Job Pack
KCL reference number: (A7/FFL/0250/16-PN)
HireWire reference number: (THW/16/059639/000222)
About King’s
King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff
are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning, in the service of society. We are a multifaculty institution, providing high-quality teaching, research and innovation across the sciences,
humanities, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. As a member of the Russell Group, an
association of leading UK research-intensive universities, we are committed to maintaining the
highest standards in research and education. King's is the largest centre for the education of
healthcare professionals in Europe, and is home to five Medical Research Council Centres spread
across its three teaching hospitals.
King's is one of the top 20 universities in the world (2015/16 QS World University Rankings). We are
the fourth oldest university in England and based in the heart of London, King's has more than
26,000 students from nearly 140 countries, and more than 7,000 employees.
The UK higher education funding bodies allocate about £2 billion per year of research funding to UK
universities, based on the quality and volume of each university’s research. As well as informing
funding allocations, the REF provides accountability for public investment in research, demonstrates
its benefits, and provides important reputational yardsticks and benchmarking information about the
research performance of UK universities. The results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework
(REF) have confirmed King’s College London as a world-leading research university.
Top ten nationally for research ‘power’ and ‘quality’
King’s has risen to 6th position* nationally in the ‘power’ ranking – up from 11th in the Research
Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008. ‘Power’ takes into account both the quality and the quantity of
research activity. King’s has also risen to 7th position* for quality – up from 22nd in 2008. 84 per
cent of our research has been deemed 3* and 4* (up from 61 per cent in RAE 2008), meaning that it is
regarded as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The proportion of the university’s overall
submission classified as 4* has risen from 19 per cent in 2008 to 39 per cent in REF 2014. King’s
submitted 1,369 staff compared with 1,172 in RAE 2008, which represents an increase of 14 percent.
80 per cent of eligible staff were submitted to REF 2014 compared with 79 per cent last time.
Higher education sector comparisons
In terms of comparison across the sector, King’s has had some outstanding successes notably:
• Law is 1st in the country for quality of research and 7th for power (up from 19th and 14th
respectively);
• Education is 2nd for quality and 4th for power;
• Clinical Medicine is 3rd for quality;
• General Engineering (Imaging Sciences) is 5th for quality and submitted twice the number of
staff compared with 2008;
• Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience is 2nd in the country for power and achieved 100
percent 4* ranking for research ‘environment’;
• Politics and International Studies is 1st for power*;
• History is 5th for quality and 7th for power;
• Philosophy is 3rd for quality and 3rd for power;
• Communication, Cultural and Media Studies (Culture, Media and Creative Industries and
Digital Humanities) are 1st for power and 8th for quality and scored 100% at 4* for research
‘environment’.
Document Created: 2015.08.26
Based on proportions of research at 3* and 4*, 19 of our 27 submissions rank in the top quartile
nationally. Outstanding performances include: General Engineering (Imaging Sciences) with a total
of 99 per cent, putting us in first position nationally in terms of proportion of submissions ranked at
4*/3*; Clinical Medicine with 93 percent, also in first position nationally in terms of proportion of
submissions ranked at 4*/3*; and the three submissions to Subjects Allied to Medicine (Dentistry;
Nursing & Midwifery and Palliative Care; and Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women’s Health),
which also achieved scores in the 90s.
Research outputs
For research outputs, 15 of 27 Units of Assessment have achieved an upper quartile ranking based on
3* and 4* classifications. Particularly strong performances have been seen for General Engineering
(Imaging Sciences), Clinical Medicine, Dentistry and Mathematics.
Impact
The ‘impact’ of research was introduced as a new metric in the REF and represents 20 percent of the
overall submission. Eighteen of King’s 27 submissions have upper quartile status based on 3* and 4*
quality ratings. In particular the areas of Education; Culture, Media and Creative Industries/Digital
Humanities; Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care; Public Health; General Engineering and Law
scored highly for impact. Furthermore, measured against other multi-disciplinary universities, rather
than specialist higher education institutions, King’s is ranked 4th in the country for research impact.
*Times Higher Education REF rankings
The Dickson Poon School of Law
The Dickson Poon School of Law is housed on the College’s Strand Campus, no more than a couple of
minutes’ walk from the Royal Courts of Justice and Inns of Court and midway between Westminster
and the City of London. In January 2012 it moved into newly refurbished accommodation in the East
Wing of Somerset House, a Grade One listed building which is an integral part of the Strand Campus.
Its location has always enabled the School to have excellent contacts with practitioners and policymakers, and there is a strong tradition of engagement with the legal profession. While recognising
that the majority of its students will go into the legal profession in some form, the School sees the
study of law as being an intellectual discipline in its own right. The School’s research interests cover
all areas of public and private law and include the philosophy and sociology of law as well as
doctrinal, empirical, interdisciplinary and comparative approaches to the study of law. Over the
coming five years the School will be consolidating and expanding its expertise – in particular in
transnational law.
The School’s largest degree programmes are the undergraduate LLB and postgraduate LLM. It offers
four-year joint degree programmes in Anglo-French and Anglo-German Law, leading to a
qualification in both jurisdictions, in a dual UK-Hong Kong law degree, and in Law with
Transnational Legal Studies. Its newest undergraduate degree is an LLB in Politics, Philosophy and
Law. At postgraduate level, in addition to the LLM, there are MAs in Medical Ethics & Law; Global
Ethics & Human Values; an MSc in Construction Law & Dispute Resolution and a new MSc in Mental
Health, Ethics and Law. Furthermore, distance learning postgraduate diplomas can be taken to MA
level, including EU Law; EU Competition Law; UK, EU & US Copyright Law; and Economics for
Competition Law. There is also a thriving research degree programme at the School.
In the 2014/15 academic year, there were 80 academic staff and 2074 students enrolled. The student
number breaks down as follows: 876 undergraduate, 1101 taught postgraduate and 97 research
students.
The Dickson Poon Gift
The School is in the third year of a £40 million transformation project, funded chiefly by a gift of £20
million from Dr Dickson Poon, the Hong Kong-based businessman and philanthropist. Dr Poon’s gift
is intended to fund, inter alia, the appointment of eight new distinguished chairs and seven new
lectureships, the appointment of high profile leaders from business, the judiciary and civil society as
distinguished visitors, and the award of up to 75 scholarships each year to attract the best
undergraduate and postgraduate research students to King’s. The gift also envisages the
establishment of a world-leading Institute of Transnational Law. The key theme in the
implementation of the gift is the development of the School as a centre of excellence in transnational
law and in legal study more broadly. Please visit our website for further information on The Dickson
Poon School of Law. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/law/index.aspx
The Yeoh Tiang Lay Centre for Politics Philosophy and Law and the PPL LLB
King’s College London has received a donation of £7 million to set up a new research-based Centre for
Politics, Philosophy & Law. The gift, from the family of Malaysian alumnus Mark Yeoh, will further
build King’s reputation as a dynamic international centre for legal teaching and research in the heart
of London.
The donation is the largest from a Malaysian family to any UK university and will provide for three
new academic posts. The research findings of the Yeoh Tiong Lay Centre will underpin the teachings
of King’s new Politics, Philosophy & Law (PPL) LLB degree. Launched in 2012, the PPL degree is a
unique programme that allows students to fulfil the requirements of a qualifying law degree while
being able to choose from a range of modules in philosophy and political economy.
The PPL degree, not currently offered anywhere else in the UK, is designed to equip students with an
interdisciplinary education that will prepare them for working in an increasingly globalised
environment. The nature of the programme provides access to eminent academics from three
outstanding faculties and gives students the chance to consider a wide range of career options
through King’s connections and links with London’s global community.
The research vision of the Yeoh Tiang Lay Centre for Politics, Philosophy and Law is to inquire into
the philosophical foundations of law and/or politics. It aims at significantly deepening our
understanding of the core concepts and practices of the law and/or politics.
The Post
The Dickson Poon School of Law is seeking to appoint an outstanding candidate to the position of Lecturer in
Contract and/or Commercial Law. The School has particular needs in contract law, and such areas of
commercial law as insurance law, including marine insurance, maritime law and carriage of goods. The
successful candidate will be expected to undertake high-quality research and to contribute strongly to the
teaching of Contract and/or Commercial Law at the School.
Job Description
Post Title
Lecturer in Tort, Contract and/or Commercial Law
Department/Division/Directorate The Dickson Poon School of Law
Grade
7
Responsible for
n/a
Responsible to
Dean of The Dickson Poon School of Law
Role Purpose
The Dickson Poon School of Law is seeking to appoint an outstanding candidate in Tort, Contract and/or
Commercial Law. The School has particular needs in tort law, contract law, and such areas of commercial law
as insurance law, including marine insurance, maritime law and carriage of goods. The successful candidate
will be expected to undertake high-quality research and to contribute strongly to the teaching in one or more of
these areas at the School.
Role Outline
The successful candidate will undertake the following tasks and other tasks as the Dean may require:
 Make a strong contribution to the development of the School and College’s research profile,
including by developing a track record of world leading publications in their field of study,
through participation in impact activities, and by active participation in research communities;
 Develop and articulate a research agenda that aims to place the successful candidate at the
forefront of his/her field over the course of their career, for example through applying for and
securing research grants, and developing appropriate external research networks;
 Make a strong contribution to the development and delivery of teaching in the School, in
particular in respect of the core undergraduate curriculum on our LL.B programmes, and, over
time, taking on a leadership role in at least one core undergraduate module;
 Contribute research-informed teaching to our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees,
including through the supervision and examination of postgraduate research students at the
School and in the wider academic community;
 Take a leading part in the development of new teaching initiatives, technology-enhanced
learning and distance learning, in accordance with the School and University’s strategic goals;
 Play a role in the holistic development of our students through pastoral care and engagement
in student experience activities, and in particular by acting as a personal tutor;
 Participate in student development processes, including student progress monitoring,
education assessment, examination, and timely and effective feedback processes, so as to
support students’ learning;
 Accept academic leadership responsibilities, such as in School education or research roles, and
in participation in School or University governance structures;
 Engage in professional development to further the candidate’s career.
Specific Aspects - indicate frequency D (daily), W (weekly), M (monthly) where applicable:
Intensive Display Screen Equipment work
(eg. data entry or digital microscopy)1:
Direct patient contact involving exposure prone
procedures (EPP)2:
Heavy manual handling1:
Direct patient contact, no EPP2
Highly repetitive tasks (eg. pipetting or reshelving books)1:
Work with patient specimens (eg. blood or tissue
samples)2:
Shift work, night work or call-out duties2:
Work with GM organisms or biological agents
that may pose a hazard to human health2:
Work involving risk of exposure to
environmental or human pathogens (eg. in
waste streams or soils)2:
Hazards which require health surveillance eg.
respiratory sensitisers (allergens, substances with
risk phrase R42, wood dust etc) or loud noise2:
Driving vehicles on university business2:
Food handling or preparation2:
Work at height (eg. ladders, scaffolds etc)1
Work in confined spaces (eg. sump rooms, etc)1
1
These hazards do not require health assessment but may require advice from OH if a successful candidate declares a
disability or health condition in the Health & Capability Declaration.
2
These hazards automatically require the successful candidate to undergo employment health assessment to identify any
necessary health surveillance, recommended vaccinations or other risk control measures. The Occupational Health
option must be checked on the SRAF or the Employment Checks page in the e-Recruitment system.
Organisational chart
For information about faculty members see: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/law/people/index.aspx
Additional Requirements
 All employees are expected to adhere to King’s policies and procedures which are published on the
HR webpages.
 Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake
work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
 This post may be required to work irregular hours in accordance with the needs of the role.
 You will be expected to teach and/or assist, as appropriate, using both traditional and innovative
methods in such areas as eLearning, short courses, blended learning, summer courses, distance
learning, multi-media learning, this list is not exhaustive but to give an indication of the type of
areas currently offered.
Occupational Health Clearance
As part of our pre-employment checks the successful applicant will be sent a ‘Health and Capability
Declaration Form’ and if they declare that they do have a health condition or disability that may
require accommodation measures so that they are able to carry out their work comfortably and
efficiently, they will be sent an Occupational Health Questionnaire to determine whether any
reasonable accommodation measures are required for the candidate to take up the post.
Please note
This job description reflects the core activities of the role and as the university and the post-holder
develop there will inevitably be changes in the emphasis of duties. It is expected that the post-holder
recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work and be willing to participate in training.
If changes to the job become significant, the job description should be reviewed formally by the postholder and line manager. The Human Resources department should then be consulted as to the
implications of the proposed changes.
Confidentiality
In the course of your work you may have access to personal or confidential information which must
not be disclosed or made available to any other person unless in the performance of your duties or
with specific permission from your Dean of Faculty/ Division /Department. (In particular if your
work involves the handling of clinical samples and/or patient data, NHS policies for the maintenance
of security and confidentiality of NHS systems and data must be observed). Breaches in
confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.
No Smoking Policy
King’s College London is committed to maintaining a healthy environment for staff, students and
visitors. Therefore, please note that smoking is not permitted in any of the university buildings or in
university vehicles. Smoking is also not permitted immediately outside the entrances to university
buildings or near to windows and air intake units. Staff working at associated NHS trust sites or other
premises should adhere to whatever policy is in place at these locations. NB. This information is
provided as guidance only, and does not form part of the employment contract.
Person Specification
Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom
Applications are welcomed from international candidates. The recruitment of this post meets Home
Office advertising requirements that qualify the role for sponsorship under Tier 2. Consequently, if
required, the university could potentially sponsor the successful candidate in applying for a visa
under Tier 2 of the points based immigration system, providing all other requirements are met.
Information on Tier 2 sponsorship can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website:
www.gov.uk/tier-2-general
Criteria
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HOW IDENTIFIED
AND ASSESSED
AP
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Application
Assessment
Interview
Presentation
References
Education/Qualification and Training
PhD, DPhil, JSD, or equivalent experience in Law
X
Professional qualification in law
AP, I, R
X
AP, I, R
Knowledge/Skills
Specialist knowledge in a relevant area of law
X
AP, I, R, P
Excellent teaching skills
X
AP, I, R, P
Competence with electronic learning platforms and other IT skills
X
AP
Understanding of current issues in Law and Higher Education
X
AP, I, R
Demonstrable track record of excellence in legal research
X
AP, R
Experience teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level
X
AP, R
Excellent oral and written communication skills
X
AP, I
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
X
AP, I, R
Ability to work to and meet deadlines
X
AP, I, R
Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
X
AP, I, R
Willingness to contribute to the School’s culture of collaboration
X
AP, I, R, P
Experience
Personal Characteristics/Other Requirements
Summary of Terms and Conditions of Service
This appointment is made under the King’s College London Terms and Conditions of Service for
Academic staff, a copy of which is available from the Recruitment Team upon request.
Period of Appointment:
Indefinite Contract
Salary:
The appointment will be made in the Grade 7 scale, currently £40,082 to £47,801 per annum plus £2,323 per
annum London Allowance.
Probation:
Normally three years.
Annual Leave:
27 working days per annum pro rata (please note the annual leave year runs from JanuaryDecember) bank holidays and customary closure days in are in addition to the annual leave
entitlement. Staff receive four additional customary closure days in December. Notification as to how
these days are taken is circulated at the start of the academic year.
Superannuation
This appointment is superannuable under the USS (applicable for Grades 6 to 8 and Researchers on
Grade 5) pension scheme. In accordance with recent legislation, we automatically enrols our staff in a
pension scheme if they meet certain age and earning criteria. This is known as auto-enrolment. The
university collects pension contributions via a salary sacrifice method called PensionsPlus. These
deductions are made before the calculation of tax and national insurance is calculated; therefore
reducing the amount you pay.
Staff already superannuated under the NHS Superannuation Scheme may opt to remain in that
scheme provided an application to do so is received by the NHS scheme trustees within three months
of appointment to King’s College London. Please note that NHS Superannuation Scheme: Medical
Schools are classed as “Direction Employers” and some benefits of the NHS Scheme are not available
to Direction members.
Alternatively staff may opt to take out a personal pension. Please note that the university does not
provide an employer's contribution towards a private pension plan.
Training and Education:
King’s College London recognises the importance of training in achieving its objective of pursuing
excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice through the activities of its staff. We are
committed to providing training for all members of staff so that they can perform their jobs effectively
and offering them opportunities for further development. Most training and development will occur
"on the job" and formal training opportunities are also available within King’s College London
associated hospitals trusts and through other external organisations.
Staff Benefits:
King’s College London offers a wide range of staff benefits. For the full comprehensive list of staff
benefits please refer to our website: Staff Benefits
Equal opportunities:
King’s College London recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of
diversity are integral to its academic and economic strengths. The following principles apply in
respect of the university’s commitment to equality and diversity:
 To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
 To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential
community;
 To ensure that all university members and prospective members are treated solely on the basis of
their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or
unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity,
race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trans status, socio-economic status or any other
irrelevant distinction;
 To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from
prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
 To foster good relations between individuals from different groups and tackle prejudice and
promote understanding.
King’s has been a member of the Athena SWAN Charter since 2007 and gained its Bronze
institutional award in 2008. Our award was successfully renewed in September 2013 for a further
three years. The Athena SWAN agenda forms part of a wider suite of diversity and inclusion work
streams. Working with the Charter is helping King’s to identify best practice for the working
environment of all staff working in science disciplines.
Applying for the Post:
At the bottom of the HireWire advert you will be directed to download and complete the required
application form. Please then upload your application form via your profile into the HireWire system.
We will not accept Curriculum Vitae in isolation and you must complete the required application
form for your application to be considered.
Applicants with disabilities:
King’s College London is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore
encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the
post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please contact the Recruitment
Coordinator responsible for the administration of the post on recruitmentteam14@kcl.ac.uk
Travel expenses
Travel expenses will normally be reimbursed. Candidates are asked to check with the department
before booking and will be required to produce receipts when claiming for travel expenses. Please
note that it is university policy not to reimburse petrol expenses.
Regrettably, only limited contribution to travel costs for applicants from outside the United Kingdom
may be available. Please contact your recruitment coordinator on recruitmentteam14@kcl.ac.uk with
a quote to be agreed by the Department before booking your travel arrangements.
Response and Feedback
Unfortunately we are not able to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for the role.
We are only able to provide feedback to interviewed candidates upon request. We would like to assure
you, however, that every application we receive is considered in detail and a shortlist only drawn up
after careful reference to a detailed person specification.
If therefore, your application is not successful, we hope that you will not be discouraged and will still
apply for other suitable vacancies at King’s College London as and when they are advertised.