St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth is seeking a Lecturer in Pastoral Theology - Two-year Tenure Track with a view to a Permanent Position

St Patrick’s Pontifical University (SPPU) is nationally and internationally recognised centre of theological and philosophical learning, scholarship, and research. Founded as the Catholic National Seminary in 1795, it was recognised as a Pontifical University with Faculties of Theology, Canon Law and Philosophy in 1896. The Faculty of Theology of St Patrick’s Pontifical University offers a variety of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. St Patrick's Pontifical University is located on one of the most historical campuses in Ireland, alongside one of Ireland's youngest third level institutions, Maynooth University.

Since 2011, all awards accredited by the Pontifical University have been submitted to the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ), the statutory body that recognises academic awards in Ireland. The mandate of The Pontifical University is expressed in its constitutive document Veritatis Gaudium (2017), and quality assured by AVEPRO (Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties). Currently SPPU has been recommended for ‘Listed Awarding Body’ status with Quality Qualifications Ireland.

Building on a 225-year-old educational legacy, our vision states: “By 2030, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth will be established as a leading Pontifical University and its campus recognised globally as a place of innovation and transformation, where ‘learning and living’ for the individual and community is in a sustainable, inclusive and unbounded environment.” The capacity of the Pontifical University is in its people, relationships, heritage, and expertise. These roles further position it to realise its fullest potential in serving society and church, nationally and internationally.

The Role

St Patrick’s Pontifical University offers undergraduate and postgraduate awards in Theology, and seeks a Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, who is committed to the Catholic intellectual tradition, and suitably qualified to teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Skills and Experience:

Applicants are required to have a Doctorate / PhD in Pastoral Theology or Practical Theology. A successful candidate will also be required to have, or be undertaking, a Licentiate in Theology (specialisation in Pastoral Theology or Ministry) or equivalent from a Pontifical or Catholic University; namely, a qualification which permits teaching modules in both the canonical and non-canonical degrees.
An applicant will be required to have proven experience of undergraduate teaching, a willingness to engage with postgraduate candidates, particularly in writing of minor dissertations, and be collaborative and versatile in terms of delivering modules and courses.
A successful applicant will be expected to embrace a more interdisciplinary engagement of theology and also to advance the horizon of theological enquiry through strategic inter-disciplinary research projects and inter-institutional alliances.
An applicant will be expected to integrate the teachings, sources, and modes of appropriation of the Christian faith for a varied audience comprised of students who are people of faith, and students who might not describe themselves as such.
A successful applicant will be required to have the necessary skills in contemporary pedagogical technologies (e.g., blended learning), as well as experience in supervising postgraduate dissertations at masters, licentiate and doctoral levels. While respecting a work/life balance, the successful applicant may be required to teach, when necessary, on some evenings / weekends, or on outreach programmes.
A successful applicant should be available to students (both postgraduate and undergraduate) for advice, mentoring and discussion.
A successful applicant will be ready to serve in general administration of the Faculty of Theology and of the Pontifical University. He or she will be able to work collaboratively with colleagues on Faculty committees and boards; while some administrative experience is desirable, it not essential for appointment.
The successful candidate will show evidence of research and publications in Theology in any of the following areas of Pastoral Theology, Practical Theology, Ministry, empirical or qualitative and quantitative methodologies and other cognate areas as they relate to theology with concrete future research plans which will contribute to and enhance the profile of the discipline and of the Faculty.
The Faculty also desires a candidate who is committed to the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Key Accountabilities, Duties and Responsibilities

The key accountabilities, duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited, to the following:

Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Theology.
Supervision of postgraduate research in Pastoral Theology / Ministry at Masters and Licentiate levels.
Publication of one’s own research in respected peer-reviewed journals and by publishers of repute; where appropriate, this will be carried out in collaboration with colleagues in the Pontifical University and elsewhere.
A willingness to assume administrative roles within the Faculty of Theology and the Pontifical University.

How to apply

Click on the Apply button. You will be brought through a series of questions or requests which will include supplying:

A complete Curriculum Vitae/Resume which should include a comprehensive list of publications and research interests.
A personal statement of suitability addressing the criteria set out above and specifically indicating how the candidate’s teaching, research and service will enhance the academic and ecclesial mission of the Pontifical University.
A selection of your recent peer-reviewed publications.
Full contact details (to include email and postal addresses, as well as telephone numbers).
The names and current contact details of two academic referees. In the case of a priest, an additional letter of recommendation and support from his Ordinary. In the case of a non-ordained religious, an additional letter of recommendation and support from her or his religious superior or Bishop.

Post status: Tenure Track - This position is Tenure Track position which is 2-years in the first instance, permanency is subject to satisfying the tenure requirements. The salary scale for this post is as given, and the point on this scale on which the successful candidate will be appointed will be based on applicants’ level of experience. Candidates must be available to take up the role by 1st September 2025 to be conversant of the expectations for the new Academic year- 2026/2027. Requests for further information to president@spcm.ie.

Information, social media, video links for SPPU available from

https://sppu.ie

Home | St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth (sppu.ie)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 12.00 noon (GMT) on Friday 20th February, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled to take place in March 2026

Location

Maynooth, Kildare

Department

President's Office

Employment Type

Tenure Track

Minimum Experience

Experienced

Compensation

€35,925-€59,489 (12 points)

St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth is seeking a Lecturer in Pastoral Theology - Two-year Tenure Track with a view to a Permanent Position

Job Description