Vicar (half-time)
St James’ is a welcoming and inclusive parish seeking a priest who will lead us in faith, prayer and service as we continue to grow as a lively Christian presence at the heart of our community. The parish is located in south Cambridge, close to schools, hospitals, the biomedical campus and the University, with a diverse and changing population.
The parish is served by frequent bus services to the city centre and the railway station, which has fast direct trains with a 55-minute journey time to central London. As a result, the parish includes regular commuters who work in the capital. The Cambridge South railway station, principally serving the biomedical campus, will open in 2026.
The 5-bedroom vicarage adjoins the church.
We are looking for someone who:
* has a deep and prayerful Christian faith, grounded in Scripture
* is an inspiring communicator with a well-formed theological mind
* appreciates good liturgy and church music
* relates easily and warmly to people of all ages and backgrounds
* has a heart for children, young people and families
* is an outward-looking, collaborative leader with a sense of humour
Teaching and outreach
Teaching for adults involves lectionary-based preaching and occasional discussions during Sunday services. Running in parallel with the middle section of the mid-morning service are weekly craft-based children's stations, inspired by the lectionary readings, attracting up to 10 children aged four to 12. Older children are encouraged to listen to the sermon. Currently, these stations are offered in the transept, which means they can be run by one adult, rather than two. We have recently been joined by some new Sunday school leaders, and if sufficient numbers are achieved, we aim to hold a Sunday School in the Study Centre to allow more lively interactions.
We have an easily accessible outward-facing website to help local people find out what is going on at St James' and we reach out to the wider parish through the Queen Edith Community Forum.
Through a Church Mission Society link, we continue to support a couple who used to live in the parish and are now involved in theological education in Bangalore, India. We also participate in Christian Aid week each year, and engage in ad hoc fundraising as needs arise, for example for disaster relief.
Next steps:
* Download the application form and benefice profile below.
* Closing Date: Midday 20 February 2026
* Interviews: Monday 16 March 2026
* Full details at
* Informal enquiries to the Ven. Dr Alex Hughes, Archdeacon of Cambridge at
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
Our Diocese
Ely Cathedral from the River Ouse
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years.
This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk and the diverse, growing city of Peterborough.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 110 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training. We have no plans to reduce clergy numbers.
We anticipate the announcement of a new Diocesan Bishop in early 2026, and the diocese remains on a steady course. Our recent Mission Strategy, Ely 2025, devolved much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.