The Career Development Fellowship in International Relations and Security (Job Number: 26000640) offered by Durham University represents a prestigious early-career academic opportunity designed to support emerging scholars in building a strong foundation in teaching, research, and academic leadership within one of the United Kingdom’s most respected institutions.

Hosted within the School of Government and International Affairs, this fellowship focuses on advancing research and teaching in International Relations (IR), Security Studies, post-colonial IR perspectives, conflict and violence studies, and transitional justice. It is structured as a 36-month fixed-term, full-time academic position, providing structured mentorship, professional development, and teaching experience.

This opportunity is particularly significant for early-career researchers seeking to transition into permanent academic roles in leading global universities.

About Durham University and Its Academic Excellence

Durham University is globally recognized for its excellence in research, education, and academic impact. Located in a historic UNESCO World Heritage city in the United Kingdom, the university is known for:

High-impact global research contributions
Strong interdisciplinary academic communities
World-class teaching standards
A supportive environment for early-career researchers

Within the university, the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) is a leading academic hub specializing in politics, international relations, global security, and public policy research. The fellowship is embedded within this intellectual ecosystem, offering access to internationally renowned scholars and research groups such as the Durham Global Security Institute.

Overview of the Career Development Fellowship

The Career Development Fellowship is designed as a structured academic training and development programme for early-career scholars in International Relations and Security Studies.

Key Features of the Fellowship

Duration: 36 months (fixed-term)
Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Academic Level: Grade 7 position
Salary Range: £38,784 – £46,079 per annum
Start Date: Expected 1 September 2026

The fellowship combines research, teaching, and academic service responsibilities, ensuring that fellows develop a well-rounded academic portfolio suitable for future permanent academic positions.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The primary aim of this fellowship is to support early-career academics in:

Developing internationally excellent research outputs
Building teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
Gaining academic leadership and administrative skills
Preparing for future tenure-track or permanent academic roles

The role is developmental, meaning it emphasizes mentorship, training, and structured academic growth rather than permanent employment guarantees.

Academic Focus Areas

Applicants are expected to demonstrate expertise or strong interest in one or more of the following areas:

International Relations theory and practice
Security Studies
Post-colonial approaches to International Relations
Conflict and violence studies
Transitional justice
Global politics and international governance

The university places emphasis on academic excellence, methodological diversity, and innovative research approaches rather than restrictive specialization.

Key Responsibilities of the Fellowship

Successful candidates will engage in a combination of academic duties across three main pillars:

1. Teaching and Education

Fellows will:

Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules
Develop innovative teaching materials and curriculum content
Support inclusive learning environments
Supervise or co-supervise student research projects
Provide academic feedback, assessment, and student support

2. Research and Scholarship

Fellows will:

Develop independent research agendas aligned with departmental priorities
Produce high-quality, internationally recognized academic outputs
Contribute to research grant applications and funding proposals
Engage with national and international research networks
Strengthen the department’s research profile

3. Academic Citizenship and Development

Fellows will:

Participate in departmental committees
Contribute to institutional academic life
Engage in professional development programmes
Work towards Higher Education Academy (HEA) membership
Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines

Structured Academic Development Support

One of the most important aspects of this fellowship is the tailored career development support provided to all fellows.

This includes:

A personalized academic development plan
Dedicated mentorship from senior faculty members
Access to professional training courses
Leadership development opportunities
Protected time for research activities

This structured approach ensures that fellows are well-prepared for competitive academic job markets globally.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must:

Hold a good first degree in a relevant discipline
Be within approximately 8 years of completing a PhD (or nearing completion)
Have a PhD in International Relations, Politics, or a related field

Career breaks due to parental leave, health conditions, or other valid reasons are considered.

Skills and Competencies Required

Applicants should demonstrate:

Strong potential for producing high-quality research outputs
Ability to deliver engaging and effective teaching
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Capacity to contribute to academic administration and departmental activities
Evidence of academic promise in research or teaching excellence

Inclusion, Diversity, and Accessibility Commitment

Durham University strongly emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion. The institution actively supports:

Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds
Applicants with disabilities or neurodiversity
Flexible and accessible recruitment processes
Reasonable workplace adjustments

The university promotes a respectful academic environment where all individuals can thrive regardless of identity or background.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Covering Letter detailing experience and suitability
Personal Research Plan (maximum 2 pages)

All materials must clearly demonstrate alignment with the fellowship’s academic expectations.

Selection and Interview Process

Shortlisting based on essential criteria
Academic presentation to staff and students
Formal interview process (typically over two days)
Interviews expected: 6–7 July 2026

Successful candidates will be expected to begin the role by 1 September 2026.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 09 June 2026 (1:59 AM)
Interview Dates: 6–7 July 2026
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Contract Duration: 36 months

Benefits of the Fellowship

This fellowship offers a wide range of academic and professional benefits, including:

Competitive academic salary
30 days annual leave plus public holidays
Pension scheme enrollment
Comprehensive research support
Teaching experience at a top UK university
Access to global academic networks
Professional development training
Strong career progression pathway

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Conclusion

The Career Development Fellowship in International Relations and Security at Durham University is an outstanding opportunity for early-career academics aiming to advance their careers in global politics and security studies. With structured mentorship, strong research support, and teaching opportunities, this fellowship provides a powerful platform for academic growth and international recognition.

Applicants with strong research potential and a commitment to teaching excellence are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.

For more information, visit the official website

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