University of Cambridge Recruitment 2026: Apply for Academic Career Development Fellowship in Global Politics

The University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading research universities, has officially announced recruitment for the Academic Career Development Fellowship (ACDF) in Global Politics and International Relations for the 2026 cycle. The fellowship is jointly hosted by the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and Girton College and is supported by the Isaac Newton Trust.

This prestigious fellowship is designed specifically for outstanding early-career researchers who wish to establish an independent academic research profile while simultaneously gaining advanced teaching and supervisory experience in a globally recognized academic environment.

Fellowship Overview

Institution: University of Cambridge
Department: Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) & Girton College
Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Position Type: Academic Career Development Fellow (Fixed-Term)
Job Reference Number: UE49748
Duration: 3 Years
Starting Date: 1 September 2026
Salary: £37,694 – £46,049 per annum
Application Mode: Online

Research Areas & Academic Focus

The fellowship welcomes scholars working in the following areas:

• Global Politics & International Relations
• Politics of South Asia
• Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
• Comparative Political Systems
• International Governance and Policy

Applicants with interdisciplinary and globally impactful research profiles are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• A completed Ph.D. in Political Science, International Relations, or a related social science discipline.
• Typically less than 3 years of post-PhD experience.
• Strong publication record or demonstrated research potential.
• Teaching and student supervision capability.
• Ability to work within an international academic environment.

The university may provide visa sponsorship support under UK institutional regulations for eligible international applicants.

Role Responsibilities

The fellowship combines both teaching and research responsibilities.

POLIS Department Responsibilities (70%)

• Conduct independent academic research.
• Deliver lectures and seminars.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Participate in departmental activities and governance.

Approximately 40% of the departmental workload is protected exclusively for independent research activities.

Girton College Responsibilities (30%)

• Participate in the college academic community.
• Provide up to 80 hours of student supervision annually.
• Engage in mentoring and collegiate activities.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must upload the following documents through the Cambridge recruitment portal:

• Updated Academic CV
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement / Future Research Plan
• Teaching Experience & Philosophy Statement
• Supporting Academic Documents

Important Dates

Official Careers Portal: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/
Department Website: https://www.polis.cam.ac.uk/
University Website: https://www.cam.ac.uk/