Assistant Professor (Centre for the Study of Existential Risk ) x 2 (Fixed Term)

The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) seeks to appoint two Assistant Professors. The posts will lead the world's first full-time postgraduate course in Existential Risk Studies, an MPhil in Global Risk and Resilience, with the first intake planned for October 2025. The two role holders will be hired with complementary backgrounds. Relevant specialist skills include: risk identification and assessment; systems modelling and complexity science; and policy for risk mitigation. Likely areas of expertise include: future technological developments with transformative potential; global systems breakdown; or international security.

CSER produces world-leading research on risks that could lead to human extinction or civilisational collapse. It is also a hub for academics, technologists and policymakers, where the team is expected to work across theoretical and practical specialisms and to generate impact outside academia. The new MPhil will help define best research practices and credential new cohorts of researchers and practitioners. It will build a larger and more impactful community, taking this emerging field into new sectors and geographies. More information about CSER and our research can be found at www.cser.ac.uk.

Post-holders will be expected to:

• Design, prepare and deliver core and relevant specialist MPhil modules
• Supervise examine MPhil students, and respond to student feedback
• Conduct and publish original research of international reach and significance
• Develop and maintain expert networks inside and outside academia
• Contribute to the department's educational strategy

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in a relevant field, with the potential to generate internationally recognised research
• Evidence of flexibility and range in teaching at postgraduate level
• Experience of postgraduate curriculum design
• Ability and enthusiasm to take a leadership role in an interdisciplinary team and engage with a range of stakeholders

The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, contact Matthew Connelly at recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk. For questions about the process, please contact the Schools HR Team on sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date is midnight (BST) on Sunday 29^th September and interviews are planned for early November, subject to change.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/47409.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following documents, covering letter, curriculum vitae, including publications and ONE article- or chapter-length writing sample (max 10,000 words). Please ensure that your three referees submit their references directly to references@csah.cam.ac.uk before the closing date.

Applicants must provide the names and contact details of three referees who are familiar with their work in the relevant field. Please ensure that your three referees submit their references directly to references@csah.cam.ac.uk before the closing date.

Please quote reference GO42485 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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