Senior Lecturer/Reader/Professor in Anthropology

SOAS Enterprise; Greater London; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Senior Lecturer/Reader/Professor in Anthropology. The successful candidate will have a PhD in the relevant field and experience in teaching and research, particularly related to mental health care and social/cultural anthropology. This permanent role includes academic advising, supervision of research, and contributions to innovative pedagogy. The salary range is competitive, and the role offers generous benefits including flexible working arrangements and significant holiday entitlement.

Benefits

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Flexible Working Arrangements

Generous occupational pension scheme

Learning and Development opportunities

Health and Well-being Initiatives

Enhanced Family Leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Gym Membership

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed or in progress in a relevant field.
• Proven track record of prestigious publications.
• Evidence of innovative and inclusive pedagogies.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising and supervise dissertations.
• Conduct and lead research projects.
• Hold administrative roles within the department.

Skills

Teaching and research expertise in mental health care

Expertise in social/cultural anthropology

Experience with diverse student backgrounds

Leadership experience in research

Education

PhD in Social/Cultural Anthropology or related field

Job description

Job title: Senior Lecturer/Reader/Professor in Anthropology

Department: Anthropology & Sociology

Contract Type: Permanent (Successful candidate must be based in the UK for the duration of their contract).

Grade: G9/AC4 (Senior Lecturer/Reader) & Merit A/Career A (Professor)

Salary: £62,738.57 - £71,981.57 G9/AC4 / £72,538.57 - £82,560.57 Merit A/Career A

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 per week

A. About the Role

The Department of Anthropology and Sociology welcomes applications for this senior academic post as part of CAMHRA, commencing September 2026. The successful candidate will be an outstanding anthropologist with requisite teaching and research expertise in mental health care, as well as in the wider discipline of social/cultural anthropology. It is expected that you will have expertise relevant to the vision and strategy of SOAS.

You must have a PhD in Social/Cultural Anthropology or a closely related field and a strong track record of publications contributing to the department’s excellent research profile. This will be evidenced by original fieldwork and publications, as well as other outputs, knowledge exchange and public/policy engagement activities, proportionate to career level. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who have occupied leadership roles within discipline-specific Centres, including developing productive research collaborations with non-HEI as well as HEI partners. Candidates will contribute to the development of innovative, inclusive pedagogies and have experience working with students of diverse backgrounds and life experiences, including those having mental health expertise from clinical, professional and lived experience careers.

In addition to teaching and research, the role holder will be expected to provide academic advising, supervise dissertations at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise doctoral research and writing, and hold administrative roles as appropriate within the Department, College and/or School.

About the Department

The Department of Anthropology and Sociology is a world‑leading research‑led department. Its academics and research students work across a wide spectrum of anthropological, regional, and theoretical issues, including medical and psychological anthropology, food, migration, political economy and politics, conflict, gender, race, infrastructure, climate change, religion, critical theory and innovative ethnographic methods. The Department is leading a key field by hosting UKRI Research England supported Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA).

CAMHRA is a discipline‑specific research centre working at the intersection of anthropology and mental health research. CAMHRA’s work elucidates the ways in which distress relates to experiences of economic precarity, inequality, racial and gendered violence, climate crisis and the everyday struggles related to loss, care and connection. CAMHRA’s focus is on research, partnerships, education and training and public engagement. More information about CAMHRA is available here.

Further information about the Department of Anthropology & Sociology is available online here: https://www.soas.ac.uk/anthropology/

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

What We Offer

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future.
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well‑being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How to Apply

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 2nd February 2026.

Completed applications must be received by 23:59 on the closing date of 2nd February 2026 to be considered. Interviews to be held in February 2026.

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS. Please note that SOAS will be closed from 24th December 2025 - 04th January 2026, all queries within this period will be picked up w/c 5th January 2026.

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.