Understanding the University of Cambridge INT Academic Career Development Fellowship

The University of Cambridge offers a prestigious INT Academic Career Development Fellowship for those focused on Global Politics and International Relations, specifically concerning the Middle East, North Africa, or South Asia. This three-year fellowship is designed for early-career scholars looking to advance their research and teaching within a leading academic institution. It provides a structured environment to build a strong academic profile, engage with a vibrant intellectual community, and contribute to the field of international studies.

About the POLIS Fellowship at Cambridge

The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge is known globally for its work in political science, international relations, public policy, and area studies. The INT Academic Career Development Fellowship is part of POLIS’s commitment to supporting emerging academics. This fellowship aims to help scholars whose research significantly contributes to understanding global politics and international relations, with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) or South Asia regions. The chosen fellow also becomes a member of Girton College, a historic Cambridge college known for its welcoming academic atmosphere. This dual role allows the fellow to be involved in both departmental academic life and the broader collegiate community.

Fellowship Structure and Responsibilities

The fellowship involves a division of duties between the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and Girton College. Approximately 70% of the fellow’s time is dedicated to POLIS, while the remaining 30% is allocated to Girton College.

Breakdown of Responsibilities

Within POLIS, about 40% of the fellow’s time is set aside for research. The rest of the time at POLIS will involve teaching, grading exams, and other academic service duties. At Girton College, the fellow will take on agreed-upon teaching tasks. Supervision duties at the college level are typically limited to no more than 80 hours per year. This structure ensures a balance between independent research and teaching, providing a well-rounded academic development experience.

Research and Academic Expectations

The University seeks candidates who have a strong and promising academic background. Applicants must show they have expertise in global politics and international relations related to the MENA or South Asia regions. They should also present a solid record of publications and research that is suitable for their current career stage. A clear and compelling future research plan is essential, as is the ability to contribute to the development of the subject area at Cambridge. This fellowship is especially well-suited for new scholars aiming to become leaders in international politics and regional studies.

Teaching Responsibilities

The selected fellow will actively participate in teaching at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This can include giving lectures, leading seminars, supervising students, directing studies, and helping with examinations. Strong communication abilities are necessary for this role, along with the capacity to work effectively within a diverse academic setting. The fellowship offers a chance to hone teaching skills and contribute to the educational mission of the university.

Collegiate and Administrative Contributions

Beyond research and teaching, fellows are expected to contribute to the governance and administration of the department. They will also participate in the collegial life of POLIS and engage in academic activities at Girton College. Collaboration with other scholars across the University of Cambridge network is also encouraged. The fellowship provides a rich environment for interdisciplinary work and academic networking, fostering connections that can last throughout a career.

Benefits of the Cambridge INT Academic Career Development Fellowship

This fellowship offers significant professional and academic advantages for researchers in the early stages of their careers.

1. Prestigious Cambridge Appointment

Being part of the University of Cambridge places the fellow within one of the world’s most respected academic institutions. This affiliation can open many doors for future opportunities.

2. Dedicated Research Time

The fellowship includes protected time specifically for research. This support is crucial for scholarly productivity and developing publications.

3. Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Participants gain valuable experience teaching at different academic levels. This helps in developing pedagogical skills and a deeper understanding of student needs.

4. Fellowship at Girton College

Becoming a fellow at Girton College means joining a supportive academic community. This provides a collegial environment for personal and professional growth.

5. International Academic Exposure

Cambridge offers access to leading researchers, global academic networks, conferences, and collaborative projects. This exposure is vital for staying at the forefront of the field.

6. Career Advancement

The fellowship is specifically designed to boost the academic career path of emerging scholars. It provides the experience and recognition needed to move forward in academia.

7. Competitive Salary

The fellowship offers a competitive salary, ranging from £37,694 to £46,049, providing financial stability during the three-year term.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet several requirements. They should hold a PhD in a relevant field. Demonstrated expertise in global politics or international relations concerning the MENA or South Asia regions is essential. Applicants must also show evidence of strong research achievements and possess excellent teaching and communication skills. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is important, as is the capacity to contribute 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 of all backgrounds. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly welcomed and encouraged to apply for this fellowship.

Work Eligibility Requirement

All employees at the University must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. International applicants need to ensure they meet the UK’s immigration and employment regulations. This is a key requirement for all positions at the university.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment portal. The application requires registering an account, completing the online form, and submitting all necessary academic and professional documents. Applicants should note the reference number UE49748 for all correspondence related to their application. The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday, 4 June 2026, with interviews expected on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions