Assistant/Associate Professor in Systematic Theology

Assistant/Associate Professor in Systematic Theology

School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Permanent Contract

Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University, proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities. DCU is known as Ireland’s University of Impact, with a mission to ‘transform lives and societies’ and focuses on addressing global challenges in collaboration with key national and international partners and stakeholders.

DCU has over 20,000 students in five faculties spread across three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra area of North Dublin. Thanks to its innovative approach to teaching and learning, the University offers a ‘transformative student experience’ that helps to develop highly sought-after graduates. DCU is currently No. 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate, and for graduate income (CSO). 

DCU is a research-intensive University and is home to a number of SFI-funded Research Centres. The University participates in a range of European and international research partnerships. DCU is also the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

As a ‘People First’ institution, DCU is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - a University that helps staff and students to thrive. The University is a leader in terms of its work to increase access to education, and is placed in the world’s Top 10 for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) is the largest in DCU and hosts some of the most distinguished scholars, programmes, and centres across different disciplines. Its seven schools are based across three DCU campuses: Glasnevin, All Hallows and St Patrick’s. It is recognised for excellent programmes and innovative teaching methods, blending long-established subjects, such as English Literature, Applied Languages, Geography, History, Irish, Law, Music, Politics, Theology and Philosophy with newer disciplines, such as Media Studies, Translation Studies, International Relations and Climate and Environmental Sustainability. 

In the Times Higher 2023 Subject Rankings, DCU Arts and Humanities subjects History, Philosophy, Theology, Languages and Linguistics ranked 176-200 globally. Faculty publish in leading international and national academic journals, with leading book publishers, and in diverse creative fora. Research addresses fundamental research areas and important societal challenges through policy-focused research, engaging with government and civil society and bringing our research to a wider audience through the media. Staff in the Faculty are involved in leading externally funded research projects for the EU, the Irish Government, the Irish Research Council, NGOs and the cultural, arts and charity sector. FHSS students have access to leading experts in their chosen fields of study, strengthening the teaching and learning experience at DCU in our many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and supporting early career researchers in doctoral and postdoctoral research. 

The School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music

The School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music is a dynamic and creative School with a strong commitment to social and cultural engagement, world-class research, and teaching that promotes critical thinking in students across a wide range of subjects. Based on the All Hallows Campus, it includes the Institute of Ethics, the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue, and the Centre for Jazz Performance. The School hosts a strong doctoral and postdoctoral community including Government of Ireland Fellowships and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships. 

The academic study of religion in DCU is pursued through the complementary disciplines of Theology and Religious Studies, offering students, on a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, an understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of religious faith and religious traditions. The School has particular strengths in the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as interreligious approaches to studying the world’s religions. 

The School offers excellent opportunities for staff to teach within their own areas of research expertise and to supervise PhD candidates. The School is committed to high quality research and supports its staff in such work. 

Role Profile

The School wishes to appoint an Assistant Professor in Systematic Theology. The successful individual will have research expertise in Theology and/or Religious Studies with an ability to contribute to the School’s teaching and research in both systematic theology, particularly Catholic theology, ecumenism, and church history. They will be able to contribute to existing modules on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including those required by the Teaching Council. Programmes include: the BA Joint Honours (BAJH); the Bachelor of Religious Education (BRELED); the BA in Theology and Religious Studies (BATRS); as well as the MA in Theology and World Religions (MATHWR) and the MA Ethics (MAETH). The new appointee will have scope to develop new modules. It is desirable that the successful applicant continue and develop the School’s ecumenical engagement across the island of Ireland with a range of churches, facilitating cross-border initiatives in shared research and teaching, and practical ecumenical encounters for students on our programmes.  An ability to engage with contemporary issues such as Feminism and Gender, Decolonialism, Developments in Irish Theology, or Interreligious perspectives would be welcome. 

The School has a vibrant PhD and early career research community and supervision and mentorship are part of this role. The successful individual will have a collegial orientation, enjoy working in a team context and will contribute to the administrative work of the School. They will also be able to provide leadership in developing the School’s teaching, research, and engagement agenda and enhance internationalisation in this discipline area. The School is committed to high quality research and expects its staff to maintain an active research profile, including international publications and the pursuit of research funding. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following: 

Teaching and Learning

The successful candidate will maintain DCU’s high academic standards and contribute to its aim of providing a transformative learning experience for students, by contributing to the development, teaching, assessment, and administration of modules in the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes delivered in the School.  These include: 

• Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Theology and Religious Studies and in particular modules required by the Teaching Council on the Bachelor of Religious Education. Current teaching associated with the role includes: History of Christianity; Ecclesiology; Ecumenism; Theological Anthropology; and contributions to other modules including, Readings in Early and Medieval Church History; and Modern Theologians. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop modules in subjects related to the candidate’s specialisation.
• On-campus and remote delivery of teaching, as required and, where appropriate, tutorial and small group teaching in the programmes offered by the School.
• Using a wide range of teaching and assessment methodologies to foster a deep approach to learning and equip students with the skills and attributes needed to be lifelong learners and critical thinkers.
• Providing marks and feedback to students in a timely manner, as agreed with Programme Chairs and the Head of School, and in line with Faculty policies.
• Engagement with students on-campus in published office hours and other relevant engagement activities, as appropriate to programme and module delivery.
• Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research, including MA and PhD, in Theology and Religious Studies and related areas.
• Contributing to the design, development, and management of current programmes and other teaching and learning developments in the School.
• Supporting innovation in curricula development by developing and delivering new or reconceptualised modules and resources in line with School practice.
• Engagement with professional development for teaching.

Research and Scholarship

The successful candidate will be committed to high-quality research and publication that advances knowledge in the field of Theology and Religious Studies, on an individual and a collaborative basis. The appointee will be expected to have clearly articulated research interests, and research profile development plans that support the University’s current research priorities. The successful candidate will be expected to: 

• Pursue an active research agenda with ongoing research publications in highly ranked international academic journals, leading university presses and prestigious book publishers, both individually and, where appropriate, in collaboration with colleagues in DCU and elsewhere.
• Disseminate research to diverse audiences and carry out research with an awareness of impact.
• Actively search out and apply for research funding and grants consistent with the School’s research agenda.
• Sustain and develop international research collaborations with strong European, US and Global South links.
• Engage in scholarly activities that promote Theology and Religious Studies in the University and the public domain, as well as helping to plan and organise conferences, lectures, and other events.
• Attract and supervise high-calibre PhD students.

Service and Contribution to the University and Society

Activities taken on the successful candidate’s own initiative, or allocated by the Head of School, will include: 

• Undertaking administrative duties related to the subject and the position.
• Administrative and leadership roles within the School as allocated by the Head.
• Participation in School and University meetings.
• Representing the School in marketing activity and the recruitment of students.
• Developing relationships with stakeholders within and outside the University including faith communities throughout the island of Ireland. 

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A PhD in Theology or Religious Studies, with a relevant focus for the teaching required in this role.
• The successful candidate must have appropriate relevant experience in the field, with appropriate higher-level teaching experience.
• The successful individual should be capable of working in a team and contributing to developing the teaching and research agenda within the School, as well as supporting the School’s research and engagement funding through grant applications. 
• The successful individual will have an active and sustained research profile and a clear record of publication activity.
• The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong organisational, administrative, communication and leadership skills and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to teach systematic theology, particularly Catholic theology, ecumenism and Church history.

Desirable

• Evidence of successful teamwork and a collegial approach. 
• Engagement with Ecumenism in a local and/or global context.
• Ability to teach feminist and global theologies.
• Ability to teach Latin.
• Ability to contribute to other areas of Theology and Religious Studies.
• Experience working with diverse cohorts of students, and virtual learning environments.

Essential Training 

The postholder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety, Data Protection (GDPR) and all Cyber Security Awareness Training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required. 

Salary Scale:

Assistant Professor - €63,311 - €101,461 refer to DCU Payscales for the applicable payscale. 

Associate Professor - €89,295 - €117,695

Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.

Closing date: Friday, 30th May 2025

Interviews for this position will likely be held on 20 or 23 June 2025.

Remote Working Policy

From the 1st of November 2024, DCU will operate its newly agreed Remote Working Policy. Employees may be approved for up to 2 days of remote working per week (or an appropriate pro rata amount for those part time). Any remote working arrangement will be reflective of the predominant on-campus working environment and the core University value of 'Student Focused'. Employees will be based on campus for the majority of their working week to ensure a sustained on campus engagement and experience. The terms of the remote working policy will apply.

For more information on the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music, please visit: https://www.dcu.ie/theologyphilosophymusic

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Dr Patricia Flynn, Head of School, School of Theology, Philosophy and Music, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dublin City University. 

Phone: + 353 (0)1 7006100 

Email: patricia.flynn@dcu.ie

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.