Resident Academic Post in International Relations

Call for Applications Resident Academic Post in International Relations Department of International Relations - Faculty of Arts

The Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta is seeking applications for a Resident Academic post in International Relations with a focus on politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The appointee will be required to contribute to the teaching, research, administration, outreach, and other activities of the Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Arts, and as may be required by the University.

The appointment will be on an initial definite four (4)-year contract of employment, subject to the successful completion of a one (1)-year probationary period. Following the successful completion of the probationary period, the Resident Academic will commence a two (2) -year Tenure Track process. At the conclusion of this two (2) -year period of service, the Resident Academic will be subject to a Tenure Review, meaning that, if they are successful, their employment will be converted into one of an indefinite term.

Requirements for Appointment as Resident Academic

Candidates must be in possession of a Ph.D. or a D.Phil. in International Relations, obtained from a reputable University, and demonstrate a sound, deep and broad knowledge of the discipline, as well as flexibility and team-working abilities. Applicants with professional doctorates are not eligible on that basis alone. A track record in research, as well as broad academic experience at tertiary level will be considered an asset. The successful applicant will be required to present original certificates upon request by the Office for Human Resources Management & Development, and in the event that their Ph.D. or D.Phil. certification is from a University outside Malta, they are also expected to present a confirmation of recognition by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) – see https://mfhea.mt/academic-qualifications/.

The appointee will be required to lecture on different aspects of Sub-Saharan African politics, conflict resolution, international and comparative politics, as well as other IR-related subjects such as International Political Economy, the politics of migration, the history of International Relations or IR theory, as required by the Department of International Relations. A mastery of, and experience of research in, sub-Saharan African politics is an absolute must. A proven track-record in teaching a variety of study units at undergraduate and postgraduate levels is an advantage. The successful applicant will be required to foster and use their expertise to consolidate the Department’s international activities. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead and coordinate one or more of the Department’s MA programmes.

The Resident Academic Stream is composed of four grades, being Professor, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer and Lecturer. Entry into the grade of Lecturer or above shall only be open to persons in possession of a Ph.D. or a D.Phil. within strict guidelines established by the University of Malta.

The annual salary for 2026 attached to the respective grades in the Resident Academic Stream is as follows:

*Professor; €57,768 plus an Academic Supplement of €39,539 and a Professorial Allowance of €2,827

*Associate Professor; €53,901 plus Academic Supplement of €29,322 and a Professorial Allowance of €1,726

Senior Lecturer; €49,748 plus an Academic Supplement of €19,734

Lecturer; €43,507 with an annual increment of €641 to €46,825 and an Academic Supplement of €14,523

*The University will only consider appointing an applicant at the grade of Professor or Associate Professor, when the applicant already holds an equivalent appointment at a University or Research Institute of repute.

The University of Malta will provide academic staff with financial resources through the Academic Resources Fund to support continuous professional development and to provide the tools and resources required by an academic to adequately fulfil the teaching and research commitments within the University.

Appointments to Assistant Lecturer Grade

The University may also appoint promising candidates as Assistant Lecturers who do not yet possess a Ph.D. provided that applicants

• Are already at an advanced stage of their studies for the Ph.D./ D.Phil. and preferably would have already successfully transferred their registration from M.Phil. to Ph.D./ D.Phil; and

• Are able to complete their Ph.D. studies in a period of four (4) years, to be reckoned from the commencement date of their employment;

after which, they will become eligible for appointment to the grade of Lecturer.

Upon successful completion of a period of service of four (4) years and of the Tenure Track and Review process, the position will be converted into one of indefinite term.

In the event that an Assistant Lecturer employed pursuant to this Call does not complete their Ph.D./D.Phil studies within the initial four (4)-year period of employment, the University of Malta may, at its discretion, and depending on the progress made in the relative Ph.D./D.Phil studies, offer a one (1)-time extension of the Assistant Lecturer’s employment period of a further definite term of up to two (2) years, within which the Assistant Lecturer shall be required to complete their Ph.D./D.Phil. studies and successfully complete their Tenure Track and Tenure Review process. For the avoidance of doubt, the definite term extension in such cases is based on the objective justification that the Ph.D./D.Phil. qualification is essential to obtain tenure as Lecturer, as set out in the applicable Collective Agreement.

The annual salary for 2026 attached to the grade of Assistant Lecturer is as follows:

Assistant Lecturer with Masters; €38,297 with an annual increment of €596 to €40,085 and an Academic Supplement of €5,353

Assistant Lecturer; €35,858 with an annual increment of €531 to €37,451 and an Academic Supplement of €4,863.

Application Procedures

Candidates are required to upload their curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, certificates (certificates should be submitted preferably in English) and names and emails of three referees through this form: https://www.um.edu.mt/hr/workatum-general

Applications should be received by Sunday, 22 November 2026.

The above-mentioned criteria are subject to the satisfaction and scrutiny of the Selection Board.

Late applications will not be considered.

Further Information

General Working Obligations:

The conditions of work for a Resident Academic of the University of Malta, are set out in the ‘Collective Agreement for Academic Staff of the University of Malta’

Full-time Resident Academic staff are required to give a commitment based on a 40- hour week with flexible times throughout the year, that is not only during semester time, depending on agreed timetables and distributed reasonably between teaching, academic research and academic administration.

Full-time Resident Academic staff are normally expected to be available for four and a half days per week to deliver their academic duties, meet with students and to participate actively in the academic life of the Department, Institute, Centre or School.

The official lecturing times of the University will be between 08:00 and 20:00 hours. The University may specify that the lecturing load will be conducted predominantly in any specific periods of the day between 08:00 and 20:00 hours.

In accordance with their conditions of employment and in order to meet the requirements of their role, Resident Academic staff are required to work on campus throughout the academic year, except for periods of authorised absence. Consequently, Resident Academic staff are required to reside no more than forty (40) kms from Campus.

The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of one year and to the provisions of the Statutes, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University of Malta which are now or which may hereafter be in force.

The Department of International Relations

The Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Arts strives towards the advancement of the study of International Relations in all its aspects. Founded in 2001, the Department offers courses leading to the award of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees: A B.A. (honours and general) in International Relations, a taught M.A. Humanitarian Action as well as the NOHA Joint Masters Programme in International Humanitarian Action, an M.A. by research and a Ph.D. in International Relations.

Our classes are primarily based on small group discussions with students from many nationalities, thanks to a large intake of Erasmus students; we also welcome increasing numbers of non-European students. Our mission is to provide students with a modern teaching experience where student centered learning and the transmission of problem solving skills enable graduates to excel in a variety of professional fields with passion, ethics, and a high degree of professionalism.

The Department takes research seriously, and strives to further enhance the research profiles of its academics.

The language of instruction is English.

The duties which the appointee may be expected to perform are:

• Teaching, including tutorials and seminars, supervision of practical work and placements, monitoring projects and other student enterprises;

• Preparing course materials;

• Researching and publishing both individually and collaboratively;

• Continuous assessment of students, setting and marking of examination papers including dissertations within established timeframes;

• Participating in the administration of academic affairs at department, faculty and university levels;

• Lead and coordinate one or more of the department’s MA programmes.

• Contributing to national and regional development particularly in the area of specialization and through cooperation with governmental, intergovernmental, regional and non-governmental institutions and services;

• Any other relevant duties as may be required by the University.

The Selection Procedures

• The evaluation of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application), as well as the materials requested as per above.

• Short-listing of candidates.

• An invitation to short-listed candidates to a Selection Board interview.

• A short presentation on a subject allotted to short-listed candidates.

The Selection Process

The selection process will follow the document “Guidelines for Members of Selection Boards in the Recruitment of Resident Academic Staff”

(https://www.um.edu.mt/hr/policiesprocedures).

In accordance with the guidelines, members of the Selection Board will establish the following selection criteria for the selection process:

• Relevant academic qualifications

• Relevant Academic / Work experience

• Aptitude and suitability

• Performance in interview

The University of Malta is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Office of the University Msida, 2 October 2026

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