Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in French and Comparative Literature

About us

SELCS-CMII is a world-leading centre for teaching, research and public engagement, focussing on the literature, linguistic traditions, history, sociology, philosophy, art, film and other aspects of the cultures associated with the languages we teach (Danish, Dutch, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Old Norse, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish). Our taught programmes are innovative and interdisciplinary; academic colleagues and students engage with many urgent concerns facing the world today by understanding Europe's languages, cultures and histories and their impact globally. We are home to specialists in French literature, film, politics, history and culture, including the Medieval and Early Modern periods. We offer BA degrees in French & Francophone Studies along with a number of combined language degrees, including a BA in French and other Modern Languages, Management Studies, Film Studies, History of Art, Latin, and Philosophy. We also offer BA Comparative Literature with a wide range of Modern Languages and the option of a Year Abroad. At postgraduate level we offer several interdisciplinary programmes including a popular MA in Comparative Literature and an MA in Language, Culture and History: French & Francophone Studies, and doctoral training in several fields. (please visit for more information).

About the role

The post holder will contribute to teaching at BA and MA level, covering French language, literature and culture, and Comparative Literature. The post holder will teach approximately 320 contact hours annually, according to their areas of expertise and as allocated by the Programme Directors of French Studies and Comparative Literature, and by the Head of Department of SELCS. The post holder will be expected to participate in departmental events and contribute to the intellectual life of the department. This is a fixed-term paternity cover post for nine months. It is a full-time role, with the total hours of work required equating to 1.0 full time equivalent for nine months. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the position on 21 September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About you

The post holder will have a PhD or equivalent in French Studies, French Literature, Comparative Literature or a related field. They will have complete fluency in French and English and excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with both colleagues and students. They will have demonstrable experience of teaching and assessing French Studies and French Language at a university in the UK context, and excellent knowledge of literary theory and history, commensurate with teaching BA and MA-level core and option modules in Comparative Literature. They will have proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and to share modules and teaching materials with colleagues. They will have a commitment to UCL's policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work well with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds. More details of the person specification can be found in the Job description. To apply, please upload your CV and personal statement. You should make sure to address all the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification, providing evidence to demonstrate how you fulfil each of the essential criteria. Please DO NOT include writing samples or other documentation with your application; documents other than CV and personal statement will not be taken into account when shortlisting for this post.

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) - Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) - 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. Please visit to find out more. If you have any queries about the role, please contact [email protected] . 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 [email protected] . The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please visit to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We want our community to represent the diversity of the world's academic talent, from local to global. 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 currently underrepresented in UCL's academic, research and teaching workforce. These include: people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; people with disabilities; LGBTQI+ people; and women.