Lecturer in the History of Byzantium

Job Purpose

We are looking for a historian to extend our expertise in the history of the Byzantine world. Within this general field the thematic and chronological expertise of the appointment is completely open, though we would particularly welcome applications from candidates working in the areas of material culture and/or gender (very broadly defined). Ideally, candidates’ work should complement our strengths in two or more of the key research areas for the School: imperialism, transnationalism and diasporas; war, conflict and cooperation; history of religions, beliefs and ideas; everyday life and popular culture; environment; political cultures, material culture.

The appointment would be expected to consolidate and expand our UG teaching provision and expand PGT and PGR recruitment. The post holder will work within the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies, which is situated within the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology; they will also work closely with colleagues in the Department of History and across the wider School of History and Cultures to bolster its research strength.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to courses at undergraduate levels C, I and H (i.e. First, Second and Final years) and to contribute to our postgraduate programmes (where appropriate). 'As part of their undergraduate remit, the successful candidate will be expected to provide a LC Project, a LI or LH Seminar module and a LI or LH Option on their broad subject of expertise, as well as contribute to core modules on Byzantine and/or western medieval, Islamic or late classical history more generally. They will be expected to participate in our plans for the REF and in taking a full part in the consolidation and development of postgraduate work (e.g. the MA Antiquity; the MA in Medieval Studies; the MA in Global History), and above all postgraduate work in the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies.
There are opportunities in the School of History and Cultures with respect to:

Research:

• • developing and consolidating existing research interests within the School of History and Cultures, both individually and with others, with a view to publication of high-quality research
• • initiating and participating in broader, cross-School initiatives, both multi-/inter-disciplinary and with historians working in other Schools of the College of Arts and Law, and/or with colleagues in the College of Social Sciences)

Teaching:

• • contributing to existing undergraduate courses (special subjects and more generally) and development of both new courses and programmes,
• • taking a full part in the consolidation and development of postgraduate work, building on initiatives developed by our Centres (e.g., the MA in Contemporary History; MA in Renaissance, Reformation and Early Modern Studies; MA in Medieval Studies; MA in Global History; MA in West Midlands History; MA Modern British Studies), and above all by the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies

Administration and Career development:

• • learning about and participating in the organisation and management of a varied and dynamic section in one of Britain’s largest redbricks.
• • opportunities to develop administrative and organisational skills in professional terms

Person Specification

• • Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research/teaching area (usually PhD) or equivalent qualifications
• • Extensive research/teaching experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• • Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/ research
• • Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels

Research

• • Excellent publications record demonstrated by a sustained series of existing and forthcoming publications at a high scholarly level (including clear promise of a strong submission for any future research audit).
• • Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• • Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• • Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• • Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity

Teaching

• • Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes
• • Extensive experience and demonstrated success in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues
• • Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity that enhances the student experience or employability

Management Administration

• • Ability to contribute to School/Departmental management processes
• • Ability to assess and organise resources effectively
• • Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes