PGTA - Institute of Archaeology

Job description

The UCL Institute of Archaeology is seeking expressions of interest from PhD students for several Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) roles available in the 2026/27 academic year. 

PGTAs are appointed to assist staff with heavy teaching commitments, courses with high student numbers, or to provide essential practical or lab-based support. This can be an important opportunity for Postgraduate students to develop their teaching experience. Postgraduate Teaching Assistant positions are normally given to students in the 2nd or 3rd year (or part-time equivalent) of their postgraduate research degree. In exceptional circumstances, where a student already has relevant teaching experience, they may be offered a PGTA position in their first year. Students who will be writing up are normally discouraged from applying unless their write-up is well-advanced. PGTAs will be given training in support of their roles.

Each PGTA has a line manager who is responsible for explaining the specific tasks to the PGTA and providing guidance and any specific training the PGTA requires to perform their role. The line manager will usually be the coordinator of the module the PGTA is assisting on. The line manager is expected to mentor and support the PGTA. This should include a clear explanation of the PGTA duties at the start of the year and regular short meetings to discuss developments and review the number of hours worked. PGTAs may find it helpful to keep an informal record of their contribution including a breakdown of the hours they have worked. This should allow both coordinators and PGTAs to make sure the actual worked hours continue to match the total stated in the job specification. 

PGTA posts that do not relate to taught courses but provide support for academic writing, dissertation writing, Turnitin, teaching collections, lab support and CPD support are also available. If you require further information regarding these, then contact the named coordinator to clarify exactly what will be involved before applying for a position.

Further information can be found in the Job Description. 

Key responsibilities

• Teaching assistance through the facilitation of seminars and/or workshops;
• Class preparation and meeting with lecturers/module organisers;
• Dissertation co-supervision at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level(s);
• Laboratory demonstration;
• Marking students' work;
• Giving feedback to students

Requirements for role

Please see the PGTA Job Description for the duties and responsibilities and the person specification.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application via the MS Form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/qEudFWD64y 

Applicants should also provide the following (as one pdf):

• A CV to support your application (one page of A4)
• A statement on why you want to apply for a particular post, summarising your areas of expertise and experience with reference to the criteria stated in the 'person specification' on the job description (one page of A4)

Applications will be considered by a Panel comprising the Graduate Tutor (or Deputy), the Chair of Teaching Committee and the PGTA Tutor. Applicants will be informed of the outcome via email.