Lecturer in International Relations of the Americas

About us

The UCL Institute of the Americas is the UK’s leading multidisciplinary centre for the study of Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. As an academic department, it brings together scholars and students specialising in the social sciences and modern history of the Americas. The Institute offers innovative undergraduate programmes with a year abroad option and four taught postgraduate degrees. It also provides specialist doctoral supervision across a wide range of topics covering all four regions of the hemisphere.

The Institute’s research strategy emphasises deep regional expertise and a multidisciplinary approach grounded in the social sciences and history. Its work contributes to global debates on contemporary and historical challenges affecting societies worldwide. This strategy rests on the principle that, despite their diversity, the nations of the Western Hemisphere share linguistic, political, historical, and cultural patterns that make the region a rich case study for understanding broader economic, political, and social issues. With a long-standing reputation for research excellence, engagement, and impact, the Institute was ranked the top Area Studies department in the UK in REF 2021.

About the role

The Institute seeks to appoint a Lecturer in the International Relations of the Americas, equivalent to a U.S. tenure‑track Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of August/September 2026. We welcome applicants with a PhD in International Relations, History, Political Science, or a related field, and with expertise in one of the following areas: (a) relations between China and the Americas (either the United States or Latin America); (b) contemporary U.S. foreign policy focused on Inter‑American affairs; or (c) migration processes and policy between Latin America and the United States.

The successful candidate will expand our teaching and research in fields such as contemporary foreign policy analysis, U.S. foreign policy, migration, international relations, and the history of U.S. foreign policy. They will develop optional modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level, contribute to core and skills‑based teaching, assume departmental responsibilities, participate in UCL working groups and committees, and supervise PhD students working on international relations, international history, or foreign policy.

About you

Candidates must hold a relevant PhD by 1 July 2026 and demonstrate a strong research profile with an emerging or established record of internationally recognised publications. Research should focus on one or more of the following: China–Americas relations, contemporary U.S. foreign policy with emphasis on inter-American affairs, or migration between Latin America and the United States.

Applicants must also show proven university‑level teaching experience in at least one relevant area, such as U.S. foreign policy, international relations of the Americas, China–Americas relations, international history, or migration in the Americas. A clear, innovative research agenda with the potential to advance the field is essential, as is expertise in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed research methods suitable for advanced research and for teaching introductory methods.

The postholder must demonstrate the ability to design and deliver high‑quality curricula at all levels, supervise students from diverse backgrounds, and provide effective pastoral support. They should be able to teach across modules in foreign policy analysis, international relations, migration, and international history, collaborate with colleagues across disciplines, and communicate complex ideas clearly to academic and non-academic audiences.

A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential, alongside a willingness to contribute to departmental administration, teaching programmes, and wider UCL activities.

Advert information