Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by University College London, one of the leading global research universities based in London. Within UCL, the position sits in the Department of History of Art, part of the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences. The department is internationally recognized for its critical and interdisciplinary approaches to art history, with particular strengths in contemporary art, modern and early modern visual cultures, and material and technological studies of art.
The department maintains strong institutional links with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions across London, positioning it at the intersection of academic research and curatorial practice. It is also closely connected to UCL East, located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area, which expands its engagement with conservation, media arts, and contemporary artistic practice. The department has a significant research community and is consistently ranked among the top art history research units in the UK.
Title & Description
Lecturer in Modern Art and Theory (Grade 8)
This opportunity is an academic appointment for a full-time Lecturer specializing in the histories and theories of modern art. The role is designed for a researcher and educator with a strong critical and theoretical profile in modern and/or contemporary art history.
The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, and supervision within a dynamic academic environment. The department particularly values innovative conceptual approaches to modern art, especially those engaging with global perspectives, cross-cultural exchanges, and critical reassessments of modernity. The role also emphasizes engagement with broader methodological and theoretical frameworks, including visual culture, materiality, and image technologies.
The position begins on 1 September 2026 and is embedded within a department known for its interdisciplinary and internationally engaged academic culture.
The Role Overview
- Position: Lecturer in Modern Art and Theory (Grade 8)
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Type: Hybrid (teaching, research, and institutional engagement)
- Working Pattern: Full-time
- Salary: £54,931 – £64,644 per annum
- Department: UCL History of Art
- Reporting Structure: Academic line management within the Department of History of Art
- Start Date: 1 September 2026
- Visa Sponsorship: Eligible under the UK Skilled Worker visa route
Position & Tasks
- Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in modern art history and theory
- Supervise research students (MA and PhD levels)
- Conduct and publish high-quality research in modern art and related theoretical fields
- Contribute to curriculum development and departmental academic planning
- Engage in academic administration and departmental service
- Participate in the intellectual life of the department, including seminars, conferences, and research events
- Build and maintain research networks across museums, galleries, and academic institutions in London and internationally
Categories
- Art History
- Modern Art Studies
- Contemporary Art Theory
- Visual Culture
- Cultural Theory
- Museum & Curatorial Studies (adjacent relevance)
- Humanities / Academic Research
Eligibility
- PhD in Art History or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrated record of research excellence and academic publications
- Specialization in modern art and/or modern visual culture
- Ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
- International applicants are eligible
- Open to scholars across global regions and methodological traditions
- Strong emphasis on candidates engaging with cross-cultural, political, or theoretical dimensions of modern art
The department encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic scholars, disabled candidates, LGBTQI+ researchers, and women in senior academic roles.
Program Benefits
- Competitive academic salary package
- Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
- Generous leave entitlement (41 days, including holidays and closures)
- Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced parental leave policies
- Employee assistance and well-being support services
- Access to leading research infrastructure and international academic networks
- Opportunity to work in one of the world’s top-ranked universities
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Academic CV
- Covering letter addressed to the search committee
- Must demonstrate how the candidate meets the person specification
- No additional documents required at the initial stage
- Writing samples, certificates, or references are not requested initially
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 April 2026
- Longlist Interview (Online): 26 May 2026
- Final Interview (In-person): 10 June 2026
- Start Date: 1 September 2026
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The role supports hybrid working arrangements where appropriate
- The department has strong integration with museums and galleries across London
- UCL maintains a formal commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), with institutional frameworks such as Athena SWAN accreditation
- The position is visa-sponsored and open to international applicants
- The recruitment process includes two interview stages (online and in-person)