The Laudato Si' Research Institute is an academic research institute based at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, and is a work of the Jesuits in Britain. The institute is named after Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, which calls us to respond to the “cry of the earth” and the “cry of the poor”. Inspired by Ignatian traditions and drawing insights from the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities, the Institute’s mission is to develop an integral ecology paradigm to create a hope-filled future for socio-ecological transformation.

The main aspects of the post will be to write short, easily-accessible, story-telling articles based on the LSRI’s academic research, and to disseminate them through relevant social media and ecclesial networks. It is therefore essential for the postholder to have a good theological understanding of some of the main socio-ecological challenges of our time such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, inequality, poverty and human and environmental rights, and some awareness of the response to these proposed by contemporary Catholic social teaching in particular. It is also essential for the postholder to have experience of writing for general, non-academic audiences. The postholder will be line-managed by the Associate Director of the LSRI.

1. Writing Assignments

• To write “story”-based articles for the LSRI website based on LSRI activities and outputs.
• To translate academic publications that arise from LSRI research for general audiences.
• To attend and subsequently write-up short summary articles of specific LSRI events (includes some evening commitments).

2. Dissemination Assignments

• To post new website content on relevant social media (X, LinkedIn, Instagram or other).
• To circulate LSRI news, events and new publications to relevant ecclesial networks aimed at socio-ecological change.
• To be a liaison with other media outlets in the UK and more widely, including the Religion Media  Centre and Catholic channels. 
• To coordinate with the Communications staff at Campion Hall and Jesuits in Britain.

Essential

• An academic background in a relevant discipline linked to integral ecology at postgraduate level. 
• Experience in writing for non-academic audiences
• Demonstrable knowledge of Catholic social teaching and the encyclical Laudato Si’

Desirable 

• Previous professional experience in media 

Essential

• Writing skills, especially ‘story-telling’
• Editorial skills
• Time-management and organizational skills

Desirable

• Experience of working with website content management systems

Application is by letter in which the applicant should explain what qualifications and experience they have for the post as described in this document, including a list of two potential referees with addresses, emails and other contact details. The applicant should also submit a full curriculum vitae showing relevant experience and qualifications. 

Applications should be submitted to Harriet David, LSRI Project & Operations Manager at harriet.david@campion.ox.ac.uk by noon on 22 November 2024.

Those short-listed for the post will be invited to interview at Campion Hall on 05 December 2024. A short communications task will be part of the preparation process. Short-listed candidates will be given guidelines to prepare beforehand. This will have to be submitted by Email on the morning of 05 December for those invited to interview.  

The appointment will be made subject to subject to proof of right to work in the UK and at least two references which will include one from the applicant’s present employer. 

All staff at the LSRI are employed by the Jesuits in Britain under its legal name the Society of Jesus Trust registered charity numbers 230165 / SC040490. Any appointment will be conditional on verification of the successful candidate’s right to work in this country.

 Hours of working: Part-time, 16 hours per week (0.4 FTE) with paid breaks (working day(s) to be negotiated). Some remote working is possible, subject to negotiation. 

Annual leave entitlement: The post-holder will be entitled to 30 days’ paid leave plus 8 days Bank Holidays (pro-rata) in each year.

Notice period: Initial probation period of three months. During this period, notice will be a fortnight on either side. Subsequent to satisfactory review and confirmation in the post, the notice period will be one month on either side.

Other Information

 This post is specific to the LSRI at Campion Hall. University terms and conditions found elsewhere do not apply. Campion Hall is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Conduct against fellow employees and College members which is offensive, or detrimental to them on grounds of age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, marital status, nationality, national origin, parental status, race, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.