Assistant Professor in Religious Education

Assistant Professor in Religious Education

Assistant Professor in Religious Education

School of Human Development

DCU Institute of Education

18.5 hours per week/0.5 FTE

3 Year Fixed Term Contract 

Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University. It is proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities and is among the world’s top 2% globally. 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.

Overview of the department 

The School of Human Development is one of the six schools within the DCU Institute of Education. The School is made up of a dynamic and unique group of scholars, researchers and teachers working in partnership, and whose academic interests span teacher education, the humanities, the social sciences, and the broad field of Human Development including Religious Education. Academics from the school working in the field of Religious Education play leading roles in the development of national policy in Religious Education across the school system in Ireland, are active members of key international networks in the field, and constitute a cluster of expertise and scholarship in a field of increasing public interest.

Role Profile

We are looking to add to this team through the appointment of an Assistant Professor with expertise in the field of religious education, and a particular interest in primary religious education in a variety of school types and contexts. The successful individual will join an established team supporting initial teacher education, professional learning and research in the fields of religious education, denominational religious education, chaplaincy studies and pastoral work, and teacher education more broadly.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

Teaching and Learning

• The successful individual will be required to contribute significantly to the development, teaching, assessment and administration of existing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, particularly in the area of religious education. 
• This teaching will include module design and delivery and professional placement including its attendant duties of supporting and evaluating students on placement visits and writing reports. 
• In addition, the individual is expected to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research students, contribute to tutorials and to the wider teaching of the Institute as required by the Head of School.

Research and Scholarship

• The DCU Institute of Education is a centre of excellence in educational research and as such the candidate will be expected to be research active in their field and to contribute to, develop and support research initiatives and scholarship within the School of Human Development and the wider faculty through high-quality research and publication in their area of expertise.

Service and Contribution to the University and Society

• The candidate will undertake administrative functions related to the activities of the School of Human Development. These activities, defined by the Head of School, may include participation in School meetings, engagement in meetings related to programmes, representing the School in marketing and recruitment of students, developing relationships with stakeholders, participating in Open Days, organisation of conferences, seminars, etc. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in a relevant area and a postgraduate qualification in areas related to religious education or an associated field, preferably at Doctoral level.
• A minimum of three years’ experience teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels
• Familiarity with the Irish education system, particularly current developments in primary education and in teacher education policy, will be particularly important
• The successful candidate should be capable of working in a team and contributing to developing the teaching and research agenda within the School

The ideal individual will have the following qualifications and experience

• An emerging research/publication profile in religious education or closely related fields
• Familiarity with developments in primary religious education in Ireland will be expected
• Experience in teacher education is highly desirable
• Familiarity with online course delivery systems 

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:

* Please note candidates must have a PhD to be considered for the Assistant Professor (Above bar) salary scale* 

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

DCU is currently operating a pilot  remote working policy for staff which consists of 1 day a week and 2 days a week for a period of up to 21 weeks per year. Such weeks are determined by the Head of each Unit in conjunction with HR and will take cognisance of the academic calendar, business needs and the service provision of the particular area. The terms of the pilot remote working policy will apply.

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

Dr Sandra Cullen, Head of School of Human Development, DCU Institute of Education, Dublin City University. 

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

3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the Vacancy Detail tab on the menu on the left hand side).

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer. 

In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes.

The University’s Athena SWAN Bronze Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the  DCU Policy Starter Packs