LLS003-Assistant Lecturer / Lecturer in Sociology
Laucala Campus
Position Number: LLS003
The University
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier tertiary institution in the Pacific region. Established in 1968, it is committed to international standards of research and teaching excellence, with an emphasis on key regional issues. USP is jointly governed by 12 member countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Courses are offered face-to-face at our main campus in Fiji (Laucala Campus) and as when required at our regional campuses. Courses are also offered online and through blended modes to cater for students spread across 33 million square kilometers of ocean, on both sides of the international dateline. This location at the heart of the world’s most linguistically diverse region, makes USP a fascinating institution in which to work.
The School of Law and Social Sciences
The successful candidate will be based in the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS) which houses disciplines like Law, Psychology, Diplomacy and International Affairs, Sociology, Social Work and History. SoLaSS focuses on producing work ready graduates and its degree programs aim to have impact, relevance and be accessible to students all over the South Pacific. The School encourages collegiality and is invested in the cultivation of a dynamic scholarly community that responds directly to the priorities of the region.
The Opportunity
SoLaSS is seeking to appoint dedicated and experienced people to join the discipline as an Assistant Lecturer/Lecturer in Sociology. The position is integral to the delivery of BA Sociology. The incumbent will possess expertise in Introductory Sociology, preferably with knowledge of pre-degree Sociology curricula in the region, to strengthen the progression of pre-degree students to the BA Sociology programme, as well as to contribute to their retention once they have enrolled. As such, the incumbent is expected to have experience of working with pre-degree education stakeholders, such as the College of Foundation Studies and secondary schools in Fiji and the wider region. The incumbent is expected to possess extensive knowledge of the challenges faced by pre-degree Sociology students in proceeding to BA study and be able to develop strategies for mitigating them and facilitating their progression to the BA Sociology programme.
The incumbent is also expected to have a demonstrated ability to conduct research and an emerging publication record. Whilst the position is intended for an early-career academic, the postholder will be expected to develop a viable research agenda and contribute actively to the publication profile of SoLaSS.
The position description can be downloaded by clicking on the link: https://www.bfound.net/Company/2090-20252702032758.pdf
The Person we Seek
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
For the appointment at Assistant Lecturer Level;
- A postgraduate degree (Masters/PhD) in Sociology;
- Evidence of an interest in conducting research;
- Some experience teaching at a higher education institution;
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop, co-ordinate and teach courses at undergraduate levels;
- Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills; and
- Experience in creating and/or teaching online courses and with familiarity with online course design and pedagogy.
For the appointment at Lecturer Level;
- A PhD in Sociology, with relevant tertiary teaching and/or research experience; or
- In exceptional cases, a Master’s degree or professional qualification with relevant teaching experience or relevant industry/professional experience or a significant research profile;
- A strong research profile and publication agenda (commensurate with the ranks applied for);
- Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills;
- Experience in creating and/or teaching online courses and with familiarity with online course design and pedagogy;
- Show evidence of the ability to supervise postgraduate research students.
Enquiries and further information: Professor Afshin Akhtarkhavari – Head of School, School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS) E: afshin.akhtarkhavari@usp.ac.fj P: +678 22748 Ext 40304
The position is available for a term of five years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
Salary Range
- FJ$61,538 to FJ$73,845 per annum
- FJ$78,200 to FJ $102,893 per annum.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is:19 October 2025
How to Apply
Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.
The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.
Please include the following documents in your application: Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students, stakeholders including visitors, without being hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.
USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.
