Are you an outstanding scholar who is passionate about inter-disciplinary research and teaching within the field of Social Theory? Are you able to use your expertise to support or complement existing strengths in the School of Sociology and Social Policy?

Since 1946 the School of Sociology and Social Policy has been a leading international university department for theoretically-engaged, socially relevant and broadly conceived critical sociologies. The School provides one of the largest university environments for research and teaching in sociology and social policy in the UK and continues the proud tradition of social sciences in Leeds that began in 1909 soon after the University itself was founded. 

The Bauman Institute (BI) is an international centre at the University of Leeds, founded in 2010 and dedicated to the promotion of teaching and research in social and critical theory. Inspired by the legacy of Professor Zygmunt Bauman, but not reducible to it, the Institute gathers scholars whose work analyses global and local transformations in the light of classical and contemporary theory. The Institute also supports a vibrant community of postgraduate researchers at both doctoral and masters level. 

Aside from the Bauman Institute, the School is home to a number of internationally recognized research and supervision centres such as Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies (CIGS), Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies (CERS), and Centre for Family, Lifecourse and Generations (FLAG). The School has played a prominent role in the development of realist methodologies and qualitative longitudinal research, social theory, the study of gender, sexualities, bodies and technologies, disability, life course, youth and family research and the articulation between critical race theory and postcolonial/decolonial studies. The School’s research is organised in two overarching projects; Social Innovation and Making Majorities. These long-standing projects reflect the long-term intellectual interests of the School and acts as catalytic frameworks for research activity. 

As a world-class research-active academic, you will contribute to national and international debates and developments within the field of Social Theory. We are particularly keen to hear from researchers who seek to work with theory, applying it to understanding contemporary social problems and/or to inform social transformation / social innovation initiatives. We also welcome applicants who have a track-record or interest in the role of Sociology in interdisciplinary research.

More widely, via your strategic leadership, mentorship and own research you will make a world-leading contribution to the School of Sociology and Social Policy’s research profile and help to achieve its research objectives. You will support the further development of a vibrant and inclusive research culture and learning environment within the School.

You will also contribute to Social Theory as part of a shared teaching portfolio, working to ensure and excellent student experience. You will play a leading role in maintaining and enhancing the global reputation of the Bauman Institute for research and teaching excellence to ensure its position as one of the leading Centres in its field, globally. You will make a significant contribution to the School's innovative, interdisciplinary and international research, to its knowledge-exchange and impact activities and to its public profile. 

To explore the post further, or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Salman Sayyid, Head of the School of Sociology and Social Policy
Email: [email protected]