Assistant Professor in Medical Anthropology

The Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge is seeking to appoint an Assistant Professor in Medical Anthropology to start on 1st September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a permanent position subject to a probationary period of five years.

We invite applications from candidates with a record of, or clear potential for outstanding research in medical anthropology. Candidates for this post must have a doctorate, and a proven record of fieldwork, scholarship, and publications, in Social Anthropology. They should have world-class research and publication records, commensurate with the international reputation of the University of Cambridge. They must demonstrate a willingness and ability to teach and research, and to be engaged with current debates, including in medical anthropology. The post-holder will make a broad contribution to teaching in the Department, including but not limited to medical anthropology. They will supervise PhD students and act as mentor to post-doctoral researchers. Candidates must also demonstrate a willingness and ability to contribute to the self-governance of the Department.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Good first degree in a relevant discipline and a doctorate in Social Anthropology;
• Proven ability to engage in internationally high-level research in Social Anthropology and including making a contribution to at least one of the Department's four research clusters;
• Publications and participation in scholarly activity commensurate with stage of career;
• Ability to design, manage, and deliver teaching in medical anthropology, as part of making a broad and substantial contribution to the undergraduate and graduate teaching programmes in the Department;
• Ability to play an effective and collegial role in the life, governance, and development of the Department, within the Faculty and School;
• Ability to work co-operatively within a small group of colleagues.

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

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a full list of all publications, and the names and contact details of three referees. Application letters should include an explanation of your suitability for the position, a statement of research interests and future research plans, and a summary of teaching experience and interests. Longlisted and shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit further materials, including sample publications or pieces of written work and teaching materials such as course outlines/reading lists. Those invited for interview may be asked to give a sample lecture and/or to make a presentation to an audience of colleagues and graduate students followed by questions, and will have an interview with members of the Selection panel.

Informal enquiries about the post may be made to Professor Matei Candea, Head of Department (mc288@cam.ac.uk).

Enquiries about the application process should be made to hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 6th March 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held during the week of the 18th of May 2026.

The position is based in the Department of Social Anthropology, Free School Lane, Cambridge, England.

Further information about the Department of Social Anthropology may be found on our website at http://www.socanth.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference JF48180 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.

Apply online