The Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge is one of the oldest Institutes of Criminology in Europe, it is also among the strongest criminology departments globally with respect to the scope and impact of its research, the quality of its academic support infrastructure, and the talent of its students. Due to increasing student numbers, we seek to appoint two Assistant Professors, who will be joining a thriving and diverse community that is dedicated to excellence in research and teaching.
We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate the capacity to conduct innovative research of international stature and contribute to teaching in the following areas: Interventions and Evaluations (broadly defined), or Crime and Criminal Justice Policy (also broadly defined). Details on the specific experience required for each can be found in the attached further particulars document. We are particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate the ability to develop and apply innovative theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. We are not committed to any particular methodological perspective for either post, and welcome high-quality research drawing on quantitative, qualitative, experimental, comparative, computational, ethnographic, digital, mixed methodologies, and other approaches appropriate to the research topic.
You will join us with a PhD or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in criminology or a cognate discipline (e.g. psychology, psychiatry, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, law, philosophy, and related social and behavioural sciences). You will have an established or developing bibliography of research publications and demonstrate the vision, leadership and enthusiasm to develop and secure funding for a research programme of international stature in your field.
As Assistant Professor, you will contribute to our vibrant and diverse teaching programmes including the development, management and delivery of graduate and undergraduate courses, supervision, and examinations. At a later stage, you will be expected to contribute to the administration of the Institute.
Applicants should submit:
a) A CV
b) Cover letter with:
- An indication whether you wish to be considered for the 'Interventions and Evaluations' or the 'Crime and Criminal Justice Policy' position, detailing your expertise in the chosen specialism. We also encourage applications from candidates with expertise across both domains, who should feel free to apply either for the position that better fits them, or for both positions.
- A statement covering your current and future aspirations for research and teaching, identifying, where possible, how these fit within the current research profile of the Institute (max 1000 words).
- A brief summary of up to three outputs you consider the most significant (max 300 words per output).
- A list of publications.
- Contact details of three referees.
Appointments will be made at Assistant Professor level with a probationary period of five years. If successful at probation, the title becomes Associate Professor, with appointment to the retiring age thereafter subject to satisfactory progress.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Leo Zaibert (director@crim.cam.ac.uk). Interviews are planned for Spring 2026 (dates tbc)
Please quote reference JL51517 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.