Assistant Professor in Biological Anthropology (Comparative Human Biology)

The University of Cambridge is seeking to appoint a University Assistant Professor in Comparative Human Biology 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 the biology of contemporary populations, and enthuse a wide disciplinary platform of students on the importance of anthropological, comparative and evolutionary approaches to understanding patterns of diversity in human health, growth, nutrition and demography in the world today. The post will complement the Department’s research and teaching expertise in Biological Anthropology, which covers human evolution, human behavioural ecology, human evolutionary genetics, human osteology, cultural evolution and primatology. The successful candidate will add insights into human variation and adaptation in health, disease and demography from living populations, and engage with major contemporary topics. We particularly welcome applications from researchers whose research focuses on any of (1) health and evolutionary medicine, (2) life-history, growth and phenotypic plasticity, (3) microbiome diversity, immunity and adaptation, and (4) demography, health and behaviour. Applications with interdisciplinary approaches, field studies, and whose research intersects with those of other biological anthropologists in the Department are encouraged.

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 post starts on 1 September 2023, and the appointment made will be permanent subject to a probationary period of five years. The successful applicant will benefit from the outstanding facilities offered by the University and the support of research and teaching provided by the Department of Archaeology and the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research.

The selection process will take into account each candidate’s fulfilment of the following criteria:

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,
commensurate with the stage of career.
– Experience in the development and delivery of general and specialist teaching in aspects of human comparative biology at undergraduate and graduate levels.
– Experience in the formulation and submission of research funding applications commensurate with stage of career.
– Leadership of, or participation in, national and international collaborations.
– Contribution to departmental and university administration, organisation and structures, commensurate with stage of career.

Desirable
– Experience in academic leadership roles.
– 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.

Applications should include:
1. A brief cover letter
2. a statement outlining current and future research aims, and how these intersect with the Department’s undergraduate and graduate teaching in comparative human biology.
3. a proposal for a specialist 16 lecture course aimed at final year undergraduate and masters students.
4. a curriculum vitae including an up-to-date list of publications
5. the names and contact details of THREE referees who can be contacted with a reference request as soon as an application is submitted. Applicants are asked to confirm with their referees that they will be able to submit their letters of reference by the closing date.

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 will take place in Cambridge in November 2022.

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/.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Tamsin O’Connell, Head of Department, hod@arch.cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference JD29898 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.