Job Pack
KCL reference number: A9/DAB/0282/16-JT
HireWire reference number: THW/16/059639/000257
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 (2014/15 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
University fundraising: World questions|King’s answers
Our fundraising campaign World questions|King’s answers was launched publicly in 2010 with a goal
to raise £500 million by 2015 and to answer urgent global questions focusing on cancer, children’s
health, neuroscience, mental health, understanding shifts in global power and supporting the next
generation of global leaders.
In June 2014 we announced that we had reached our target 18 months early and committed to raise
another £100 million by the end of the campaign. The campaign is the largest UK higher education
fundraising campaign other than Cambridge and Oxford. For more information, please visit the
campaign website: www.kcl.ac.uk/kingsanswers
King’s Health Partners
King’s Health Partners is one of the UK’s five Academic Health
Sciences Centres. It brings together a world leading research led
university (King’s College London) and three successful NHS
Foundation Trusts (Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College
Hospital and South London and Maudsley).
Our aim is to create a centre where world-class research, teaching and clinical practice are brought
together for the benefit of patients. We want to make sure that the lessons from research are used
more swiftly, effectively and systematically to improve healthcare services for people with physical
and mental health care problems. This integrated organisation serves more than 1.5 million patients
every year, has approximately 25,000 employees and has a combined annual turnover of £2
billion. For more information, visit: www.kingshealthpartners.org
Hospital fundraising: together we can…
together we can... is the fundraising partnership for Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College
Hospital, South London and Maudsley, with academic partner King’s College London. For more
information, visit www.togetherwecan.org.uk
The Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy
The Faculty is committed to advancing social science scholarship to help tackle some of the most
important social, political and ethical issues of our time. These include urban sustainability & climate
change, new security uncertainties & risks, the changing nature of war, age & ageing, the ethics of
biomedical innovation, scientific literacy & cultural inclusion, social cohesion in multi-faith societies,
inequalities in health & education, public service reform, and the future of the professions.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/about/index.aspx
The Department of Political Economy
The Department of Political Economy at King's College London is a unique interdisciplinary
enterprise. Teaching and research in the Department is informed by an understanding of the
interdependence of economic and political institutions. We understand that analysing the ability of
politics and markets to supply goods and services, and to solve social problems, requires comparative
evaluation of economic and political processes and their ethical underpinnings.
At the subject level it includes micro- and macro- economic policy, comparative politics, trade and
development, constitutional design, global governance, crime and punishment, business regulation,
geopolitics, economics of the environment and the political economy of distributive justice.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/politicaleconomy/index.aspx
The Post
The post-holder will be expected to combine excellence in teaching, at undergraduate and graduate
levels, have a track record of attracting funded research, and a significant publication profile in order
to make a strong contribution to the next Research Excellence Framework. The post holder will also
be expected to contribute to the intellectual and strategic leadership of the Department, ensuring the
delivery of world-leading research and teaching at both undergraduate and post graduate levels in an
exciting inter-disciplinary based department.
We would welcome applications from colleagues with a specialism in either electoral studies,
comparative politics or public ethics. An expertise in quantitative methods would also be essential. In
addition, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a willingness to interact with colleagues
working in the broad fields of political economy and economics.
The post will be located at the Strand Campus.
Job Description
Post title
Chair of Political Science
Department/Division
Political Economy
Faculty/Directorate
Social Science and Public Policy
Grade
Professorial
Responsible for
n/a
Responsible to
Head of Department
Role purpose
The post holder will provide exceptional performance in terms of research, teaching and leadership
in the Department, enhancing and extending the reputation of the Department as world-leading.
They will offer excellent research combined with an ability to span disciplinary and domain
boundaries to reflect and facilitate impact and knowledge exchange, with an ability to identify new
areas for research and exploration. They will be expected to provide excellent research-led teaching
and supervision at all levels, driving programme development and pedagogic innovation.
The post holder will be a strategic and innovative leader, providing excellent leadership and
administrative skills for the Department. They will be able to communicate clearly and persuasively
with students, colleagues, and a broad range of external organisations at local, national and
international levels.
Role Profile
Education and Research Supervision
 To take a leading role in the planning, design, delivery, and recruitment to undergraduate
and postgraduate programmes
 To take a leading role in assessment and examination process as appropriate using a variety
of methods and techniques and provide effective, timely and appropriate feedback to
students to support their learning.
 To identify new and emerging areas of student demand and to design new programmes to
meet this demand
 To provide inspiring and innovative teaching that features a mix of theory, practice and
interactivity, initially across the existing range of options, and to create new modules of
broad interest at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels
 To serve as module convenor for modules as required, supporting and guiding graduate
teaching assistants as required assistants
 To act as personal tutor to students and assist with difficulties encountered by students, e.g.
learning support/problems
 To undertake the supervision of Undergraduate dissertations and Postgraduate research at
Masters’ level.

To attract PhD students to the Department, provide expert research student supervision, and
to mentor junior members of staff in research supervision
Research
 To lead and engage in research, knowledge exchange and impact, and publication that
develops and enhances the quality and reputation of the Department’s research profile
 To conduct personal and team research of the highest quality and to maintain a consistent
high level of world leading publications and contribute to a strong REF submission
 To undertake internationally leading research activity seeking out and securing external
funding through grant applications to high quality funders
 To contribute to the strategic research direction and leadership for staff within the
Department and to provide mentoring and support in grant writing and conducting research
 To offer clear direction in the development of a successful research culture across the
Department as a whole
Other
 To take on senior leadership roles in the Department as required
 To contribute to the overall strategic planning and management of the department
 To act as personal mentor to peers and colleagues, guiding individuals through the appraisal
system and providing advice on personal and career development
 Post holders are expected to take a full part in other administrative tasks within the
Department
 To engage in professional development as appropriate
 To attend and participate in appropriate Departmental events such as research seminars,
student receptions, etc
 To undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Head of Department
Specific Aspects - indicate frequency D (daily), W (weekly), M (monthly) where applicable:
Intensive Display Screen Equipment work
(eg. data entry or digital microscopy)1:
W
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.
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
For details of alternative routes to obtaining permission to work in the UK please refer to the UK
Visas and Immigration website:
www.gov.uk/visas-immigration
Criteria
E
S
S
E
N
T
I
A
L
D
E
S
I
R
A
B
L
E
HOW IDENTIFIED
AND ASSESSED
AP Application
AS Assessment
I Interview
P Presentation
R References
Education / qualification and training
PhD or equivalent in relevant subject area
X
AP/R
Teaching qualification in higher education or significant
equivalent teaching experience in higher education
X
AP
Ability to lead, inspire and motivate staff
X
AP, P, I, R
An academic specialism in one or more of:
 electoral studies
 comparative politics
 or public ethics
X
AP/ I/ P/ R
An expertise in quantitative methods
X
AP/ I/ P/ R
High-quality teaching skills: ability to communicate difficult
concepts and material to students of all levels; inspiring and
enabling students to develop their individual intellectual and
personal potential
X
AP/P/I/R
Track record of developing and leading undergraduate and
masters’ modules and/or programmes.
X
AP/P/I/R
Excellent presentational skills
X
AP/ I/ P/ R
Excellent administrative skills with the ability to support and lead
the organisational aspects of teaching, learning and research:
X
AP/ I/ P/ R
Knowledge / skills
including organisational, time, project, people and budget
management skills
Ability to be innovative in teaching and in curriculum design
X
Knowledge of technological enhanced, blended or distance
learning
AP/ I/ P/ R
X
AP/ I/ P/ R
Experience
Evidence of research excellence with track record of producing
world-leading research and publications compatible with a 4*
REF profile
X
AP/I/PR/R
A record of engagement, knowledge exchange, and impact
beyond higher education
X
AP/I/PR/R
Experience of, and commitment to, delivering outstanding
teaching
X
AP
Experience of, and willingness to carry out, academic
administration.
X
AP
Evidence of successful grant capture from high quality funders
X
AP
Experience of supervising postgraduate research
X
AP/I/P/R
Willingness to participate in the success of the department;
participating in and contributing to departmental events and
activities.
X
AP and I
Enthusiasm for teaching, learning and research, and ability to
inspire enthusiasm in others
X
AP and I
Willingness to contribute to the pastoral care of students
X
AP and I
Evidence of willingness to seek research and collaborations
beyond department and university
X
AP and I
Committed to equality and diversity
X
AP and I
Willingness to interact with colleagues working in the broad
fields of political economy and economics.
X
AP and I
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, dependent on relevant skills and qualifications, within the
Professorial scale, following negotiation. The minimum salary for this post is £60,000 plus £2,323
per annum London Allowance.
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 recruitmentteam2@kcl.ac.uk
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.