The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Law at the University of Sheffield for excellent researchers and inspiring teachers. We are looking to recruit a Lecturer in Criminology from 1 February 2026. If appointed, you will be an integral member of our team, contributing to our research community and research-led teaching. We seek applicants with interests in all areas of criminology and/or criminal justice, who share our commitment to collegiality and inclusivity.

Criminology has a long and rich tradition at Sheffield, with its Centre for Criminological Research (CCR) established more than 30 years ago as one of the first four criminology research centres in the UK. The CCR welcomes staff and PGR members from a range of disciplines across the University. Information on CCR’s ongoing work can be found here.

The School of Law enjoys an international reputation for excellence in research, for the expertise of its staff, and the achievements of its graduates. We have a diverse team which aspires to address global challenges and our vision is to advance the interdisciplinary understanding of law, socio-legal studies, and criminology. We enjoy a global network of research and teaching links and all undergraduate students are given the opportunity to spend a year abroad with one of our partners. The School’s civic engagement activities and pro bono work connect it with the city of Sheffield, and with partners in the commercial, public and third sectors, nationally and internationally. More information on the School can be found here.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research

• Determine research objectives, initiate and implement a programme of research that enhances the international standing of the School.
• Identify appropriate sources of funding and prepare research proposals for funding bodies.
• Conduct and disseminate innovative research to an internationally excellent standard.
• Undertake research and knowledge exchange activities with the potential to have demonstrable effects on society, culture, public policy or services, the law, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia.
• Involvement in professional activities and with national and international bodies.

Education

• Design, develop and deliver teaching modules across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including coordinating team teaching to ensure high quality delivery; preparing teaching material, communicating subject matter and encouraging critical discourse and rational thinking; observing and reacting to student interventions; responding to questions outside class times and to contingencies in course delivery.
• Carry out assessment for modules, including designing assessment instruments and criteria; marking assessments, ensuring adequate moderation; providing written/oral feedback; and collating and providing final assessments of students.
• Supervise and assess UG and PG dissertation students and doctoral students.
• Carry out module evaluation, including facilitating student feedback; reflecting on own teaching design and delivery; and implementing ideas for improving own performance.

Leadership and Administration

• Provide pastoral and academic support for students by acting as an Academic Tutor.
• Contribute to the life of the School, Faculty and wider University community by taking on leadership roles and responsibilities where required, and contributing to committee work and the development of relevant policies.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
• Make ethical decisions in your role, modelling inclusive and collegiate behaviour, embedding the University’s sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible, and furthering the University’s EDI objectives.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone is respected and feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place towards the end of November 2025. This will consist of a 10 minute presentation to School of Law colleagues, followed by a 15 minute Question & Answer session, an interview (30-40 mins) and an opportunity to meet more informally with colleagues from the School of Law and tour Bartolome House.

As part of the application process, you will also be asked to share a research output, which will be internally assessed for its REF potential. The outcome of this assessment, feedback on your presentation from those who attend, and the interview will be used in the decision-making process.

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage at least one week before the interviews. Contact law-hr@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes..
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.