Lecturer in Social Science

King's College London

Department: War Studies
Faculty: School of Security Studies, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy
Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), indefinite

About Us

The Department of War Studies has a large and diverse faculty with expertise across conflict resolution, contemporary and historical warfare, gender, international relations, migration and borders, security studies, strategic studies, technology and violence. The Department is part of the School of Security Studies within the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.

About the Role

The Department seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Security and Technology to strengthen teaching and research capacity. We welcome applications from candidates whose research and teaching focus on technology and its role in war and conflict.

The successful candidate will specialize in emerging technologies such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Hypersonic weapons

  • Space-based systems

  • Quantum technologies

Candidates with thematic expertise beyond cyber security and weapons of mass destruction are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and maintaining a clear research agenda at the intersection of war, conflict, and emerging technologies.

  • Publishing high-quality research and securing external research funding, with mentorship provided.

  • Supervising PhD students upon completion of probation.

  • Delivering innovative undergraduate and postgraduate teaching on technology-related issues and broader security studies.

  • Contributing to departmental, School, Faculty, and University administrative duties.

About You

Essential Criteria:

  1. PhD in International Relations, Security Studies, or a related field.

  2. Emerging track record in research dissemination with a clear agenda on emerging technologies in contemporary war and conflict.

  3. Ability to deliver innovative teaching to undergraduate and/or postgraduate students.

  4. Strong collaborative and teamwork skills.

  5. Excellent communication, presentation, and academic writing skills.

  6. Evidence of positive contributions to research culture and community building.

  7. Grade 7 appointment: PhD thesis published/in press as a monograph and at least 2 papers published/in press in peer-reviewed journals; or at least 5 research papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrated ability and experience in academic leadership.

Desirable Criteria:

  1. Experience of successful grant capture.

  2. Experience supervising UG/PGT dissertations and/or PhD students.

  3. Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), or on-track to receive it within 1-2 years.

  4. Track record of wider administrative contribution to departmental activities.

Application Guidance

Candidates should submit:

  • CV

  • Supporting statement addressing the essential (and, where possible, desirable) criteria

Further Information:

  • Full job description is available for download, detailing criteria assessed at each recruitment stage.

  • The Department values inclusivity and diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

For more information on the recruitment process, please visit: King’s College London – How We Recruit

Apply