Assistant Professor-Western Art Music History of the 20th Century [Temporary Cover]

Location: Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK

The Faculty of Music at the University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a Temporary Assistant Professor in Western Art Music History (20th Century) starting on 20th September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and ending on the 30th September 2027. This post arises as cover for a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship and is dependent on the underpinning grant funding remaining in place. 

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Music or a related discipline and with a record of, or clear potential for, excellent research. You will be a scholar whose research activities fall within the designated area and time period(s), and your work will complement that of other historians of Western Music in the Faculty. You will teach on courses within a recently revised undergraduate degree at Cambridge; you will also teach at master's level and take part in the examining. Administrative duties will include committees, examination boards, and admissions and outreach work. 

At the heart of a vast network of musical study, research and practice, the Faculty of Music is made up of 14 academic staff, 5 postdoctoral researchers, 10 affiliated lecturers and 14 professional services staff who work with around 200 undergraduates and 75 graduate students. As a world-leading centre of research the Faculty includes specialists in medieval and renaissance music, early modern music, nineteenth-century music, opera, popular music, ethnomusicology, performance studies, composition and scientific approaches to music. The Faculty facilities include a fully professional concert hall and music library as well as an impressive collection of historical instruments and Javanese gamelan. Integral to the Faculty is the Centre for Music and Science, a purpose-built facility housing a fully equipped recording studio, computer room and research room. 

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups. The University operates and Equal Opportunities Policy and supports a range of diversity networks. More details are available at http://www.equality.admin.cam.ac.uk/ 

Further information about the Faculty of Music is available at www.mus.cam.ac.uk

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following to the application system:

• A covering letter
• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and areas of teaching competence
• A statement of research interests and future research plans (up to 500 words)
• At least one sample of recent work (10,000-15,000 words)
• Contract details for three referees.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term until 30 September 2027 or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

The closing date for applications is Friday 14 August 2026. Interviews will be held online and will take place on Friday 4 September 2026, subject to change.

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

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor David Trippett (Chair@mus.cam.ac.uk). If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact MusicHR@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference GT50397 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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