Research Fellow - School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion

Position Details

School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential

progression once in post to £47,874

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2027

Closing date: 1st April 2025

Background

With the generous support of the John Templeton Foundation, we are advertising this postdoctoral research fellowship in global philosophy of religion at the University of Birmingham. The creation of this post will strengthen our research excellence in global philosophy of religion. The appointee will undertake a specified range of activities for the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion as well as the Global Philosophy of Religion Project.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Global Philosophy of Religion is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for 24 months. The appointee will investigate central topics in philosophy of religion, which are relevant to the theme of the project “Fundamental Spiritual Reality, Human Purpose, and Living Well”. We particularly welcome applicants whose research addresses religious and wisdom traditions that are currently underrepresented in Anglo-American philosophy of religion.

As a member of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, the Research Fellow will join a lively and flourishing research community in a collegiate and highly ambitious environment. The Research Fellow will contribute to the research and public engagement activities of the Birmingham Center for Philosophy of Religion, including the publication of books and papers arising from project research and the organization of conferences, workshops and public lectures. The appointee, as part of their career development, may also be required and supervise students.

Main Duties

The responsibilities of the appointee include the following.

• Contribute to activities of the Global Philosophy of Religion Project within the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyze and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings in publication and conference presentations
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a projectleader 
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Specialist in philosophy of religion with a doctorate (or near completion) in Philosophy, Theology, Religious Studies or a related subject or equivalent qualifications
• High-level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Martin Pickup, email: [email protected]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website