Research Fellow

About us

UCL Laws has a student body comprising around 1200 students and a Faculty of around 150 academic staff, many visiting professors, and distinguished judicial and other honorary staff. It provides some of the finest research-led thinking and education on law anywhere in the world. UCL Laws achieved 1st place ranking in the REF 2021 for research quality, is ranked 2nd in the UK for studying Law in the Complete University Guide Subject League Tables 2026, and 10th in the world for Law in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by Subject.

We believe research and education should make difference; a difference to thinking about law, to the practice of law, and to the administration of justice. Our scholarship and research-led education draws on theory, doctrine and social science, and is interdisciplinary and global in nature. We have achieved the highest ratings in the last four instances of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), including being the top ranked law school in the UK REF2021 (first for GPA, first for overall 4* ratings, and first for QI). We pride ourselves on the collaborative and welcoming atmosphere of UCL Laws, and our community of students, teachers, researchers and alumni help foster our students’ potential during their time with us and throughout their careers.

About the role

UCL Faculty of Laws is looking to appoint as Research Fellow in Law one or more outstanding candidates with research interests in law and related fields. This Post Doctoral Research Fellowship provides a development opportunity for early career researchers in law, who have exceptional potential. The Fellowship is not limited to any particular area of legal study.

The Fellow will be expected to contribute to the research output and intellectual life of the Faculty of Laws, by undertaking research and discharging limited teaching responsibilities. Successful applicants will enjoy a unique opportunity to further their individual research agendas in one or more areas of legal scholarship and to develop their capacity to publish high-quality research work in peer-reviewed journals and the like, within a supportive sector-leading research environment.

The Fellow will also gain invaluable academic experience in helping the Faculty to deliver its world-leading LLB, LLM or MSc in Law and Finance programmes in a limited teaching capacity. In relation to the teaching of this career development role, we particularly but not exclusively welcome applicants who are interested to teach in areas such as Financial Law, Corporate Law (including cross-border mergers and acquisitions), Conflicts of Law, French Law, Land Law and/or Equity. In line with the research focus of the role, fellows will be expected to provide approximately 2-3 contact hours of teaching per week during academic terms, and similarly reduced levels of marking duties.

The Fellowship will last for a duration of a fixed, non-renewable term of two years, commencing on 1 September 2026 and concluding on 30 August 2028. It will be a full-time position, paid commensurably (salary in the Job Description).

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon PhD award. If not yet awarded, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (£39,148-£41,833) per annum, with backdating to Grade 7 upon final submission of PhD thesis (including corrections).

This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

The deadline for applications is 01 July 2026. Interviews will likely take place in the week commencing 20 July 2026.

About you

Successful candidates will have the ability to publish high-quality research work in peer-reviewed journals or the like and will be expected to contribute to aspects of the Faculty’s teaching needs on its world leading LLB, LLM or MSc in Law and Finance according to their expertise and experience. It is also expected that the post-holders will contribute to the academic life of the Faculty and University.

Applicants should possess excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, a strong sense of teamwork, and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds.

The key requirements for the role is outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification.

The salary for grade 7 appointments can be found in the job description. For queries about the process, accessibility, or reasonable adjustments contact: lawshr@ucl.ac.uk

What we offer

As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits. Find out more: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

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, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Customer advert reference: B03-03142