Senior Lecturer - Head of Social Policy, Sociology & Criminology

The University of Salford seeks an ambitious academic leader for the role of Senior Lecturer and Head of Social Policy, Sociology & Criminology. This position offers strategic leadership across these disciplines, aiming to shape future directions and foster an inclusive culture of excellence. The ideal candidate possesses strong academic credibility, proven leadership experience, and a commitment to widening participation and social justice.

Responsibilities include managing staff, developing taught and research programs, and enhancing external partnerships. Located in the UK, the university provides competitive salary, excellent pension, 32 days leave plus holidays, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements. The role supports a vibrant, research-active community within the SHAPE Faculty, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainability goals. Candidates are expected to inspire colleagues and deliver meaningful change while contributing to outstanding student experiences.

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Opportunity Overview

The University of Salford is seeking an ambitious, inspirational and collaborative academic leader to join us as Head of Social Policy, Sociology & Criminology.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a diverse and committed academic community across disciplines that are central to understanding and responding to some of the most pressing social challenges facing society today.

As Head of Social Policy, Sociology & Criminology, you will provide strategic and academic leadership across the subject area, working collaboratively with colleagues to shape its future direction. You will support an inclusive culture of academic excellence, develop staff and research capacity, strengthen external partnerships, and ensure an outstanding student experience.

We are looking for an individual who can combine academic credibility with strong leadership and people skills. You will have a strong track record in one or more of the relevant disciplines, together with experience of academic leadership, programme development, research or knowledge exchange, and a commitment to widening participation and social justice.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced academic with a strong profile in social policy, sociology, criminology or a closely related discipline. They will bring evidence of successful leadership and the ability to inspire colleagues, manage competing priorities and deliver meaningful change.

They will be an excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and with partners beyond the University. They will share our commitment to creating an inclusive academic community in which staff and students can thrive.

Above all, we are looking for someone with the vision, energy and collaborative approach to help shape the next chapter of Social Policy, Sociology & Criminology at Salford.

This is a non-substantive post that will be reviewed on a three-year basis

Note this role may close early depending on application volumes.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead and manage the dynamic team of Sociology, Criminology and Social Policy academic staff promoting excellence in teaching, research, practice and the overall student experience.
• Initiate and lead in the development and delivery of taught programmes including those related to Sociology, Criminology and Social Policy and/or research programmes, with outstanding delivery and excellent support of teaching and learning.
• Actively support and carry out research and scholarship which supports and informs programme…