Assistant Professor (Fixed Term)

The Department of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge, wishes to appoint a temporary unestablished Assistant Professor, to join a leading global centre of anthropological teaching and research. The position is fixed term for a period of fifteen months, from 1 October 2026.

The purpose of the role is to support and maintain the University and Department's national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The contribution to teaching within the Department will include course development and innovation, lecturing, conducting seminars and supervising undergraduate and/or graduate students. The role will also contribute to examining and assessing, student recruitment, and postgraduate student mentoring. The post holder will be expected to carry out and publish their own research.

Candidates for this post must have a doctorate, and a proven record of fieldwork, scholarship, and publications in social anthropology. Experience of successfully delivering teaching at university level is essential and expertise in the anthropology of Asia and politics is desirable.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a full list of all publications, and the names and contact details of two referees. Application letters should include a statement of research interests and future research plans, and a summary of teaching experience and interests. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit a sample publication or piece of written work. Those invited for interview will be asked to make a short presentation followed by questions, and will have an interview with members of the selection panel.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The closing date for applications is Monday 4 May.

It is anticipated the interviews will take place in the week commencing 1 June 2026.

Enquiries about the application process should be directed to the HSPS Faculty HR Team (hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries may be addressed to Mr Jon Bolderson, Departmental Administrator (da@socanth.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference JF49153 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

• Department/location: Department of Social Anthropology
• Salary: £47,389-£59,966
• Reference: JF49153
• Category: Academic
• Date published: 19 March 2026
• Closing date: 4 May 2026