University Assistant Professor

Applications are invited for a University Assistant Professor to work in the area of theoretical chemistry, broadly defined, to be taken up in October 2026 (or earlier, by agreement). The successful applicant will have an excellent record of research in theoretical chemistry, and will be expected to develop a dynamic, high quality and externally-funded research programme at an international level. Interdisciplinary and collaborative research is strongly encouraged across the university and its associated institutes.

This post, subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period (up to 5 years), leads to a tenured position as University Associate Professor. The University has a merit-based promotions procedure leading to Professor Grade 11 (equivalent to Reader) and then to Professor Grade 12 (Full Professor) via the University's Academic Career Pathway scheme.

The Department has significant strengths in many areas of modern theoretical chemistry, a position which has been enhanced by several recent appointments. We are now seeking to appoint an additional Assistant Professor who will either bring a new area of theoretical chemistry to the Department or have significant synergies with existing research areas.

Applicants must have a PhD degree in a relevant subject, significant post-doctoral experience, and strong evidence of research excellence. University Assistant Professors are expected to develop and lead their own research programmes, so must be able to demonstrate a significant degree of independence.

Candidates must demonstrate a firm commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the Department, and will be expected to contribute to and develop courses within the general area of theoretical chemistry, covering both specialised and core material.

Information about the Department's research and teaching activities is available on the Department's website (http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries about the positions can be made to Professor James Keeler, Head of Department (email: hod@ch.cam.ac.uk).

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

Applications should include: (i) a cover letter; (ii) a CV with publications list; (iii) contact details for three professional referees; (iv) a statement (up to eight pages) covering research experience to date and research plans for the future, including how this research might be funded; and, (v) a one-page statement focusing on your contributions to and/or vision for improving research culture as well as Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not consider these as part of your application.

We anticipate holding short on-line interviews between 19th and 25th November 2025, and then inviting a smaller number of candidates to visit the Department between 26th January and 13th February 2026.

Please quote reference MA47130 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.

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Key information

• Department/location: Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry
• Salary: £47,389-£59,966
• Reference: MA47130
• Category: Academic
• Date published: 2 September 2025
• Closing date: 24 October 2025