Lecturer, History of Art, Materials and Technology(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
February 25, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Department

University College London (UCL) is internationally recognised for research excellence and interdisciplinary innovation. Within UCL’s Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences, the Department of History of Art has built a strong global reputation for research and teaching across diverse periods, geographies, and methodological approaches.

The department is ranked 1st in London for Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory (REF 2021 GPA rankings). Its research culture is dynamic and internationally connected, with 30–40 doctoral researchers enrolled annually and a thriving postgraduate community.

The department delivers undergraduate programmes in Bloomsbury and postgraduate teaching across Bloomsbury and UCL East. In 2023, it launched an MSc in Conservation of Contemporary Art & Media at UCL East.

A distinctive feature of the department is the History of Art, Materials and Technology (MAT) route, which integrates art historical inquiry with hands-on laboratory engagement and technical analysis.

Facilities & Research Environment

The department houses the Material Studies Laboratory at Bloomsbury, a specialist teaching and research facility comprising:

  • A handling and teaching laboratory with a dedicated teaching collection and Cabinet of Obsolete Technologies
  • An instrumental analysis lab for heritage materials research
  • Portable and bench-top equipment for materials characterisation
  • The laboratory collaborates with key UCL partners including:
  • UCL Institute of Making
  • UCL Institute of Archaeology
  • UCL Art Collections
  • Slade School of Fine Art
  • The department also maintains close connections with London’s museum and gallery networks.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer (Grade 8) in History of Art, Materials and Technology to begin on 1 September 2026.

This position is ideal for a scholar whose expertise bridges art history and material inquiry. You may come from a background in:

  • Art history
  • Conservation and heritage studies
  • Material science
  • Visual and material culture
  • Or a closely related interdisciplinary field

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Academic Leadership

  • Contribute to and oversee aspects of the Material Studies Laboratory
  • Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching across MAT modules
  • Develop new course options aligned with your expertise
  • Supervise research students
  • Contribute to curriculum development

Research & Scholarship

  • Maintain an internationally recognised research profile
  • Publish high-quality academic work
  • Apply for and secure research funding
  • Contribute to departmental research culture

Administration & Service

  • Undertake academic administrative duties
  • Engage actively with interdisciplinary initiatives
  • Contribute to departmental governance

Teaching Contribution

The MAT route currently includes modules such as:

  • The Social Lives of Artworks
  • Introduction to Art and Science
  • Introduction to Media and Technologies
  • History and Theory of Conservation
  • Methodologies of Making
  • Scientific Analysis of Artists’ Materials
  • Art/Work/Space (work placement module)

The successful candidate will engage with selected modules and design new offerings that expand the programme’s intellectual and methodological scope.

About You

We welcome applications from candidates who:

  • Hold a PhD in conservation, heritage, material science, art history, or a related field
  • Demonstrate a record of research and publication
  • Have an interest in laboratory-based or workshop-oriented teaching
  • Are comfortable working across disciplinary boundaries
  • Engage with contemporary debates in art history and material culture
  • Experience in museum collections, curatorial practice, studio work, or cultural heritage contexts would be advantageous.

Visa & Immigration Information

This role qualifies for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. International applicants are encouraged to apply.

For official UK Government guidance, please refer to:

What UCL Offers

UCL provides a competitive and supportive benefits package, including:

  • 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
  • Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
  • Cycle to work and season ticket loan schemes
  • On-site nursery and gym
  • Enhanced family leave policies
  • Staff Support Service (Employee Assistance Programme)
  • Discounted medical insurance
  • Flexible, part-time, and job-share arrangements will be considered where possible.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

  • Academic CV
  • Covering letter addressed to the search committee clearly addressing the person specification
  • Please do not upload additional documents at this stage (e.g., writing samples or references).
  • Closing date: 23:59 GMT on Sunday 1 March 2026
    Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
  • For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Richard Taws.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community that reflects global diversity. Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals underrepresented in higher education, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled applicants, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women in senior academic roles.

The department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its work advancing gender equality.

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