The University of Cambridge is offering a unique opportunity for early-career scholars to advance their work in global politics and international relations. The INT Academic Career Development Fellowship is designed for individuals specializing in the Middle East, North Africa, or South Asia. This prestigious three-year fellowship provides a platform for cutting-edge research, teaching, and engagement within a leading academic community. The fellowship, supported by the Isaac Newton Trust, aims to cultivate promising academics with a clear vision for their future contributions to politics and international studies.
About the POLIS Fellowship at Cambridge
The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge is renowned globally for its expertise in political science, international relations, public policy, and area studies. This Academic Career Development Fellowship specifically seeks to support scholars whose research significantly deepens the understanding of global politics and international relations, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) or South Asia. The successful candidate will also become a Fellow of Girton College, a historic college known for its vibrant and inclusive academic atmosphere. This dual role allows fellows to immerse themselves in both departmental and collegiate academic life.
Fellowship Structure and Responsibilities
The fellowship involves a division of responsibilities across two key academic institutions within the University of Cambridge. Approximately 70% of the appointment’s duties will be based within POLIS, while the remaining 30% will be at Girton College. Within POLIS, about 40% of the fellow’s time will be dedicated to protected research activities. The rest of the time will be allocated to teaching, overseeing examinations, and other academic service duties. At Girton College, fellows will undertake agreed-upon teaching responsibilities, with supervision duties typically not exceeding 80 hours annually.
Research and Academic Expectations
The University is looking for candidates who present a strong and promising academic profile. Applicants must demonstrate a clear expertise in global politics and international relations concerning the MENA or South Asia regions. A solid record of publications and research, appropriate for their career stage, is essential. Candidates should also present a compelling future research agenda and show the potential to contribute to the academic development of their subject area at Cambridge. This fellowship is particularly well-suited for emerging scholars aiming to establish themselves as leading academics in international politics and regional studies.
Teaching Responsibilities
The selected fellow will actively participate in teaching across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This may include delivering lectures, leading seminars, supervising students, directing studies, and participating in examinations. The role demands strong communication abilities and the capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic setting.
Collegiate and Administrative Contributions
Beyond research and teaching, fellows are expected to contribute to departmental governance and administration. They will also engage in the collegial life of POLIS and participate in academic activities at Girton College. Collaboration with scholars across the wider University of Cambridge network is also encouraged, offering a rich environment for interdisciplinary work and academic networking.
Benefits of the Cambridge INT Academic Career Development Fellowship
This fellowship offers significant professional and academic advantages for early-career researchers. Becoming part of the University of Cambridge places fellows within one of the world’s foremost academic institutions. The fellowship includes protected research time, which is crucial for scholarly productivity and developing publications. Participants gain valuable teaching experience at various academic levels. The fellowship at Girton College provides a supportive collegiate community. Furthermore, Cambridge offers extensive international academic exposure, including access to leading researchers, global networks, conferences, and collaborative projects. This opportunity is specifically designed to strengthen the academic career trajectory of emerging scholars, offering a competitive salary ranging from £37,694 to £46,049.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline. They need to demonstrate expertise in global politics or international relations related to the MENA or South Asia regions. Evidence of strong research achievements, excellent teaching and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are also required. Candidates must be capable of contributing to a multidisciplinary academic environment.
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Cambridge is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. They encourage applications from individuals representing all segments of society and particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Work Eligibility Requirement
All employees at the University of Cambridge must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. International applicants should ensure they meet all UK immigration and employment requirements.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment portal. The application process involves registering an account, completing the online form, and submitting all necessary academic and professional materials. Applicants should use the reference number UE49748 in all correspondence. The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday, 4 June 2026, with interviews expected on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. For role-specific questions, Professor Duncan Kelly can be reached at [email protected]. For inquiries about the application process, please contact [email protected].
Why This Fellowship Is Highly Competitive
The fellowship system at the University of Cambridge is globally respected, and this particular opportunity serves as an excellent launchpad for emerging scholars to build independent academic careers. The combination of protected research time, teaching experience, a collegiate fellowship, international recognition, and access to Cambridge’s vast scholarly network makes this one of the most sought-after early-career academic positions in political science and international relations. Scholars focusing on geopolitical dynamics, governance, international diplomacy, conflict studies, regional politics, or comparative political systems within MENA and South Asia are especially well-suited for this role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the INT Academic Career Development Fellowship?
It’s a three-year fellowship at the University of Cambridge for early-career scholars specializing in global politics and international relations, particularly concerning the Middle East, North Africa, or South Asia.
What are the main responsibilities of the fellow?
The role involves research (about 40% of time at POLIS), teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and contributing to the academic and collegial life of both POLIS and Girton College.
Who is eligible for this fellowship?
Applicants need a PhD in a relevant field, expertise in global politics/international relations for MENA or South Asia, a strong research record, and excellent teaching and communication skills.
What is the application deadline and how can I apply?
The application deadline is midnight on Thursday, 4 June 2026. You must apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment portal using reference number UE49748.
