Assistant Professorship in Modern and Contemporary Literature

Department/Location: Faculty of English, Cambridge

The Faculty of English wishes to appoint to an Assistant Professorship in Modern and Contemporary Literature, with a desirable focus on eco-criticism, from 1 September 2026. 

We seek applicants who have research and teaching interests in both Modern and Contemporary Literature. We are open to applicants tackling a wide range of material and approaches, including interdisciplinary work within the field. At undergraduate level, the appointee will be expected to take a full role in the teaching of modern and contemporary literature to undergraduates, as well as contributing to the wider range of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and supervision in literature in English. 

The successful applicant will be able to conduct original research in their field, generating new interpretations, arguments and methods which will have international reach and significance. We intend to appoint a scholar whose work will make a substantial difference to the way in which the study of this area is pursued, with the potential to develop collaborative projects and attract external funding, and who is able to develop the kinds of public and professional engagement that will maximise the impact of their research. 

Candidates should have a completed PhD and have a strong record of research and publication, appropriate to their career-stage, in a relevant subject area. The successful applicant will support and maintain the University's national and international reputation for excellence in teaching. They will be expected to offer teaching at undergraduate and Masters level, and to attract applications from strong PhD candidates. 

Please ensure that you upload the following documents to your online application 

• a covering letter
• your Curriculum Vitae, including a full list of publications;
• a document describing your main teaching and research interests, and an indication of the teaching you would hope to offer if appointed to the post.
• Names of three referees are required, and we will request references at the next stage of the process. 

For further information about reading lists and course descriptions for this post please see http:// www.english.cam.ac.uk/posts/ 

In order to access this information, please use the following details: 

•  Username: applicant
•  Password: app080722  

Other informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Alex da Costa, Chair of the Faculty (chair@english.cam.ac.uk). Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Vicky Aldred (administrator@english.cam.ac.uk). 

The closing date is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 1 February 2026, and interviews are planned for the week commencing 16 March 2026, subject to change. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Please quote reference GG48047 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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