University Assistant Professor in Political Theory

Applications are invited for an Assistant Professor (Grade 9) in political theory, to be based in the Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Cambridge. The post will be available from 1 September, 2026.

Candidates should have a proven academic profile across the broad areas of (modern) political theory and the history of political thought. This is an open search, although we are especially interested to hear from those working in international political theory, or who undertake historically informed research on anti-colonial and post-colonial political thought, or whose work might connect political theory and historical political economy, broadly construed. Applicants will have a PhD, be able to demonstrate an outstanding research record as well as an exciting future trajectory, and provide a compelling vision of how their research and teaching would support and further the development of political theory in POLIS.

The successful candidate must be able to play a substantial role in the high-quality teaching of political thought at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including giving lectures and seminars to a minimum level of 40 hours a year. They will be expected to make a collegial contribution to the governance and administration of the Department, and possess a flexible approach to the varied duties involved in working in a Department that is part of a wider collegiate university. They will also be required to engage in the small group teaching of undergraduates (Cambridge supervisions). The successful candidate will join a vibrant and successful community of scholars in a self-consciously pluralist department, who are themselves part of a broad network of scholars teaching and researching political thought within POLIS and across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Cambridge.

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

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 07 April 2026.

The interview will be held in May 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Duncan Kelly djk36@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference UE48970 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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