University Assistant Professor in Human Evolution

The University of Cambridge is seeking to appoint a University Assistant Professor in Human Evolution, to start on 1 September 2024, to join its thriving and growing hub in Human Evolutionary Studies within the Department of Archaeology. The successful candidate will be leading research on aspects of human adaptation and evolution. The post will complement the Department’s research and teaching expertise in Biological Anthropology, which covers human evolution, human behavioural ecology, primatology, human evolutionary genetics, human osteology, cultural evolution and comparative human biology. Applications are welcome in all branches of palaeoanthropology, with the expectation that the successful candidate will add insights into hominin evolutionary biology, adaptation and phylogenetic history. We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose research focuses on any of (1) hominin origins, (2) early hominin evolution and diversity, (3) the evolution of hominin life-history, (4) hominin palaeoenvironmental contexts and responses to climate change, (5) the evolution of hominin social behaviour and cognition, and (6) innovative methodological approaches to the study of human evolution. We encourage applications from those whose research includes active fieldwork, and whose research plans include interdisciplinary approaches that intersect with those of other biological anthropologists in the Department.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as supervise undergraduate and graduate research projects in their field of expertise. Biological Anthropology at Cambridge is taught as part of the undergraduate degree in Archaeology (Biological Anthropology track) and as a Part II in Natural Sciences, resulting in a diverse student body of archaeologists, anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, and medical and veterinary science students. The University offers two Masters degrees in the subject, a taught-research degree and a research-only degree. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the examination of students, outreach activities, the development of the Department’s educational strategies, the academic management of departmental activities, relevant departmental and Faculty committees, and the University's wider strategic connections and initiatives.

The post starts on 1 September 2024, and the appointment made will be permanent subject to a probationary period of five years. The successful applicant will benefit from the outstanding facilities offered by the University and the support of research and teaching provided by the Department of Archaeology and the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research.

Further information about the post and the selection process can be found on our Job Opportunities website, linked below. Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Tamsin O’Connell (Head of Department; hod@arch.cam.ac.uk) or Professor Marta Mirazón Lahr (mbml1@cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 2 April 2024.

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