Postdoctoral in Catholic Social Thought at Durham, UK

About Position/Job

Durham University invites applications for a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Catholic Social Thought and Practice (CSTP), housed within its globally top-ranked Department of Theology and Religion. In partnership with the Society of the Sacred Heart, this 3-year post is aimed at scholars undertaking impactful interdisciplinary work, contributing to both academic excellence and societal engagement. The post aligns with Durham’s strategic mission of integrating research with community-centred practice through the Centre for Catholic Studies and the Centre for Catholic Social Thought and Practice.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Institution: Durham University
Department: Theology and Religion
Research field: Catholic Social Thought and Practice
Location: Durham, United Kingdom
Number of post: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (36 months)
Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: £38,249 to £45,413 per annum (Grade 7)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research area

Catholic Theology
Catholic Social Thought and Practice
Social Ethics
Political Theology
Religion and Society
Theological Anthropology
Migration and Social Justice
Integral Ecology
Peace and Conflict Studies

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

A PhD (or near completion) in theology, religious studies, or a related field
Proven experience conducting high-quality academic research
Ability to write for peer-reviewed journals and deliver conference presentations
Experience working with grassroots or community-based organisations
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Publications in high-impact journals
Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
Record of conference participation
Experience in mentoring or supervising students
Familiarity with Catholic social teaching in applied contexts

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement an original research project in CSTP
Collaborate with Professor Anna Rowlands and contribute to the Centre for Catholic Studies
Engage with practice-based organisations for theological accompaniment
Publish research findings in academic journals and present at international forums
Participate in departmental seminars, events, and collaborative initiatives
Assist in organising research events and contribute to teaching if aligned with career development
Actively contribute to Durham’s inclusive and collegial academic culture