University Assistant Professor in Polar Studies

The Department of Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute invite applications for a University Assistant Professorship in Polar Studies. The post is available from 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in Polar regions, with research and teaching interests in one or more of: terrestrial and freshwater environments, landscapes and biota, their responses to, and interactions with, other components of the Earth system, and their social/human dimensions.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Geography, Polar Studies or related discipline and will have an outstanding academic record for their career stage. They should have a strong record of relevant research publications, evidence of research leadership (or potential to develop it) and the ability to attract research funding. They must show evidence of enthusiasm and ability to teach a wide range of courses in Geography and Polar Studies at both undergraduate and Masters level. They will have a growing international reputation and the ability to recruit and supervise high-level PhD and postdoctoral researchers.

Applicants should submit the following documents with their application:

• Full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Full list of publications. Please highlight up to 5 papers where you have made the most significant personal contributions, with up to 4 lines of text for each such paper.
• A research statement (3 pages max.) outlining your interests and expertise, and describing how your research plans might complement and extend existing activities at the Scott Polar Research Institute, Department of Geography and the wider University.
• A teaching statement (2 pages max.) on your approach to teaching and how you believe you can contribute to the SPRI/Department's teaching programme at undergraduate, MPhil and PhD level.
• The contact details of three referees.

We particularly welcome applications from indigenous people, 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 the 'Apply' button above. 

If you have any questions on the application process, please email Alessandra Uomo, HR Coordinator, at hr@geog.cam.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries should be directed to the Director of SPRI, Professor Richard Powell, at director@spri.cam.ac.uk.       

Interviews are expected in October/November 2026.

Please quote reference LC49794 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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