Boston University Global Programmes – Study Abroad

Study Abroad, a division of Boston University Global Programs, is responsible for developing and providing opportunities for undergraduate study around the world. BU Study Abroad offers students from Boston University and over 100 other colleges and universities 200+ programs, 30+ cities, and 20+ countries. Boston University was one of the first universities in the United States to send students abroad, and the first university to offer study abroad internship opportunities on several continents. The range of subjects covered includes Advertising and PR, Computer Science, Economics & Finance, Film, Radio, Journalism, Mathematics and Statistics and Psychology and Health Sciences.

Mission Statement

The mission of Boston University Study Abroad is to offer excellent, innovative, and diverse cross-cultural learning experiences for all students. Our study abroad programs cultivate the intellectual, professional, and personal qualities necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Role Outline

Boston University Study Abroad London is seeking a lecturer to teach a new elective course in Psychological and Brain Sciences as part of our Fall 2026 London Internship Programme for American study abroad students.

Fall 2026 teaching is due to commence from the week commencing 12th October. The course will be delivered in a 9-week pattern on Mondays or Fridays (AM or PM), amounting to 40 classroom contact hours across ten sessions in total, plus final exam coverage for the course, which will conclude on Friday 11th December.

This is a temporary appointment with the potential to be renewed.

See https://www.bu.edu/abroad/degree-program/london-internship-psychology-health-sciences/ for details on BU Study Abroad London.

Drugs and Behaviour:

This course examines drugs with psychoactive effects, their impact on behaviour, and their mechanisms of action in the brain and body. The beginning of the course will provide an overview of brain circuitry, neurotransmission, pharmacology and concepts in drug addiction/substance use disorder at the behavioural and neural level. The remainder of the course will explore the specific mechanisms and behavioral effects of individual drug classes, including psychostimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine), nicotine and caffeine, alcohol, sedatives, and anxiolytics, opioids, cannabinoids, psychedelic substances, and other psychiatric medications.

Required Skills:

The successful candidate will be a highly skilled, confident, and accomplished lecturer in Psychological & Brain Sciences, with a proven track record in innovative, student-centred pedagogy. A PhD in Psychological & Brain Sciences is required. Applicants should possess excellent cross-cultural communication skills and a strong record of undergraduate teaching, ideally with experience supporting international or Study Abroad students.

To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@bu-london.co.uk Your letter must explain concisely your suitability for the role in terms of your teaching expertise and industry experience.

Review of applications will begin immediately, with an application deadline of Tuesday 26th May at 9am. Initial interviews are expected to be held from the week commencing Monday 1st June.

Candidates must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Boston University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Job Location

South Kensington, London, UK.

Salary: A competitive fee is paid per course taught.

The closing date for this role is Tuesday 26 May at 9.00am with first round interviews expected to commence week of 1 June