Applications are invited for the position of Assistant Professor in History of Knowledge Pre-1400, in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. Please note that, owing to the terms of the donation underpinning the funding for this post, candidates whose main area of research is the history of medicine are excluded from consideration. The duties of this post will include lectures, supervisions, and administrative duties for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as conducting and leading research activities at the highest level.

The position will start on 1 September 2026. The completion of a PhD (or equivalent) is required before the start date. This is a permanent post, subject to the successful completion of a 5-year probationary period. The post-holder will have standard opportunities for promotion through the University's Academic Career Pathways scheme.

For information on the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, see www.hps.cam.ac.uk. For more information on the University of Cambridge, see www.cam.ac.uk.

Apply online via the University of Cambridge's online recruitment system: https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assistant-professor-in-history-of-knowledge-pre-1400-jn47745

Application requirements include:

1) Cover letter (up to three pages, including research plans), curriculum vitae and full list of publications, combined into one document;

2) Two samples of original written work (articles or book/dissertation chapters, up to a total of 30,000 words). If you are unable to upload your work samples, please e-mail these as attachments to [email protected], ensuring that you include your surname in the e-mail subject line and the filenames.

References: Please provide the names and contact details of three referees on the online form. We will contact the referees of longlisted candidates directly. Referees will be asked to comment specifically on the candidate's suitability for this particular role.

Schedule

Closing date: Sunday 14 December 2025

Longlisting by 15 January 2026

Shortlisting by 2 February 2026

Interviews by early March 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to give a presentation on their research and attend an interview, in person if possible.

Terms and conditions

The appointment is permanent, subject to completion of a probationary period of 5 years. The range of starting salary is £47,389 - £59,966 per year (Grade 9). The person appointed will be eligible for membership of the USS Pension Scheme.

Please quote reference JN47745 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.