Lecturer (Social Anthropology)

Full Job Description

We are looking for a Lecturer with experience in any thematic or regional focus within the Social Anthropology field to join the Social Anthropology Subject Area.

The Opportunity:

You will provide teaching and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels; undertake high-quality externally-funded research, publishing regularly in peer-reviewed journals; and, play a full part in the administrative responsibilities and collegiate life of the Subject Area and School. 

This post is open ended, available from August 2024.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. 

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD or equivalent in Anthropology or a closely related field, awarded by the time of appointment;
• Evidence of excellence in teaching, including ability to develop courses/programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and online and distance learning, and to promote outstanding student experience;
• Evidence of investigative research and publication activities, based on sustained ethnographic research experience and expertise related to social anthropology;
• Evidence of a clear commitment to Subject Area or School-level administrative duties appropriate to career stage; 
• An ability to work as part of a team as well as independently, and evidence of a clear commitment to collegiality, within and across academic and professional services teams;

Click to view a copy of the full job description  (opens new browser tab)

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £45,585 to £54,395 per annum (A revised salary range for this grade of £48,350 to £59,421 is planned to take effect from Spring 2024) 
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.  Check out the full list on our staff benefits page  (opens in a new page) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

As part of your application, please submit a CV and covering letter that addresses your suitability for the role. 

Informal questions about this post can be directed to the Hiring Manger, Dr Magnus Course, Head of Social Anthropology, via email at

External applicants, please refer to the guidance in ‘How to Join Us’ to support your application process. 

For current employees interested in applying for this role, please apply as an internal applicant through the People & Money Current Jobs app. 

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages  (opens new browser tab)

Key dates to note

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 

Interviews will typically be held 2-3 weeks after the closing date.