Lord Gifford Fellowship / University of Aberdeen
Dr Ben Marsden
Senior Lecturer in History
Deputy Head of School of Divinity, History and Philosophy University of Aberdeen Crombie Annexe Meston Walk Aberdeen AB24 3FX United Kingdom
e-mail: b.marsden@abdn.ac.uk
phone: +44 (0)1224 272637 (office)
+44 (0)1224 272199 (messages)
Lord Gifford Fellowship, - Ref:1139531
College of Arts & Social Sciences
School of Divinity, History & Philosophy Position Type Full-time
Closing Date 27 Aug 2010
University Grade Structure Grade 6
Salary From £29,853 to £35,646
Job Summary
The University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint an outstanding Post
Doctoral scholar as the Lord Gifford Fellow to pursue research and
teaching in the area of 'natural theology', broadly construed. Funding
for this post is drawn from Lord Adam Gifford's Trust, and research
projects should align with the terms specified by the Trust, namely to
'promote, advance, teach and diffuse the study of natural theology in
the widest sense of that term'. Prospective applicants are encouraged
to consult the terms of the bequest itself, which may be found here
http://www.giffordlectures.org/will.asp. It is anticipated that the
post will be housed within the School of Divinity, History and
Philosophy, however scholars of any discipline, the direction and
substance of whose research and teaching aligns with the purposes of
Lord Gifford's Trust, may apply.
The Gifford Fellowship is a full-time post doctoral position for
scholars demonstrating outstanding potential for high quality research
and teaching, evidence of which will be crucial to any successful application.
Eligible applicants will presently hold a PhD, or will hold a PhD by
the time of uptake of the appointment. The successful candidate will
pursue a research agenda broadly congruent with the stated purposes of
Lord Gifford's Trust, and will provide up to 75 hours of related
undergraduate teaching in his or her area of expertise. It is expected
that the post holder will communicate his or her research to the wider
University community by the provision of occasional public lectures
and/or seminar papers. The post holder should be prepared to engage
informally with the School and students of the University to promote
discussion of questions and issues central to the terms of the Trust.
It is a further particular expectation that the holder of this post
take leadership in developing a new '6th Century Course' within the
University's reformed curriculum related to a theme or themes which
advance the educational designs of the Trust. Such courses emphasise
creative interdisciplinary teaching drawn together around a
co-ordinating theme. Details of currently offered 6th Century Courses
can be found here: http://abdn.ac.uk/thedifference/sixth-
century-courses.php. The appointment is to be made for the 2010-11
academic year; details of precise start date to be negotiated at point
of offer.
Informal enquires about the post may be made to Dr Philip Ziegler,
Head of the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy (p.ziegler@abdn.ac.uk, tel.
+44(0)1224272903, or Professor Trevor Salmon (t.salmon@abdn.ac.uk),
Chairman of the University's Gifford Lectures Committee.
Should you require a visa to undertake paid employment in the UK you
will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a
Certificate of Sponsorship and Tier 2 visa. As appropriate, at the
time an offer of appointment is made you will be asked to demonstrate
that you fulfil the criteria in respect of financial maintenance and
competency in English. Please do not hesitate to contact Louise
Alford, HR Adviser, for further information on this.
Criteria
A good first degree in relevant field
A PhD in relevant disciplinary field (e.g. Philosophy, Theology,
Religious Studies, History of Ideas) awarded or evidence that it will
be completed by the commencement of the appointment
Demonstrated research interests related to the topic of 'natural theology'
broadly construed in keeping with the spirit of the terms of Lord
Gifford's Trust and a particular project or programme of research
relevant to the advancement of its stated aims
Experience of developing and undertaking research in a Higher
Education setting
Experience of teaching within a School/College/Higher Education
environment
Demonstrate commitment to research through proven ability to attract
external research funds and/or complete research projects
The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.