Assistant Professor in Global Risk and Resilience (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Cambridge Institute for Technology and Humanity, Cambridge 

The Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH), seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in Global Risk and Resilience, who will join the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER). The start would be as soon as possible, at the latest on 1 September 2026. 

The role holder will lead research relevant to the study of global risk and resilience, contributing to teaching, examining, assessment and admissions for the popular interdisciplinary Masters (MPhil) in Global Risk and Resilience, and contribute fully to academic administration.  CSER has significant strengths in many areas existential and global catastrophic risk studies, a position which has been enhanced by several recent appointments. We are now seeking to appoint an additional Assistant Professor who will either bring a new area to the Centre or have significant synergies with existing research areas. 

Relevant specialist skills include, but are not limited to: risk identification and assessment; systems modelling and complexity science; participatory methods such as scenario exercises and horizon scanning; and policy for risk mitigation. Likely areas of expertise include: future technological developments with transformative potential; global systems breakdown; natural disasters; 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, in which the role holder will play a key role, 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 https://www.cser.ac.uk/.

Post-holders will be expected to:

• Design, prepare and deliver core and relevant specialist MPhil modules
• Supervise and 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 departments educational strategy

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in a relevant field, with the potential to generate internationally recognised research and experience of designing and delivering research projects
• Evidence of flexibility and range in teaching at an undergraduate or postgraduate level
• Evidence of excellence in the delivery of taught courses, through lecturing, assessment, supervision and course 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 3 years in the first instance.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, contact Sonja Amadae 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 for applications is 18 January 2026. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 2 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 GO48113 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.

Advert information