Lecturer (Teaching) in Observational Astrophysics

Lecturer (Teaching) in Observational Astrophysics

Ref Number B04-07557 Professional Expertise Teaching, Teaching Support and Examination Support Department UCL BEAMS (B04) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £54,931-£64,644 Contract Type Permanent Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 26-Jul-2026

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 33 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body - more than 50,000 strong - come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

UCL students taking Astrophysics-related degrees in the Department of Physics and Astronomy attend observational courses at UCL Observatory (UCLO, Mill Hill, NW London), which has a track record of astrophysics teaching, research activity and public engagement. UCLO hosts a team of academic teaching and technical staff with a broad range of expertise; and has strong links with academic research staff in the Dept's Astrophysics Group, who support the teaching and research function of UCLO, in the delivery of UCLO modules and research projects for undergraduate and masters-level students.

About the role

UCL invites applications for a Lecturer (Teaching) in Observational Astrophysics. The new Lecturer will be based at UCLO, and will work closely with UCLO and Astrophysics colleagues, and with teaching staff in Physics and Astronomy.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and assisting practical-class modules in observational astrophysics at UCL Observatory. They will design and develop course content and materials, translating advances in astrophysics to UCLO teaching, and developing effective assessment and feedback. They will supervise undergraduate and MSc-postgraduate student projects, making use of UCLO facilities. They will contribute to facility design and development at UCLO to extend the range of activities available to students.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), and the contact information for three references. A full cover letter should be included using the "Statement in Support of your Application" section of the online form.

About you

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Astrophysics or closely related discipline and a FHEA or equivalent professional teaching qualification.

It is essential that you have experience of teaching astrophysics in a higher-education context, ideally within an observatory environment. You will also possess the knowledge and experience of techniques and technologies in observational astrophysics.

The ability to teach astrophysics to undergraduates and postgraduates at a high level and experience of supervising undergraduate and masters-level student research projects is key.

What we offer

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

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: