<< back

Cambridge - Lecturer in Human Origins

The Department of Archaeology is seeking to appoint a University Lecturer in Human Origins and early evolution, to start on 1 September 2020, or as soon thereafter as possible. The successful candidate will be active in research and committed to teach in early human evolutionary studies. Applications are welcome in all branches of palaeoanthropology, although preference may be given to those with research experience and expertise in hominin palaeontology, especially early hominins.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the formulation of a new generation of intellectually-driven research and undergraduate and graduate teaching in Biological Anthropology, working within the framework and opportunities of a radically enlarged new 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. The appointment made will be permanent, subject to a probationary period of five years.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

  • Excellent first degree and a doctorate (or clear evidence that completion of such a doctorate is imminent) in a relevant biological or anthropological field.
  • Evidence of ability to engage in internationally outstanding research.
  • Publications and participation in scholarly activity commensurate with stage of career.
  • Evidence of the ability to initiate and engage in international collaborations, including grant acquisition.
  • Evidence of ability to teach in undergraduate core courses in Biological Anthropology relevant to hominin evolution, and develop and teach specialist courses at undergraduate and graduate level in their fields of expertise.
  • Evidence of ability to teach and research across disciplinary boundaries relevant to the current context of Biological Anthropology at Cambridge - archaeology, zoology, palaeontology, biological and biomedical sciences, and psychological and behavioural sciences.
  • Ability to play an effective role in the life and work of the Department and University as a whole.
  • Ability to work co-operatively with academic colleagues and support staff.
  • Ability to work as a willing and effective contributor on Departmental, Faculty and University committees and work groups.

      • The successful applicant will benefit from the outstanding facilities offered by the University and the generous support for research and teaching provided by the Department and McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. The post-holder will take a full share of teaching within the range of core and thematic papers and modules taught within the Department at all levels, from first year undergraduate to doctoral research. Duties of the role will also include examination, assessment, administration, and outreach.

      Applications should include a covering letter indicating the nature of the contribution you would make to teaching and research (current and future), curriculum vitae, including an up-to-date list of publications, and the names and contact details of THREE referees who can be contacted to provide a reference. Referees will be contacted by the University as soon as possible after submission of an application.

      Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit three samples of published work or extracts of published work totalling no more than 20,000 words in length. Those invited for interview will be asked to make a short presentation, meet staff and students individually and in groups, and will have an interview with the Appointments Committee.

      Closing date: 31 March 2020.

      Application details available at http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/24539/