Lecturer/ Associate Professor

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Job Description

Lecturer/ Associate Professor

Department: Philosophy

Grade: 8/9

Location: Bloomsbury Campus

Reports to

Head of Department

Context

The Department of Philosophy at UCL is one of the leading philosophy departments in the UK. In the 2021 REF, 60% of our overall profile received the top grade (4*), the highest of any UK philosophy department.

We offer several undergraduate degree programmes. Undergraduate first-year modules usually consist of two hour-long lectures plus an hour-long seminar each week; second-year modules usually involve a one-hour lecture plus a one-hour seminar each week; third year modules usually consist of a weekly two-hour seminar.

We offer taught master’s programmes, and a prestigious research master’s and PhD. Postgraduatelevel modules usually consist of a weekly two-hour seminar.

In collaboration with the Department of Computer Science, we run a BA in Philosophy and Computer Science, and in 2026 introduced an MASc in Philosophy, Logic and Artificial Intelligence.

The department has great advantages as a centre of research activity. The many research seminars, talks and lectures that take place in the various London colleges, the Institute of Philosophy in the University of London, the Institute of Classical Studies, the Aristotelian Society and the Royal Institute of Philosophy, all offer a wealth of opportunities.

The post is offered on an open-ended, full-time basis, with an ideal start date of 1 September 2027.

As London’s Global University, we are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds are underrepresented in Philosophy.

Main purpose of the job

We are looking for a candidate whose main research lies in the philosophy of computer science and/or artificial intelligence, and who will contribute to the teaching and development of our two joint degrees with Computer Science and help build research connections between the departments. We welcome candidates working anywhere at the interface of philosophy and computing, including the https://www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanities/philosophy

philosophy of cognitive science, the foundations of machine learning, and the ethical and social dimensions of AI. We are open to a wide range of approaches. This appointment is intended to complement our existing strengths in logic and the philosophy of mathematics.

The appointment will be made at either Lecturer (Grade 8) or Associate Professor (Grade 9) level.

Duties and responsibilities

The appointee will develop a research profile that is excellent by global standards.

The appointee will teach up to four full modules each academic year, which may be at graduate or undergraduate level. As well as giving lectures and seminars, they will be expected to:

• set and mark essays or examinations;
• mentor and train graduate teaching assistants;
• supervise undergraduates, taught masters students, and postgraduate research students;
• play a part in the normal duties of teaching and administration (including personal tutoring); and • contribute to departmental citizenship.

The appointee may also be required to carry out other specific tasks and duties, commensurate with the spirit of the role, as requested by the Head of Department.

The appointee will actively follow UCL policies, including the Ways of Working.

General

• Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working.
• Takes responsibility to carry out duties in a way that embodies UCL's environmental and social sustainability values, actively supporting objectives within the remit of their role.

Equal Opportunity Policy, and the UCL

UCL's Sustainability Strategy, policies and ▪ 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.

Person Specification

Criteria

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A PhD in a relevant field, awarded before the start date

E

Clear evidence of excellence in philosophical research (e.g. publications and talks) E at a level commensurate with the grade of job applied for (Lecturer or Associate

Professor)

Teaching and supervision experience in a higher education setting

E

Experience of curriculum design, assessment of student work, and organisation of modules Experience of holding academic administrative positions and pastoral care of students

Skills and abilities

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

D (Lecturer)

E (Assoc. Prof)

D (Lecturer)

E (Assoc. Prof)

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

E

Ability to deliver research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels E Ability to undertake academic-related administrative tasks

E

Proven record of ability to manage time and work to deadlines

E

Ability to contribute to a REF Impact case study

D

UCL Ways of Working

Commitment to UCL’s equal opportunity policy, and the ability to work well with E colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds Ability to be student-focussed, with a keen understanding of the challenges facing E students, and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for students.

Commitment to and knowledge of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion

E

D (Lecturer)

Demonstrable contribution to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion

E (Assoc. Prof) Application

Applications will be made online. When you apply, you will need to submit:

• a CV;
• a cover letter, of no more than two sides;
• two writing samples, totalling no more than 20,000 words.

Important: You will also need to arrange for two referees to submit letters of reference prior to the published closing date. Letters should be addressed to Professor Daniel Rothschild.

philosophy.letters@ucl.ac.uk.