Lecturer, Modern Art and Theory
Salary: £54,931–£64,644
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time (Grade 8)
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Location: London, UK (UCL East + Bloomsbury)
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Closing Date: 26 April 2026, 23:59 BST
About the Role
UCL History of Art is seeking to appoint a full-time Lecturer specialising in the histories and theories of modern art. The successful candidate will hold a relevant PhD and demonstrate a strong track record of research excellence and publication.
The postholder will join a highly regarded department with close links to London’s museums and galleries, within a globally ranked university known for its dynamic and diverse research culture.
About the Department
UCL History of Art is an internationally recognised department within the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences. Research and teaching span a wide range of approaches to art history, including:
- Image cultures and visual technologies
- Materiality and materials of art
- Expanded geographies and cross-cultural perspectives
The department has particular strengths in contemporary art, art since c.1800, and medieval and early modern art. It was ranked 1st in London for Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory (REF 2021, GPA rankings).
The department supports a thriving research community, with 30–40 research students annually, alongside a well-established MA History of Art programme and the recently launched MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art & Media at UCL East.
About the Candidate
Applications are encouraged from candidates who:
- Engage with innovative conceptual and methodological approaches
- Connect their research to broader intellectual frameworks
- Work across multiple geographies and perspectives on modern art
- Address questions of cross-cultural exchange
- Engage with the social, political, and/or aesthetic dimensions of modern art
Candidates whose research and teaching complement and expand the department’s existing strengths are particularly welcomed.
Benefits
UCL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
- Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption)
- Employee assistance programme
- Discounted medical insurance
Visa & Flexible Working
This role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applications from international candidates are welcomed.
Flexible, part-time, and job share arrangements will be considered where possible.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- Academic CV
- Cover letter addressed to the search committee outlining how the criteria are met
If a comprehensive cover letter is provided, the personal statement section of the application form may reference this.
Additional materials (e.g. writing samples, certificates, references) are not required at this stage.
Recruitment Timeline:
- Closing date: 26 April 2026
- Online interviews (longlist): 26 May 2026
- In-person interviews (shortlist): 10 June 2026
How to Apply
Visit the UCL vacancies page and select “Apply Now” to complete the application form.
