King's College London

About us

The Department of Defence Studies is part of the School of Security Studies within the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy at King’s College London. Defence Studies is dedicated to a multi-disciplinary understanding of conflict, war, security and defence issues in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.  We are home to large and diverse community of specialists in strategic studies, security studies, international relations and history. We undertake world-leading research, teaching and public engagement in these fields, and create an inclusive environment that promotes equality of opportunity for everyone in its community.  Our campus is outside London, located within the Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire.

About the role

The Department of Defence Studies seeks to recruit four Lecturers in Defence Studies on an Education & Research contract.  We welcome applications from a broad range of expertise within the field of Security Studies.  Any specific research focus may be considered, but preference will be given to candidates with subject matter expertise in the following areas: disruptive technology and AI; Russian strategy and doctrine; military operations and wargaming; nuclear strategy; applied military ethics.

The successful applicant will be based in the Defence Studies Department at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham and will undertake high-quality research and support a range of professional military and security education courses at the postgraduate level.  They will have a track-record of high-quality research and a commitment to undertake high-quality research in their subject area, publishing in recognised journals, with research mentorship offered in support of this activity.  The post-holder will further maintain research activities and connections through a portfolio of individual and/or joint research projects and will work to secure external funding.

At the Defence Academy, successful candidates will teach and supervise students who are serving officers and civil servants in the UK and allied armed forces and partners. There are also opportunities to contribute to the School of Security Studies highly successful open online programmes, International Affairs and Global Security.  Successful candidates will support the planning, organisation and delivery of the Defence Studies Department, and, with departmental mentorship, eventually assume leadership and administrative responsibilities.  Beyond teaching and administrative duties, the successful candidate, upon completion of their probation, will be expected to supervise PhD student and will also play a role in the institutional and intellectual life of the Department and undertake Departmental, School, Faculty and University administrative duties as required.

Defence Studies is part of the School of Security Studies and the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy. Together, we support an inclusive culture and diversity for our staff and students. We are committed to encourage further growth from a diversity of groups, and we look forward to welcoming applicants of all abilities. 

The Department particularly welcomes applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background.

About the Defence Studies Department: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/dsd 

About the School of Security Studies: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/security-studies 

Appointments will be made on Education and Research contracts, focused on delivery of high quality education and research.

This post will be full time and offered on an indefinite contract.

Candidates should note that this post is located in a military establishment the position is subject to obtaining and maintaining a satisfactory security clearance to work at the Defence Academy of the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

•       Undertake high-quality, impactful research within the field of Defence Studies, broadly defined, publish the findings in highly-rated internationally recognised journals, and participate in major internationally recognised academic networks.

•       Participate in the delivery of teaching activities within the department in accordance with established departmental practice and a commitment to continuous improvement.

•       Contribute to the development of appropriate programmes, modules and lectures in accordance with academic and military learning objectives.

•       Participate fully in assessment and examination processes as appropriate using a variety of methods and techniques and provide effective, timely and appropriate feedback to students to support their learning and student success.

•       Engage in professional development.

•       Sustain high-quality research activity through a portfolio of individual and/or joint research projects and to secure funding required for this research.

•       Accept academic responsibility within the Department, School, Faculty and wider university involving leadership and administrative responsibilities where appropriate.

•       Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Head of Department.

About You

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

Essential criteria

1. PhD awarded on a relevant topic within Defence Studies, Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Politics, History, International Relations or other, related disciplines.  
2. Track record of research publications, dissemination and grant funding.
3. Ability to teach across the field of Defence and Security Studies. 
4. Demonstrated commitment to student success, engaging the student body and enhancing the student experience.             
5. Appropriate teaching qualification or equivalent and experience of innovation in teaching and curriculum design. 
6. Excellent oral and written communications skills and good administrative skills. 
7. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 
8. For an appointment at Grade 7, candidates must have a PhD thesis published or in press as a monograph AND at least 2 papers published/ in press in peer- reviewed journals; OR at least 5 research papers published/in press in high-quality peer reviewed journals. or an appointment at Grade 7, candidates must also show proven ability in and experience of research leadership.

Desirable criteria

1. Engagement in professional organisations and networks and research leadership (conference papers, workshops, memberships, journal editing). 
2. Experience in the delivery of professional military education and executive education. 
3. Existing links with military and defence related academic and policy networks. 
4. Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) or on-track to receive fellowship in the next 1-2 years.
5. A track record of effective performance of administrative duties.

Full details of the role and the skills and experience required can be found in the attached job description which provided on the next page.

Further information 

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. 

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

This role does meet the requirements of the Home Office and therefore we are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who require the right to work in the UK.