Assistant Professor in Zooarchaeology

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in Zooarchaeology, to start on 1 January 2026 or as soon thereafter as possible. Subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period of five years, the appointment made will be permanent.

The successful candidate will be active in research and committed to teach in Archaeology and Archaeological Science, specifically zooarchaeology (including macro and micro-remains).

We seek to recruit someone with a focus on prehistory (early European and/or broader global), with the expectation of a strong interest in relationships between animals and people and societies. We are looking for a forward-looking archaeological scientist and thinker who recognises that the past has relevance for addressing challenges relating to current and future societal and environmental change.

We seek someone with an active engagement in both fieldwork and lab-based identification and macro-analysis, who complements and helps to integrate existing specialisms within the department and whose approach is broad, theoretically informed and interdisciplinary. The appointed candidate will have oversight of some of the Department\’s extensive reference collections, and will be expected to be active in management of some of the Department\’s outstanding suite of laboratories.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the creation of new research and teaching (undergraduate and postgraduate) within a large 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.

There are excellent opportunities to work with the highly regarded Cambridge Archaeological Unit, whose research is primarily focused on the local region. Potential collaborations with the departments of Zoology, Geography, Earth Sciences and/or the Cambridge Conservation Initiative are welcome.

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

• A doctorate in a relevant aspect of archaeology or cognate fields.
• Research excellence in terms of publications and projects, commensurate with career stage.
• Ability to initiate and engage in international collaborations commensurate with career stage.
• Experience in the formulation and submission of research funding applications commensurate with career stage, and success in securing external funding.
• Experience of teaching courses in archaeology and archaeological science, as well as the ability to develop and teach specialist courses at undergraduate and graduate level in their field of expertise.
• Willingness and ability to make an effective contribution to the work of the Department and University as a whole.
• Ability to work co-operatively with academic colleagues and professional services staff.

Applications should include: 1. A covering letter (maximum of 3 pages). 2. A statement outlining current and future research interests (maximum of 3 pages). 3. An outline proposal for a specialist 16-hour course aimed at final year undergraduate and masters students (maximum of 2 pages). 4. A curriculum vitae including an up-to-date list of publications. 5. The names and contact details of THREE referees (references are not required at the time of application).

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 will take place in Cambridge in September-October 2025.

Closing date: 15 September 2025.

We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented in our department. More details are available here:

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Cameron Petrie, Head of Department, ). For any queries about the application process or online system please contact

Please quote reference JD44571 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.

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

Key information
Department/location

Department of Archaeology

Salary

£46,735-£59,139

Reference

JD44571

Category

Academic

Date published

31 July 2025

Closing date

15 September 2025