Assistant Teaching Professor and Course Director, MPhil in Cancer Biology and Medicine (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for an Assistant Teaching Professor to lead the new MPhil in Cancer Biology and Medicine within the Department of Oncology at the University of Cambridge. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in establishing and developing a new postgraduate programme, providing academic leadership and shaping the education of the next generation of cancer researchers and biomedical scientists. 

The MPhil in Cancer Biology and Medicine aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer and their translation into approaches for cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. The programme will combine research-informed teaching with substantial practical research experience, drawing on the internationally recognised expertise of researchers and clinicians across the University of Cambridge. 

The successful candidate will serve as Course Director, taking a leading role in the design, delivery, management and ongoing development of the programme. Responsibilities will include coordinating teaching and assessment, overseeing research projects and supervision arrangements, contributing to admissions and academic governance, and ensuring an excellent postgraduate student experience. 

Working closely with academic colleagues, research group leaders and professional services staff, the postholder will ensure that the programme remains at the forefront of developments in cancer research and postgraduate education. They will also contribute to the wider educational and scholarly activities of the Department of Oncology and School of Clinical Medicine. 

Applicants should hold a PhD in cancer biology, oncology, biomedical sciences or any related discipline and demonstrate postdoctoral research experience in cancer or a closely related field. They must have experience of teaching, training or advising students, a commitment to research-informed postgraduate education, and the organisational and interpersonal skills required to coordinate a large multidisciplinary academic programme. 

Experience of educational programme management would be advantageous, as would experience of conducting cancer research that spans experimental, computational, and clinical settings. 

The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm, initiative and a clear vision for the future development and success of the MPhil in Cancer Biology and Medicine. 

This is a teaching-focused academic appointment offering the opportunity to shape a distinctive postgraduate programme within a world-leading cancer research environment. 

Appointment will be on a fixed 5-year term in the first instance, with a 3-year probationary period. 

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

Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and your relevant experience in teaching, research, and wider scholarship. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. 

Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. 

For informal enquiries about the position, please contact Dr Siddhartha Kar on sk718@cam.ac.uk. 

Closing date: 30 November 2026

Interview date: 10 December 2026 

Please quote reference RD51595 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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