University Assistant Professor in Human Evolution

The University of Cambridge is seeking to appoint a University Assistant Professor in Human Evolution, to start on 1 September 2024, to join its thriving and growing hub in Human Evolutionary Studies within the Department of Archaeology. The successful candidate will be leading research on aspects of human adaptation and evolution. The post will complement the Department's research and teaching expertise in Biological Anthropology, which covers human evolution, human behavioural ecology, primatology, human evolutionary genetics, human osteology, cultural evolution and comparative human biology. Applications are welcome in all branches of palaeoanthropology, with the expectation that the successful candidate will add insights into hominin evolutionary biology, adaptation and phylogenetic history. We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose research focuses on any of(1)hominin origins, (2)early hominin evolution and diversity, (3)the evolution of hominin life-history, (4)hominin palaeoenvironmental contexts and responses to climate change, (5)the evolution of hominin social behaviour and cognition, and (6)innovative methodological approaches to the study of human evolution. We encourage applications from those whose research includes active fieldwork, and whose research plans include interdisciplinary approaches that intersect with those of other biological anthropologists in the Department.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as supervise undergraduate and graduate research projects in their field of expertise. Biological Anthropology at Cambridge is taught as part of the undergraduate degree in Archaeology (Biological Anthropology track) and as a Part II in Natural Sciences, resulting in a diverse student body of archaeologists, anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, and medical and veterinary science students. The University offers two Masters degrees in the subject, a taught-research degree and a research-only degree. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the examination of students, outreach activities, the development of the Department's educational strategies, the academic management of departmental activities, relevant departmental and Faculty committees, and the University's wider strategic connections and initiatives.

The selection process will take into account each candidate's fulfilment of the following criteria commensurate with stage of career:

Essential

• Excellent first degree and a doctorate (or clear evidence that completion of such a doctorate is imminent) in a relevant field.
  
• Internationally outstanding research in terms of publications and projects.
• Experience in the development and delivery of general and specialist teaching in aspects of human evolution at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Experience in the formulation and submission of research funding applications.
• Leadership of, or participation in, national and international collaborations.
  
• Contribution to departmental and university administration, organisation and structures.

Desirable

• Experience in the supervision of undergraduate and graduate research projects.
• Experience in teaching and research across disciplinary boundaries relevant to Biological Anthropology at Cambridge - including the fields of archaeology, zoology, biological and biomedical sciences, and psychological and behavioural sciences.
• Experience in outreach activities and engagement with the public dissemination of science.
• Engagement with the wider Biological Anthropology international scholarly community in the form of journal editorships, conference organisations and other measures of esteem.

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. We encourage applications from all sections of society. All appointments are made on the basis of merit. We have an Equal Opportunities Policy, along with a range of diversity networks for women, black and minority ethnic and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff. More details are available here: http://www.equality.admin.cam.ac.uk/

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applications should include:

A brief covering letter of no more than two sides of A4.

A statement outlining current and future research aims, and how these intersect with the Department's undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in human evolution.

A proposal for a specialist 16 lecture course aimed at final year undergraduate and Masters students.

A curriculum vitae including an up-to-date list of publications

The names and contact details of THREE referees. Your referees will be contacted in the event that you are shortlisted.

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 are likely to take place in Cambridge at the end of April or at the beginning of May 2024.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 2 April 2024. Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Tamsin O'Connell (Head of Department; [email protected] ) or Professor Marta Mirazón Lahr ([email protected] ).

Please quote reference JD40067 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.

Further information
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