Physics and Astronomy Post Graduate Teaching Assistant

About us

Physics and Astronomy is recruiting a cohort of Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PGTAs) to support education across the department starting from the next academic year (September 2026-27).

The Physics and Astronomy Department is located in the heart of the historical area of Bloomsbury. Scientific research and study have been a strong feature of UCL since its inception in 1826. The department is currently one of the top-ranked Physics departments in the country, and indeed the world. It is ranked #4 in the UK for Physics Education and #25 in the world according to QS ranking.

We have forged an internationally renowned reputation for being at the forefront of world-leading research and providing high-class teaching. Those joining us can expect to be part of a dynamic community of physicists and astronomers whose enthusiasm for science and innovation is exceptional.

About the role

The purpose of this role is to support and work with the academic leads on small-group teaching and learning across our programmes.

Main duties of PGTAs are:

• Practical class teaching
• Laboratory class teaching
• Facilitating teaching sessions
• Maximising resources and teaching materials to aid students in their learning
• Responding to queries referring to departmental tutors/module leads and/or central support services as appropriate
• Monitoring students’ online presence, engagement with their learning, and their progress, returning data to the administrative office in a timely manner and following up where necessary by offering support and encouragement and/or raising with departmental tutors/module leads as appropriate
• Marking in-course student assessments
• Delivering formative feedback directly to students
• Participation in regular meetings with the module leader to discuss arising issues and problems
• Involvement in ad hoc meetings organized by module leaders or the PGTA Administrator/Rep.
• Actively following and promoting UCL policies, including Equal Opportunities
• Upholding confidentiality in regards to students' records and marks
• Engaging with all training required to support the role

PGTAs will be given training and support to assist them in their roles. Please note this is primarily intended as an internal opportunity - only if there is no suitable PhD student at UCL identified would external applications from students at other universities be accepted and considered.

This is the first round of our recruitment; there will be opportunities for additional work in Term 2 and Term 3.

About you

The successful candidates will be pursuing a postgraduate degree, preferably associated with the UCL Department of Physics and Astronomy or studying a related subject (e.g., Physics, Astrophysics, Natural Sciences, etc.). Previous teaching experience is an advantage.

To apply, please supply a CV and a covering letter of application by 23.59 on Sunday, 2 August 2026. Please use the expression of interest form provided to indicate the type of work you are interested in. The covering letter must include the following:

• Specification regarding the areas of teaching desired
• Relevant teaching experience
• A summary of your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the person specification

Your CV should detail your completed degrees, details of any current employer, and details of recent past employment. All PGTAs must complete training within the UCL Arena One scheme, normally available in September. This will be in addition to guidance or mentoring provided by the department for their PGTAs.

What we offer

The appointments will be made on the grade 6 scale, (pro rata) on a fixed-term basis. This exceeds the London Living Wage (LLW).

PGTAs will be paid based on the requirements of the UCL PGTA Code of Practice for up to a maximum of 60 hours per module. Coursework marking and feedback are included in the standard contracted hours, whilst examination marking (where applicable) will be paid additionally and calculated on the number of scripts marked.

Visit UCL Reward & Benefits to find out more about the benefits on offer.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, and disabled people.

Applicants should also familiarize themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.