Lecturer in Climate and Environmental Change

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Overview

The University of Sheffield is seeking an outstanding individual with an excellent research trajectory in climate science, glaciology or environmental monitoring to contribute to the School of Geography and Planning. We welcome applications from candidates whose research develops activity in our Ice and Climate, and Environmental Change, Hazards and Societal Resilience research clusters. We are looking for a creative and inspirational teacher, with experience of developing, delivering and leading teaching for a diverse cohort of students on undergraduate and postgraduate Physical Geography and Environmental Science modules, including field work. You will contribute to our Physical Geography and Environmental Science undergraduate programmes, and our new Masters in Environmental Science and Data. We particularly seek individuals with a proven track record in handling large-scale environmental datasets, and/or who are working at the cutting edge of field sensor design and deployment. You are expected to produce high-quality academic publications and to secure research grant income within the School, as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator; and to ensure that impact from your research is achieved with a range of academic and non-academic partners.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research and scholarship of an internationally excellent or world leading standard.
• Secure, manage and deliver externally funded research projects to successful conclusion, including supervising the work of research staff as appropriate.
• Publish internationally excellent or world leading research and scholarship.
• Disseminate research outcomes through high-impact channels, including academic and professional conferences.
• Design and deliver high-quality, research-led learning and teaching for modules (including field classes) on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the School. This will include preparing teaching material, communicating material and encouraging creative and critical engagement with it; observing and reacting to student interventions; responding to questions outside class times and introducing innovative teaching methods as appropriate.
• Supervise undergraduate and masters projects and dissertations.
• Conduct assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate student work, including: design of assessment approaches and criteria, provision of formative and summative feedback (oral/written), marking to agreed deadlines.
• Carry out module and programme evaluation, implement teaching quality assurance and enhancement strategies and continually innovate and enhance teaching provision.
• Provide academic support and guidance to students.
• Participate in collaborative and research group activity within the School and establish productive research links and teaching collaborations within the wider University and beyond.
• Contribute to the School's collegial working environment, the Faculty and wider University community through administrative and leadership responsibilities as appropriate, ensuring these are undertaken to a high standard.
• Develop a strong professional and academic profile and external recognition through activities such as committees, advisory boards, conference organisation, journal editing and external examining.
• 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 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.
• Any other duties as specified by the Head of School, commensurate with the grade of the post.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is 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.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area - Essential (Application)
• Proven teaching ability, ideally with a teaching qualification, or a very strong potential for effective teaching in Physical Geography and Environmental Science - Essential (Application/interview)
• Excellent research trajectory in climate and environmental change, evidenced through publication in high impact peer reviewed journals and/ or other measures - Essential (Application/interview)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations - Essential (Application/interview)
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving - Essential (Application/interview)
• Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout your own work area - Essential (Application/interview)
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability to undertake administrative duties efficiently and effectively - Essential (Application/interview)
• Experience of teaching diverse groups of students in relevant subject areas at both undergraduate and postgraduate level - Essential (Application/interview)
• Proven ability to lead and manage research activity (e.g. initiate grant applications, manage or co-manage funded research projects successfully to completion, manage research staff etc.) - Essential (Application/interview)
• Demonstrable potential to enhance the School's existing research and teaching agenda in climate and environmental change - Essential (Application/interview)
• An understanding of equality, diversity & inclusion principles and practices - Essential (Application/interview)

Further Information

• Grade: 8
• Salary: £48,822 - £58,225
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Duration: Start 1st August 2026
• Line manager: Head of School
• Direct reports: N/A

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Stephen Livingstone, Head of School: on

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in late April. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in early April. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact .

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 41days 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
  • 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.

Closing Date: 13/04/2026

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 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.

The University of Sheffield

Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN

The University of Sheffield