Lecturer in Risk Perception and Communication

# Lecturer in Risk Perception and CommunicationUniversity College London London, United KingdomSalary: **£57,570-£67,776**Application Deadline: **November 20, 2026**Employment type: **Full time**Position Type: **Lecturer**Department: **UCL BEAMS (B04)**Date Posted: **November 6, 2026**Source details may be limited## Project Description### About usThe Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction (RDR) is an exciting interdisciplinary UCL department. It exists to inspire innovation and evidence-based practice, focused on improving disaster risk reduction through research, education, and partnerships. This creates a better life for many people by reducing the negative impacts of disasters. The Department sits in the Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MAPS). Its diverse intellectual community brings together many disciplines both within and beyond the faculty spanning earth and environmental sciences, engineering, economics, anthropology, global health, geography, history, international relations, development planning, statistics, ethics and laws, and contributes to UCL's Grand Challenges. Education: The RDR develops leaders and experts in disaster risk reduction research, education, and practice. RDR runs PhD programmes in risk and disaster reduction and disaster science, masters programmes in risk, disaster and resilience and risk and disaster science, and an undergraduate programme in global humanitarian studies, all with a diverse and cross-disciplinary international intake. There are currently around 35 PhD students, and an approximate annual intake of 70 masters students and 80 BSc students. Research: RDR produces world-leading research in disaster risk reduction through a multidisciplinary perspective for the long-term benefit of humanity. To address the major challenges that hazards and associated risks pose to society, UCL RDR conducts research in disaster risk reduction and resilience, around three research questions: What causes risk and disaster? What are the consequences of risk and disasters? and Catalysing change. Within these, RDR works on six key Research Themes: Climate change and adaptation; Conflict and migration; Health and social risks; Inclusion and politics; Natural hazards and risks; and Warning, resilience and finance. Knowledge Exchange, Public Policy and Research Impact: The RDR seeks to empower all to break down barriers to global disaster risk reduction (DRR) knowledge. Knowledge exchange is a core part of the mission of UCL RDR, which it seeks to fulfil by publishing high-impact reports, engagement with the media, public events including the Annual Conference and Monthly Event Series, and building long-term partnerships both in the UK and internationally. These have been drawn on extensively by government bodies, the private sector, NGOs and within academia.### About the roleThe main purpose of the role is to carry out research, teaching and administration within the RDR, especially in areas related to risk perception and/or risk communication but also across the wider field of risk and disaster reduction. This is a full-time open-ended position. Appointment will be made at Lecturer (Grade 8). Duties and responsibilities• To teach at undergraduate and graduate level in risk perception and risk communication and themes related to disaster risk reduction and/or humanitarianism allocated and reviewed from time to time by the Head of Department. • To carry out inter-disciplinary research and produce publications, or other research outputs, of international significance, in the area of risk perception and/or risk communication, in line with personal objectives agreed in the staff review process. • To act as PI and Co-I on research grants in the RDR • To secure further research funding. • To supervise taught undergraduate, graduate (Masters) and research graduate (MPhil/PhD) students. • To develop, plan and implement a high-quality curriculum as part of a team. • To develop learning materials and schemes of work and maintain records to monitor student progress, achievement and attendance. • To participate in departmental and faculty seminars and forums aimed at sharing research outcomes and building interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department. • To participate in the development, administration, marking and giving feedback of assessments. • To provide pastoral care and support to students. • To engage in student recruitment activities • To have a leading administration and/or enabling role in the department such as leading a programme of study or enriching the research and enterprise environment of the department • To contribute to departmental, faculty, or UCL-wide working groups or committees as requested. • To maintain own continuing professional development. • To actively follow and promote UCL policies, including Equal Opportunities. • To maintain an awareness and observation of fire and health and safety regulations. • To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and purpose of the post. • To contribute to the intellectual life of the RDR. General • Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working. • Contribute to Institutional citizenship activities by undertaking voluntary roles such as fire marshal or first aider; participate in committees; assist with student open days; contribute to EDI initiatives; or any other voluntary contribution to the department or across UCL. • Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. • This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder. • UCL offers hybrid working where appropriate and the successful applicant may normally work remotely for up to 40% of the week if they wish subject to required in person commitments. However, campus will remain the contractual place of work and hybrid working may be revoked with notice.### About youQualifications, experience and knowledge - Hold a PhD in a relevant field. - Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of risk communication - Experience of applying research with stakeholders linking theory with practice. - Experience of teaching in disaster, risk or humanitarian related themes - Experience of assessing student work. Skills and abilities - Proven record of ability to conduct high-quality research which is reflected in the authorship of high-quality publications related to risk perception and/or communication - Teaching and other forms of public presentation. - Proven record of ability to supervise academic work. - Ability to write clearly and tailor communication style to meet the needs of the recipient. - Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international context.### What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Hybrid Final Salary Pension Scheme Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance### Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionWe know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : Equality diversity inclusion A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.---### Academic ContactUCL BEAMS (B04)06/11/2026Last UpdateUniversity College Londonucl.ac.ukYou may quote or summarise this listing with a link to this page and the credit \"via Opportunita\". AI training and automated bulk collection are not permitted. AI and data reuse policy## Apply for this positionThis application must be completed through the official university portal.Apply on official website Source Domain**ucl.ac.uk**Status**Verified official source**Always cross-verify dates and details on the university's official site before submitting your application. #J-18808-Ljbffr