Posted 09 June, 2026
Assistant Professor in Education & Human Development
University Vacancies Ireland
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Full Time
Reference: 582034163
Assistant Professor in Education & Human Development
School of Human Development
DCU Institute of Education
Permanent Contract
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is a leading innovative European University with a mission to 'transform lives and societies'. DCU ranks as one of the world's Top 350 Universities, Times Higher Education , and is proud to be Ireland's No. 1 Young University. The University is known for the 'transformative student experience' it offers, and is also recognised for its impact in addressing global challenges in collaboration with national and international stakeholders.
Overview of the School of Human Development
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, and school curricula at primary and post-primary, as well as the humanities and social sciences. The School of Human Development leads in advancing the understanding of what it means to be 'fully human' through innovative education, critical research, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. The School's staff play leading roles in the development of national policy in both primary and post-primary education, and are active members of national and international networks.
Our multi-disciplinary team of scholars and researchers fosters an environment where education meets the values of equality and inclusion. The School has a diverse community of students registered across our undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral pathways, including:
Other specialised programmes and pathways currently offered include:
The School's portfolio of research inquiry explores theoretical and critical aspects of the human experience across time and contexts. By exploring the threshold of being human, our work seeks to challenge existing paradigms and foster educational environments that promote social justice, ethical development, and holistic well-being for everyone in society.
Role Profile
We are seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor who can lead and deliver modules in education and human development programmes, including post-primary placement modules, with an emphasis on child, adolescent and adult development, critical media literacy, social and global inequalities and justice and inclusion in education systems and the wider society. The successful individual will support student teachers and educational practitioners in developing critical thinking and critical media literacy skills in an evolving educational and media ecosystem as well as a critical understanding of how inter alia wealth, gender, racial, geographical and environmental inequalities shape educational and life experiences and outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:
Teaching and Learning
Research and Scholarship
Service and Contribution to the University and Society
Qualifications and Experience
Desirable Criteria
Essential Training
The individual will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training:
Other training may need to be undertaken when required.
Salary Scale:
Assistant Professor Below Bar: €49,429 - €67,224
Assistant Professor Above Bar: €65,229 - €104,536 (*PhD is required for this scale)
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.
Closing date: Monday, 22nd July 2026
Remote Working Policy
DCU operates a 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 DCU and our benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?
Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Dr Marie Flynn, Head of School of Human Development, Dublin City University.
Phone + 353 (0)1 7009264 Email: [email protected]
Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.
Application Instructions
Application Procedure:
Please submit your application through the online system at www.dcu.ie/people/jobs, in order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter
3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).
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 Silver 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
Document
003399 Assistant Professor in Education & Human Development.pdf 290.31 KB
Apply
School of Human Development
DCU Institute of Education
Permanent Contract
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is a leading innovative European University with a mission to 'transform lives and societies'. DCU ranks as one of the world's Top 350 Universities, Times Higher Education , and is proud to be Ireland's No. 1 Young University. The University is known for the 'transformative student experience' it offers, and is also recognised for its impact in addressing global challenges in collaboration with national and international stakeholders.
Overview of the School of Human Development
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, and school curricula at primary and post-primary, as well as the humanities and social sciences. The School of Human Development leads in advancing the understanding of what it means to be 'fully human' through innovative education, critical research, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. The School's staff play leading roles in the development of national policy in both primary and post-primary education, and are active members of national and international networks.
Our multi-disciplinary team of scholars and researchers fosters an environment where education meets the values of equality and inclusion. The School has a diverse community of students registered across our undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral pathways, including:
- B.Ed
- B.A. Joint Honours
- B.Rel.Ed
- Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling
- Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education
- PME (Professional Masters in Education, Post-Primary)
- PMEP (Professional Masters in Education, Primary)
- M.Ed
- M.Sc. in Guidance Counselling
- M.A. in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work
Other specialised programmes and pathways currently offered include:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with various specialism tracks
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focusing on interdisciplinary human development research
- Professional Development modules for educators and community practitioners
- Certificates in Religious Education
The School's portfolio of research inquiry explores theoretical and critical aspects of the human experience across time and contexts. By exploring the threshold of being human, our work seeks to challenge existing paradigms and foster educational environments that promote social justice, ethical development, and holistic well-being for everyone in society.
Role Profile
We are seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor who can lead and deliver modules in education and human development programmes, including post-primary placement modules, with an emphasis on child, adolescent and adult development, critical media literacy, social and global inequalities and justice and inclusion in education systems and the wider society. The successful individual will support student teachers and educational practitioners in developing critical thinking and critical media literacy skills in an evolving educational and media ecosystem as well as a critical understanding of how inter alia wealth, gender, racial, geographical and environmental inequalities shape educational and life experiences and outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:
Teaching and Learning
- Lead the design and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Education and Human Development, including the design and coordination of placement modules with particular emphasis on equality, justice and inclusion.
- Contribute specifically to teacher preparation for the Politics and Society and Climate Action and Sustainable Development curricula and evolving Senior Cycle Reform.
- Support and evaluate students on post-primary professional placement visits and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research theses.
- Contribute to the development of social justice-oriented practices within the Faculty and collaborate with external stakeholders to influence policy and practice in the broader field of Irish and international education.
Research and Scholarship
- Maintain a high-quality research and publication profile focusing on social and global justice in education, critical policy analysis, and the socio-cultural environment of learning institutions
- Conduct and publish high-impact research that aligns with the School's commitment to critical literacies, social and global justice, equality and human development. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work explores critical media literacy approaches, social and global justice and sustainability and the political-economic and social contexts of education and learning.
Service and Contribution to the University and Society
- Undertake administrative functions, engage in stakeholder development, and represent the School in recruitment and marketing initiatives.
Qualifications and Experience
- Ideally individuals will have a doctorate in education, social sciences or a relevant discipline.
- Those with a Master's degree and substantial relevant post-primary teaching may be considered, provided they are already engaging with, or commit to undertaking doctoral studies
- Specialist knowledge and a research interest in critical global challenges, including social inclusion and equality, climate justice, sustainable development, or media and digital literacies, and their application within the post-primary curriculum
- Experience as a post-primary teacher
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with evidence of successful teamwork and a collaborative and collegial approach
Desirable Criteria
- Evidence of conducting research and dissemination with a track record of peer-reviewed publications
- Evidence of contributing to funded research projects and/or attracting funding from competitive research funding schemes
- A strong understanding of educational contexts and policy, with an ability to engage with the Irish post-primary landscape, ensuring they can effectively engage with stakeholders across the Irish post-primary sector
- Experience in designing and delivering high quality modules at Higher Education Institute (HEI) level, or professional development contexts, and of supporting student teachers on placement
- Proficiency in technology-enhanced learning and understanding of the evolving role of emerging technologies, such as AI, in educational settings
- A proven ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a shared research agenda
Essential Training
The individual will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training:
- Orientation
- Health & Safety
- Data Protection (GDPR)
- Cyber Security Awareness
- AI Literacy
Other training may need to be undertaken when required.
Salary Scale:
Assistant Professor Below Bar: €49,429 - €67,224
Assistant Professor Above Bar: €65,229 - €104,536 (*PhD is required for this scale)
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.
Closing date: Monday, 22nd July 2026
Remote Working Policy
DCU operates a 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 DCU and our benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?
Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Dr Marie Flynn, Head of School of Human Development, Dublin City University.
Phone + 353 (0)1 7009264 Email: [email protected]
Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.
Application Instructions
Application Procedure:
Please submit your application through the online system at www.dcu.ie/people/jobs, in order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter
3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).
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 Silver 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
Document
003399 Assistant Professor in Education & Human Development.pdf 290.31 KB
Apply
