Location: Brighton, UK
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £38,249 to £45,413 per annum (Grade 7, pro-rata for part-time)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) – Flexible working options considered
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: May 18, 2025, 11:59 PM
Expected Start Date: July 1, 2025
About the Role
The History Department at the University of Sussex is excited to offer a Lecturer in American History (Education-Focused) position. This is a fixed-term contract role, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to the university’s dynamic teaching environment by delivering modules in US History, specializing in nineteenth- and twentieth-century history, with an emphasis on US politics and the Civil Rights movement.
As a member of our interdisciplinary team, you will:
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Teach and Support: Deliver lectures, seminars, and dissertation supervision in twentieth-century US history, focusing on key areas such as the US political system and the Civil Rights movement.
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Marking and Assessment: Engage in assessment tasks, providing feedback to students and ensuring their academic development.
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Departmental Contribution: Join a collaborative and innovative department, contributing to the university’s excellent reputation for research and teaching.
This role is designed for candidates who are passionate about US History and committed to high-quality teaching and research.
Key Responsibilities
As a Lecturer in American History, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of US History education at Sussex. Your duties will include:
Teaching and Curriculum Development
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Module Delivery: Teach undergraduate modules in twentieth-century US History, including specialized topics such as the US political system, Civil Rights movement, and related themes in American Studies.
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Lectures and Seminars: Prepare and deliver engaging lectures and seminars that foster critical thinking and student engagement.
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Dissertation Supervision: Provide individual academic support and supervision for undergraduate dissertation students, guiding them through the research process.
Student Support and Engagement
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Academic Mentorship: Provide academic advice and support to students, helping them succeed in their studies.
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Assessment: Design, mark, and provide constructive feedback on student assessments, ensuring high academic standards are maintained.
Research and Scholarship
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Research Excellence: Contribute to the university’s research goals by developing an emerging publication profile in your field of expertise.
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Collaborative Research: Participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborate with colleagues in American Studies, History, and other related disciplines.
Departmental and Institutional Involvement
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Departmental Meetings: Actively participate in departmental meetings and contribute to strategic planning and curriculum development.
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Continuous Improvement: Help to maintain and develop the department’s academic profile through continuous improvement of teaching practices and course content.
About You
We are seeking an individual with a strong background in twentieth-century US History. You should be passionate about teaching and demonstrate a commitment to student success. To be successful in this role, you should possess the following skills and qualifications:
Essential Qualifications and Skills
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PhD in Twentieth-Century US History: A completed or near-completed PhD in twentieth-century US History is essential.
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Expertise in US Politics and Civil Rights: A strong background in US political systems and the history of the Civil Rights movement will be a distinct advantage.
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Teaching Experience: Previous experience in higher education teaching, especially in the UK HE sector, is preferred.
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Dissertation Supervision: Experience or a desire to supervise undergraduate dissertations is highly desirable.
Desirable Skills and Attributes
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Emerging Publication Profile: Evidence of an emerging academic publication profile or research activity in US History.
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Team-Oriented: Ability to work effectively within a collaborative and collegial department.
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Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage students and colleagues alike.
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Supportive Attitude: A strong commitment to student support and academic development.
About the University of Sussex
Located in the beautiful city of Brighton, the University of Sussex is a world-renowned institution known for its high standards in teaching, research, and academic collaboration. Situated just off the A27, next to the scenic South Downs, our 150-acre campus is easily accessible by public transport and offers a supportive and vibrant academic community.
Why Work Here?
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Research Excellence: Ranked 20th in the 2025 Complete University Guide for History, with a 4th place ranking for Research Impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
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Campus Life: Enjoy a welcoming environment, modern facilities, and green spaces. The campus offers excellent facilities for staff, including a cycle-to-work scheme, as well as nearby transport options, such as a five-minute walk to Falmer Train Station.
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Inclusive Culture: Sussex promotes an inclusive and diverse environment where staff and students thrive. The University is committed to equality and values diversity in all aspects of its community.
Our Reward and Benefits Package
In addition to competitive salaries, Sussex offers an attractive benefits package that includes:
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Generous pension schemes
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Health and well-being support
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Flexible working arrangements where applicable
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Access to professional development opportunities
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University of Sussex is dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, Black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with disabilities. The University is committed to creating a workplace that values diversity and promotes equality.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by submitting their CV, cover letter, and relevant documentation before the closing date of May 18, 2025. The expected start date for the position is July 1, 2025. For more detailed information on the role, visit our vacancies page or contact Dr. Iain McDaniel, Head of the History Department, at irm22@sussex.ac.uk for informal inquiries.
If you have a strong passion for US history, an academic background in the field, and a commitment to fostering student success, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join the University of Sussex community.
Apply Here
Visa Sponsorship
This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full-time. For detailed information about visa sponsorship, please consult our Skilled Worker Visa Information Page.
Key Information
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Closing Date: May 18, 2025, 11:59 PM
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Expected Interview Date: To be confirmed
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Start Date: July 1, 2025
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Fixed Term: 10 months
Equal Opportunities: The University of Sussex values diversity and is committed to equality. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in academia.
Accessibility: The University is committed to ensuring accessibility for all candidates. Please contact us if you require any adjustments during the application process.
For further inquiries, or to apply, please visit our job application page. We look forward to hearing from you!