Lecturer in International Environmental Law

Grade UE08: £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).

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences / School of Law.

This is a full time, open-ended post, available from 1^st August 2024

Open Ended Contract - Permanent.

Full Time - 35 Hours Per Week.

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic academic to join the School of Law as a Lecturer in International Environmental Law.

The School of Law strives to be a diverse and inclusive community.  We particularly welcome applications from candidates belonging to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the subject, including, but not limited to, women and ethnic minorities. 

The successful candidate will have excellent teaching and research abilities in the field of international environmental law, including in relation to international climate change law. Applicants with interdisciplinary approaches to research and teaching in international environmental law and international climate change law are welcome. Applicants with an ability to contribute to wider environmental law or international law teaching are also encouraged. 

The post-holder will make a substantial contribution to research-led teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In particular, the successful applicant will be expected to contribute to delivering existing courses on the LLM in Global Environment and Climate Change Law and to expanding the curriculum by developing new specialist courses for this programme or for relevant undergraduate programmes, such as the LLB in Global Law and dedicated Honours modules.

The post-holder will also conduct excellent research and knowledge exchange activities in their area of expertise; and undertake management and administrative duties as directed by their Line Manager and/or Head of Subject Area. The successful applicant will have a record of achievement in and well-developed future plans for their research. 

As a member of the International Law Subject Area, the successful candidate will be an active member of the Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law: 

As well as a CV and cover letter, candidates are required to upload an outline (maximum 2 pages) of their research plans as part of the application process. Candidates are also asked to identify their two strongest publications (which may include work under review or accepted but not published) and explain why - in their view - these publications are both original and significant (a form is provided to facilitate the completion of this step). Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be asked to submit what they consider to be their two strongest publications where available.

Download publications form  (Word)

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Michelle Burgis-Kasthala, Heads of the International Law Subject Area, at

The Opportunity:

To join a dynamic team of academics working in the Public International Law Subject Area.  The post will enable you to establish a strong teaching profile, to build on your existing research achievements, and develop professional contacts across the University of Edinburgh and beyond. 

Your skills and attributes for success:      

• A strong academic profile in the field of international environmental law with a PhD in International Law or a related discipline (or very close to completion), or equivalent professional experience (Desirable).
• Experience of teaching and supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate level (Desirable).
• Research interest in, and an ability to design and deliver courses (modules) in the field of environmental law.
• Ability to develop an innovative research profile and plan in the areas of expertise, including through quality publications.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to engage students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• A commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for both our staff and students.

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 - £54,395.
• 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 tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

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

The closing date for applications is 19 April 2024.

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 are expected to be held Thursday 23^rd May.

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.  If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.