Job profile

College of Social Sciences and International Studies

The Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA) is looking to appoint a Chair to join the Exeter Centre for the Study of the Life Sciences (Egenis). Egenis is a world-leading interdisciplinary centre for the study of the philosophy, history and social studies of science, broadly focused on the study of the life sciences (including biology, cognitive and environmental science, and medicine). Located in the College for Social Science and International Studies, SPA is a vibrant interdisciplinary unit specialising in studies of science and technology, culture, health, inequality, mind, and crime. It offers programmes at both undergraduate and masters level, has a thriving community of MPhil and PhD students, and contributes to research and teaching activities across the university.

We are seeking to appoint a Professor with an internationally-recognised, innovative research programme in the philosophy of science, complemented by a demonstratable interest in the social and historical studies of science, and a track record of collaboration with the natural sciences. We are looking for a leading figure with the ability to attract world-class academics to their research groups. You will be able to demonstrate the following qualities: a strong track record in attracting research funding; teamwork and management skills to work in collaboration with existing staff members; an active and supportive approach to inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that will help foster interactions and links both within the University and externally; a track record of refereed publications and research leadership; involvement in projects which develop impact; familiarity with a variety of strategies to promote and assess learning and an enthusiasm for developing and delivering undergraduate and masters programmes; relationships with external organisations and funders/ and knowledge and experience of key sectors or business challenges.

Please ensure you read our Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the post please contact Prof Sabina Leonelli (email: s.leonelli@exeter.ac.uk)

Interviews are expected to take place in February 2020.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we're fastest growing UK Research University and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework) and we encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.

With over 22,000 students and 5,500 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. 

What we can offer you

-Freedom to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines, within a world-leading centre, to produce internationally exciting research;

-Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly

-An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development

-A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy

-A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.