Munby Fellowship in Bibliography 2026 - 2027

Ever wanted to work in an institution that is home to one of the world's great collections of cultural treasures and research materials? 

Spanning thousands of years of human thought and discovery, Cambridge University Libraries and Archives house unique treasures and research materials made up of nearly ten million books, maps, manuscripts, photographs and priceless objects. 

The role 

The Munby Fellowship is one of the oldest and most prestigious fellowships in Bibliography and History of the Book. It enables an exceptional scholar to spend a year conducting bibliographical research based directly or indirectly on the collections of the University and Colleges of Cambridge, and likely to be of benefit also, in the broadest sense, to scholars using those collections in the future. 

As Munby Fellow you will

• Propose and deliver an independent research project within the broadly conceived field of Bibliography or History of the Book
• Participate fully in the intellectual life of the Library and its wider community by contributing to the activities of the University Library Research Institute and public engagement programmes.
• Take up a non-stipendiary fellowship at Darwin College and participate fully in college life.

What we are looking for

• An outstanding research proposal drawing on Cambridge collections with outcomes that will be of benefit to future scholars using those collections.
• A doctoral degree in any discipline or evidence of an equivalent level of research experience.
• An academic record commensurate with your career stage.
• Evidence of your ability to contribute fully to the life and activities of Cambridge University Libraries and Archives and Darwin College.

What we offer

• An allowance of GBP1,500 for research expenses.
• Enhanced access to collections in Cambridge University Libraries and Archives.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Generous annual leave allowance of 41 days.
• Exceptional parental leave (including maternity, paternity / co-parent, adoption and shared parental leave).
• Professional development and networking opportunities including access to a variety of training courses.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

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

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Suzanne Paul, Keeper of Rare Books and Early Manuscripts (sp510@cam.ac.uk).

Application closing date: 1 February 2026

Interview date: 26 March 2026

For further details please refer to the Further Particulars. Please ensure you upload a covering letter, your CV and your research proposal of no more than 2 pages, single spaced. 

Please quote reference VE48125 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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