About us
UCL History of Art is a successful medium-sized department, based within the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences, with a very high international reputation. Our academic staff bring a wide range of approaches to the study of art and visual culture, working across diverse geographical contexts, with particular strengths in image cultures, the materials and materiality of art, and visual technologies.
Based at the UCL East campus in Stratford, the postholder will teach time-based media conservation on the MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art & Media. This innovative programme extends the Department’s teaching and research strengths while providing for the rapidly developing training needs of the next generation of conservators, and conservation professionals looking to develop a specialism in the field of contemporary art. The focus of the programme is on contemporary sculpture, installation art, complex mixed media works and time-based media works of art, and contemporary design.
The MSc benefits from two dedicated spaces in the Marshgate Building at UCL East; an objects conservation laboratory supported by a part-time lab manager , and a media conservation studio supported by a part-time studio manager. The postholder will use the Media Conservation Studio for teaching with the support of the Media Conservation Studio Manager.
The programme forms part of the School for the Creative and Cultural Industries , which supports interdisciplinary teaching, collaborations and experimental practice across Faculties, as well as with neighbouring institutions at the Olympic Park, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About the role
The UCL History of Art Department is seeking to appoint a part-time Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in the Conservation of Contemporary Art & Media with specialist expertise in time-based media conservation to cover the research leave of a member of academic staff from 1 January 2026 for 4 months.
The appointment is fixed-term, from 1 January to 30 April 2027, at 0.4FTE (equivalent to 2 days per week).
The postholder will contribute to teaching and assessment on the MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media during the second term of the 2026/27 academic year. The role combines specialist teaching, practical supervision, student assessment and dissertation supervision within a part-time appointment.
Key responsibilities will include: Module teaching and coordination: Delivering the Spring Term teaching for HART192 Conserving Complexity: Conservation of Contemporary Artworks. This is the second term of a two-term, 30-credit, module. The Spring Term focuses on the conservation of time-based media artworks and comprises ten teaching sessions, including sessions delivered by visiting specialist practitioners and guest lecturers. The postholder will contribute their own specialist teaching and coordinate guest contributions to support a coherent learning experience.
Practical supervision and assessment: Supporting students undertaking the examination and analysis of assigned time-based media artworks as part of the module HART0159 Examining and Analysing Artworks. This will include supervision of students’ reports which were started in term one and form part of their assessment due at the end of term two, liaison with lenders, and marking these assessments during the Easter vacation.
Dissertation supervision: Providing second-term supervision for up to three students undertaking dissertations in a field related to time-based media.
The teaching, supervision and assessment responsibilities will be undertaken within the 0.4 FTE appointment, with the distribution of duties agreed in consultation with the programme team.
The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the MSc programme and contribute to a collaborative, practice-led learning environment that integrates conservation theory, ethics and professional practice.
About you
We are seeking a practitioner with substantial professional experience and specialist expertise in the conservation of time-based media artworks, alongside a commitment to teaching and sharing knowledge with the next generation of conservation professionals.
You will have a strong understanding of the practical, theoretical and ethical challenges associated with conserving contemporary art, and an interest in critically evaluating and developing approaches to conservation practice. Relevant expertise may include the conservation of video, film, software-based art, media installations, or other complex time-based artworks.
You will be able to draw on your professional experience to equip students with the practical, analytical, decision-making and communication skills required to work across a range of conservation contexts. You will also be able to support students in exploring the complex ethical and theoretical questions raised by contemporary artworks.
We particularly welcome applicants who can bring perspectives from professional conservation practice, including work in museums, galleries, collections, conservation studios or independent practice, and who are committed to experimental, collaborative and inclusive approaches to teaching and learning.
Previous experience of university teaching would be welcomed but is not essential, provided applicants can demonstrate the ability to communicate specialist knowledge effectively, support student learning and contribute to an inclusive teaching environment.
We recognise that this role requires a distinctive combination of specialist knowledge, professional experience and teaching skills. We therefore welcome discussions about flexible approaches to delivering the role, including the possibility of a job-share arrangement. We encourage applications from practitioners who may wish to combine this appointment with existing professional commitments.
We recognise that this job requires a rare set of skills and we are therefore open to discussions about how any applicants might help deliver this role. For example, this job could be undertaken as a job share.
HOW TO APPLY
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. When you are ready to apply, click the 'Apply Now' box.
Please attach a CV and a covering letter to your application.
The advert will close on Sunday 8 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Interview date: TBC, likely w/c 16 November. Interviews will be online via MS Teams.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Pip Laurenson, Director of the MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media on p.laurenson@ucl.ac.uk
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Rosie Price-Cousins, Operations Administrator, on r.price-cousins@ucl.ac.uk
What we offer
As 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
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we 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: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Associate Lecturer (Teaching) Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media (0.4FTE) in London employer: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
UCL's Information Services Division (ISD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among over 50,000 staff and students. With a commitment to employee growth, ISD provides extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technology areas. Located in the heart of London, UCL promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
