Job Description
About the Opportunity
University College London (UCL) invites applications for a Lecturer in Art and Visual Cultures (c.1300–1700) within its internationally recognised History of Art department.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a globally leading department—ranked among the top in the world for art history—and contribute to a vibrant academic community known for its critical, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged research.
You will become part of a department that values innovation in both teaching and scholarship, with strong links to London’s museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
About the Department
UCL History of Art is based within the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences and brings together scholars working across a wide range of geographies, time periods, and methodological approaches.
The department is particularly known for its strengths in:
Image cultures and visual analysis
Materiality and the physical nature of artworks
Visual technologies across historical contexts
Interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research
With a thriving postgraduate community and a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes—including specialist pathways such as History of Art, Materials and Technology (MAT)—the department offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
About the Role
As Lecturer, you will contribute to both teaching and research in the field of early modern art and visual cultures (c.1300–1700).
Your responsibilities will include:
Delivering high-quality teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Designing and contributing to innovative and inclusive curricula
Supervising student research projects and dissertations
Producing internationally recognised research outputs
Engaging with wider academic and cultural networks
Contributing to departmental administration and academic leadership
You will be encouraged to develop teaching and research that connects with broader intellectual debates and contemporary methodological approaches.
About You
We are seeking a scholar whose work brings fresh insight into early modern visual and material cultures and engages with current critical debates in the field.
You should demonstrate:
A PhD in History of Art or a closely related discipline
A strong record of research and publications appropriate to career stage
A clear research agenda that complements and enhances departmental strengths
The ability to deliver engaging, research-led teaching
An interest in interdisciplinary and globally oriented approaches
We particularly welcome applicants whose work explores themes such as:
Cross-cultural exchange and mobility
Gender, sexuality, race, and class
Ecology, environment, and material worlds
Visual technologies and media
Global or comparative perspectives beyond Europe
Visa & Eligibility
This role is open to international applicants and may qualify for UK visa sponsorship.
What We Offer
UCL provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal wellbeing:
41 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Family-friendly policies with enhanced parental leave
On-site facilities including nursery and fitness centre
Travel support schemes such as cycle-to-work and season ticket loans
Access to employee wellbeing and assistance programmes
You will also benefit from being part of a collaborative academic community in one of the world’s most culturally rich cities.
Application Process
To apply, please submit:
An academic CV
A covering letter addressed to the selection panel, clearly demonstrating how you meet the role criteria
You may refer to your covering letter in place of a separate personal statement within the application form.
Please do not include additional materials (e.g. writing samples or references) at this stage.
Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: 26 April 2026 (23:59 BST)
Stage 1 (Online Interview): 19 May 2026
Stage 2 (In-person Interview): 4 June 2026
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment. We believe that a broad range of perspectives strengthens both research and teaching.
We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in higher education, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ communities.