Assistant Professor in Music (Theory and Analysis)

The Faculty of Music at the University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a specialist in music theory and analysis to the post of Assistant Professor, starting on 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The appointee will balance score-based competency with a commitment to growing areas of the discipline, including openness to analytical approaches to global musics. Core expertise may be in one or more research fields, including (but not limited to) history of theory, performance studies, mathematical approaches, methods in analysing jazz and contemporary music, improvisation studies, music for screen, or the incorporation of perspectives from 21st-century composition.

Applicants should have a relevant PhD in Music or a related discipline and a record of, or clear potential for, outstanding research. We seek a scholar of disciplinary depth who wishes to forge intellectual and creative synergies with colleagues working in other areas.

The successful applicant will convene and teach core and optional undergraduate courses; they will teach at master's level, undertake PhD supervision and examining, and lead curriculum development within the Analysis strand. Administrative duties include examination boards, postgraduate admissions and reviews, committee work, and outreach.

At the heart of a vast network of musical study, research and practice, the Faculty of Music comprises 14 FTE permanent academic staff, 5 postdoctoral researchers, 22 affiliated lecturers and 16 professional services staff who work with around 200 undergraduates and 70 graduate students. As a world-leading centre of research, the Faculty includes specialists in medieval and early modern music, nineteenth-century music, opera, popular music, analysis, ethnomusicology, composition, and music and science. Our facilities include a professional concert hall and music library as well as an extensive collection of historical instruments and a Javanese gamelan. Integral to the Faculty is the Centre for Music and Science, housing fully equipped studios, computer room and research room.

We support and encourage under-represented groups and we value diversity. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities. Our recruitment and selection procedures follow best practice. The University has an Equal Opportunities Policy, along with a range of diversity networks for women, global majority, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff. More details are available at http://www.equality.admin.cam.ac.uk/.

Further information about the Faculty of Music is available at www.mus.cam.ac.uk.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload to the application system:

•  a covering letter,
•  a curriculum vitae (including a list of publications and areas of teaching competence)
•  a statement of research interests, including a research plan covering the next 5 years (up to 500 words);
•  at least one sample of recent work (not exceeding 20,000 words in total)
•  contact details for three referees.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Professor Katharine Ellis (kje32@mus.cam.ac.uk). If you have queries regarding the application process please contact the Schools HR team at MusicHR@admin.cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Thursday 25th September 2025. In person interviews are planned for the 13th and 14th November 2025, subject to change.

Please quote reference GT46630 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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