candidate would be expected to teach on a number of modules broadly in the area of Theology, Philosophy and the Arts, drawing on expertise in philosophy of religion from the perspective of at least one religious tradition in ways that engage with the arts (including literature and film).

About the role

You will plan, organise, and deliver teaching and assessment across our Programmes, contributing to the following modules: Global Philosophy (Level 4), Theology and the Arts (level 5), Thinking through Film (level 5), Philosophy and Literature (level 6), and Philosophy, Literature and the Human Condition (level 7).

You will contribute to the welfare of students through the personal tutor system. You will fulfil administrative roles and tasks as directed by Head of Department, and contribute to departmental events and activities, including attendance at departmental meetings and open days.

You will contribute fully to developing and enhancing the research profile of the Department, Faculty and College through publications and participation in their research environments. You will benefit from regular staff and postgraduate seminars.

You will develop your expertise and understanding of research grant funding, research impact and engagement through participation in workshops and events.

You will independently develop a proposal for external research funding which covers your employment for the duration of the grant and which, if successful, would be held at King's following the end of the fellowship.

Fellows will be encouraged to submit an external research grant application in the final year of their fellowship as a directly-incurred Principal Investigator. If successful in their application and if appropriate, the research projected will be hosted at King's in the fellow's department.

The fellowship is intended to help the development of an early career scholar. It cannot be renewed at the conclusion of the period of the appointment. The fellow will not be eligible for internally funded research leave during their fellowship. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has a particular interest in engaged research, and provides opportunities for scholars to develop the potential of their research across multiple fields and audiences.

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies has a strong record of research and teaching that bridges the divide between theology and religious studies, with expertise in multiple religious traditions and a wide variety of research methods. The successful candidate would be expected to teach on a number of modules broadly in the area of Theology, Philosophy and the Arts, drawing on expertise in philosophy of religion from the perspective of at least one religious tradition in ways that engage with the arts (including literature and film).

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st August 2028.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in theology, philosophy or religion, or another relevant subject area within the last seven years at point of application
• Expertise in teaching and researching in Theology, Philosophy and the Arts
• Clearly defined research interests related to Theology, Philosophy and the Arts compatible with the research, impact and engagement strategies of the Department, Faculty and College, including the potential for publications and impact projects of the highest quality
• Some experience of teaching relevant to the areas specified by the department, with clear evidence of potential to deliver innovative, effective and enjoyable teaching
• Ability to design the basics of a future externally funded research project
• Some experience of effective and diligent academic administration and academic and/or external networking.

Desirable criteria

• Teaching in Higher Education qualification (such as fellowship or associate fellowship of the Higher Education Academy)
• Knowledge and/or experience of designing and delivering online teaching

In applying for this role please provide:

• a covering letter of no more than 2 pages indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria
• An up-to-date CV (no more than 4 pages)
• A separate statement (max 2 pages) of the significance of your existing research, impact, engagement, partnerships and collaborations, your future plans in these areas, and the potential research grant you might develop over the fellowship.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample of between 5,000-15,000 words in support of their application in advance of interview. Appointment will be made following an interview and presentation by the candidate on an aspect of their current research.

Closing date: 17 May 2026.