Assistant Professor in Environmental History (111009-1125)

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Coventry seeks a Lecturer in History focused on Environmental History. The successful candidate will deliver lectures, provide pastoral support to students, and engage in innovative research. Applicants should have a PhD in History or a related field and a passion for teaching. The role includes contributing to undergraduate modules and supervision of dissertations, alongside a commitment to safeguarding and equality practices.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure

Generous parental/adoption leave

Onsite childcare facilities

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in History or a related field.
• Experience in lecturing and seminar teaching.
• Demonstrated ability in research and publication.

Responsibilities

• Deliver lectures and seminars in History.
• Provide pastoral support to undergraduate students.
• Conduct research in Environmental History.

Skills

Research in Environmental History

Teaching expertise

Pastoral support

Education

PhD in History or related field

Job description

About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Tim Lockley (Head of Department) at the University of Warwick. The successful candidate will undertake lecturing, seminar teaching, essay tutorials, office hours, marking of undergraduate work and monitoring of student attendance in accordance with the Department's quality assurance practices. The candidate will also act as personal tutor to an assigned group of undergraduate students, providing pastoral support and guidance during the academic year, and will be actively engaged in research in Environmental History or a related field.

Research Focus

The chronological and thematic focus of the post is open. We especially welcome candidates whose work engages with any of the following themes and approaches: oceanic history; energy history; animal history; and non‑western, indigenous, and/or decolonial methodologies. Applicants should indicate in their covering letter how their research expertise interfaces with existing research specialisms in the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lecturing, seminar teaching, essay tutorials, office hours, marking of undergraduate work and monitoring of student attendance in accordance with the Department's quality assurance practices.
• Act as personal tutor to an assigned group of undergraduate students, providing pastoral support and guidance during the academic year.
• Actively engage in research in Environmental History or a related field.
• Contribute to MA teaching and supervise final‑year dissertations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Department and through the Environmental Humanities Network and the Sustainability Spotlight.

Teaching Activities

It is envisaged that you may teach on some of the modules listed below, depending on the successful candidate's knowledge and expertise and department requirements:

• HI113 Europe in the Making
• HI153 Making of the Modern World
• HI2K2 Imperial Natures: Environments and Empires from c. 1450 to the Present
• HI2K9 Historical Research

In addition, you will be encouraged to propose your own modules depending on your expertise and research interests.

Safeguarding and Equality

• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• Rehabilitation of ex‑offenders: The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels, ensuring fairness and removing bias from the shortlisting process.

Application Process

• Interview Date: March 2026
• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Application deadline: 23:55 on the final day of the application period. Only applications submitted via our official careers portal will be considered.
• Interviews may take place remotely via Microsoft Teams if necessary.

Benefits

• Attractive pension scheme
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy
• Onsite childcare facilities
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Living Wage employer

About the University

Warwick University is a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965. It is ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK, with 92% of research rated world‑leading or internationally excellent. The History Department is one of the largest history departments in the UK, comprising around 50 academic staff, 5 postdoctoral staff, 13 support staff, ~1,000 undergraduate students and ~80 postgraduate students. The department has a strong international reputation and consistently high rankings in both UK and international surveys, with 92% of research in REF 2021 rated world‑leading or internationally excellent. The department has six research centres: the Global History and Culture Centre; the Centre for the History of Medicine, Science and Technology; the European History Centre; the Early Modern and Eighteenth Century Centre; the Centre for Global Jewish Studies and the Centre for Caribbean Studies. All staff have access to an annual Individual Research Account to support their research and can apply for faculty and university funding to support teaching and research initiatives. A mentor will be assigned from among the permanent staff to help your continued professional development.