Academic Career Development Fellow in Global Politics and International Relations @University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for its prestigious Academic Career Development Fellowship in Global Politics and International Relations, offering an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars specializing in the politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) or South Asia.

The three-year fixed-term position is jointly hosted by the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and Girton College, with support from the Isaac Newton Trust. The fellowship is designed to support emerging academics with strong research profiles while enabling them to contribute to teaching and academic life within one of the world’s leading universities.

Fellowship Overview

The Academic Career Development Fellow will be based within the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge and simultaneously hold a Fellowship at Girton College.

Key details include:

• Position Type: Fixed-term fellowship
• Duration: Three years
• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Salary: £37,694–£46,049 per annum
• Reference Number: UE49748
• Application Deadline: 4 June 2026

The appointment is non-renewable and forms part of the Isaac Newton Trust Academic Career Development Fellowship Programme, which supports talented scholars at critical stages of their academic careers.

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship seeks candidates with expertise in:

• Global Politics
• International Relations
• Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
• Politics of South Asia
• Regional and global political dynamics
• International political systems and governance

Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic profile and evidence of high-quality research in one of these areas.

Candidate Requirements

The University is seeking applicants who can demonstrate:

• A completed PhD in a relevant discipline
• An outstanding research record relative to career stage
• Strong publication potential or achievements
• A clear and ambitious future research agenda
• Ability to contribute to teaching and supervision
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Capacity to work in multidisciplinary academic environments

Successful candidates will be expected to articulate how their research complements and strengthens existing expertise within POLIS and Girton College.

Teaching and Research Responsibilities

The fellowship combines research and teaching responsibilities across both institutions.

The workload distribution is structured as follows:

POLIS Responsibilities (70%)

Within the Department of Politics and International Studies:

• Approximately 40% of the role will be protected for research
• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Delivering lectures and seminars
• Supervising student research
• Participating in examinations
• Contributing to departmental administration and governance

Girton College Responsibilities (30%)

As a Fellow of Girton College, the successful candidate will:

• Conduct student supervisions
• Participate in collegiate academic activities
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the college
• Undertake up to 80 hours of supervision annually

Academic Environment

The successful fellow will join a vibrant scholarly community within POLIS, a department known for its pluralist and interdisciplinary approach to political studies.

Benefits of the academic environment include:

• Collaboration with internationally recognized scholars
• Access to extensive research networks
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement
• Participation in a leading global research institution
• Membership in the supportive academic community of Girton College

The University notes that the fellowship forms part of a broader network of politics and international studies researchers working across Cambridge’s collegiate system.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Academic Career Development Fellowship provides an important pathway for promising scholars seeking to establish themselves within academia while benefiting from protected research time.

The fellowship offers:

• Significant dedicated research time
• Teaching experience at a world-leading university
• Collegiate fellowship status
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to Cambridge’s global academic networks
• Support for building an independent research profile

For scholars specializing in the politics and international relations of South Asia or the Middle East and North Africa, the position presents a valuable opportunity to advance research while contributing to the education of future political scientists and international relations specialists.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications through the University of Cambridge’s online recruitment system.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare:

• Academic CV
• Cover letter
• Research statement
• Teaching experience and philosophy documentation
• Relevant supporting materials required by the application portal

Important Dates

• Applications Close: 4 June 2026 (Midnight)
• Expected Interview Date: 24 June 2026
• Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2026

Contact Information

For academic inquiries regarding the fellowship:

• Professor Duncan Kelly
• Email: djk36@cam.ac.uk

For application process questions:

• Email: bom@polis.cam.ac.uk

Applicants should quote Reference UE49748 in all correspondence related to the vacancy.

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

The University of Cambridge states that it actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of society. The institution also notes that successful applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.