Overview
The Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge seeks to appoint a Assistant Professor in Zooarchaeology (Human and Animal Relations in Prehistory), to start on 1 January 2026 or as soon thereafter as possible. Subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period of five years, the appointment made will be permanent.
The successful candidate will be active in research and committed to teaching in Archaeology and Archaeological Science, specifically zooarchaeology (including macro and micro-remains).
We seek a candidate with a focus on prehistory (early European and/or broader global), with the expectation of a strong interest in relationships between animals and people and societies. We are looking for a forward-looking archaeological scientist and thinker who recognises that the past has relevance for addressing challenges relating to current and future societal and environmental change.
We seek someone with an active engagement in both fieldwork and lab-based identification and macro-analysis, who complements and helps to integrate existing specialisms within the department and whose approach is broad, theoretically informed and interdisciplinary. The appointed candidate will have oversight of some of the Department's extensive reference collections, and will be expected to be active in management of some of the Department's laboratories.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the creation of new research and teaching (undergraduate and postgraduate) within a large Department committed to interdisciplinary approaches. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute actively to the University's aim of developing wider strategic connections and initiatives.
There are excellent opportunities to work with the Cambridge Archaeological Unit, with potential collaborations with the departments of Zoology, Geography, Earth Sciences and/or the Cambridge Conservation Initiative.
Closing date: 15 September 2025. Interviews will take place in Cambridge in September–October 2025.
Responsibilities
* Active in research and committed to teaching in Archaeology and Archaeological Science, specifically zooarchaeology (including macro and micro-remains).
* Oversight of some of the Department's extensive reference collections and management of some of the Department's laboratories.
* Play a key role in the creation of new research and teaching (undergraduate and postgraduate) within a large Department committed to interdisciplinary approaches.
* Contribute actively to the University's aim of developing wider strategic connections and initiatives.
* Potential collaborations with the Cambridge Archaeological Unit and the departments of Zoology, Geography, Earth Sciences and/or the Cambridge Conservation Initiative are welcome.
Qualifications
* A doctorate in a relevant aspect of archaeology or cognate fields.
* Research excellence in terms of publications and projects, commensurate with career stage.
* Ability to initiate and engage in international collaborations commensurate with career stage.
* Experience in the formulation and submission of research funding applications commensurate with career stage, and success in securing external funding.
* Experience of teaching courses in archaeology and archaeological science, as well as the ability to develop and teach specialist courses at undergraduate and graduate level in their field of expertise.
* Willingness and ability to make an effective contribution to the work of the Department and University as a whole.
* Ability to work co-operatively with academic colleagues and professional services staff.
Applications
* A covering letter (maximum of 3 pages).
* A statement outlining current and future research interests (maximum of 3 pages).
* An outline proposal for a specialist 16-hour course aimed at final year undergraduate and masters students (maximum of 2 pages).
* A curriculum vitae including an up-to-date list of publications.
* The names and contact details of THREE referees (references are not required at the time of application).
Shortlisting and interview process
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit two samples of published work or extracts of published work totalling no more than 20,000 words in length. Applicants invited for interview will be asked to make a presentation on their research and give a short teaching sample lecture on a specified topic, will meet staff and students individually and in groups, and will have an interview with the Appointments Committee. Interviews will take place in Cambridge in September–October 2025.
Additional information
* Closing date: 15 September 2025.
* We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background, as they are under-represented in our department.
* The University of Cambridge aims to foster equality and inclusion, and to promote respect and belonging for all.
* The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
* Apply online
* For informal enquiries, contact Professor Cameron Petrie, Head of Department (hod@arch.cam.ac.uk) or hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk.
* Please quote reference JD44571 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Details
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Education and Training
* Industries: Education Management
The University of Cambridge aims to be a leader in fostering equality and inclusion, and in promoting respect and a sense of belonging for all.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Apply online
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