Lecturer in Philosophy

King's College London

About us:

The Department of Philosophy is one of the largest and most distinguished in the UK. We have particular research strengths in the history of philosophy, philosophy of mind and psychology, philosophy of language and linguistics, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of science and ethics and political philosophy.

About the role:

The Philosophy Department at King’s College London is seeking an outstanding philosopher (Lecturer/Senior Lecturer) with research expertise and teaching experience in Ethics and/or Politics. The successful candidate will lead or direct their own original and independent programme of research at an international standard.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you:

Essential criteria

1. A PhD in Philosophy or relevant related area (awarded or viva passed) at time of appointment
2. Outstanding research achievement and potential, relative to career stage, for leading their own programme of research in Ethics and/or Politics.
3. Relevant teaching competence and experience and outstanding ability to engage, teach, supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate students. Experience of module design and management.
4. Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion issues; how they may impact on academic content and issues relating to student need.
5. The ability and willingness to manage administrative tasks as needed for the running of the Department, the Faculty and the College. Evidence of willingness to take on leadership roles with respect to the administration of the Department, Faculty, and College.

Desirable criteria

1. Research and/or teaching expertise or competence in other areas that will help widen or consolidate our curriculum.
2. Research that has non-academic impact and wider benefits beyond academia.

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

Application requirements:

Please submit the following materials with your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications
2. One recent pieces of research (published or in ms) on a topic relevant to the post of no more than 8,000 words (this may be an indicated portion of a larger piece of work); another piece of 8,000 words will be requested in the event you are short-listed, and will serve as a ‘pre-read’ paper during your presentation.
3. Statement of current and future research plans (no longer than 500 words)
4. Cover letter explaining your suitability to the post (no longer than 500 words)
5. Names and contact details of three referees

Presentations and interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held in December, 2026. The start date for the post is either 1 January 2027 or 1 September 2027 (to be negotiated).

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.