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

The School of English wishes to appoint a Teaching Associate at 50% for a fixed-term period from 01 September 2026 until 31 August 2028. This is an opportunity for a scholar with excellent teaching ability to join one of the leading English Schools in the United Kingdom.

Candidates will have teaching competence in English Literature broadly construed, and will undertake a range of teaching and administrative duties in the School. Teaching will be required at undergraduate level, specifically for modules on Romantic, Victorian and Contemporary Literature, and some teaching may also be required at postgraduate level on the module, ‘Memory and Trauma in Contemporary Literature’. The appointee will provide high quality teaching to students and be involved in administrative activities. The successful applicant will also contribute to the School’s presence across the University, in particular its Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and, through outreach and knowledge exchange activities, in the local community and beyond.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Teach, deliver seminars and mark on undergraduate modules including Contemporary Literature at Level 1 and Romantics, Victorians, Moderns at Level 2.

• Contribute to the postgraduate module Memory and Trauma in Contemporary Literature if required.

• Plan and prioritise own daily work and monitor the work of students on a daily basis.

• Undertake assessment for courses, including marking and providing written/oral feedback.

• Undertake module evaluation, including facilitating student feedback, reflecting on own teaching design and delivery; and implementing ideas for improving own performance.

• Carry out a pastoral role for students. If necessary, refer them to the appropriate authority for guidance.

• Engage in teaching that enhances the design and delivery of the school’s existing undergraduate  programmes. 

• Participate in the administrative processes of the School including committee membership and quality assurance procedures.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues within the School and with the English Language Teaching Centre, actively participate in School committees in order to contribute to the development of teaching/learning policy.

• Deal with reactive requests, such as those relating to teaching, student support and administrative tasks, on a daily basis.

• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole.

• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit 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 feels they belong and are respected. 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 on the week commencing 20th July . This will consist of an interview including a series of questions. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 13th July. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Fiona Thring on f.thring@sheffield.ac.uk.

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, including hybrid working for some roles.

• 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; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • access to menopause support in the workplace

  • 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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.