Assistant Professor in Mesopotamian Archaeology

The Department of Archaeology is seeking to appoint a University Assistant Professorship in Mesopotamian Archaeology, to start from 1st September and no later than 1st October 2023. The successful candidate will be leading research in Mesopotamian Archaeology.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose research focuses on the historical periods (Uruk through Achaemenid periods).

Applicants whose research plans include interdisciplinary approaches that intersect with those of other academic staff in the Department and which involve field studies 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. Mesopotamian Archaeology at Cambridge is taught as part of the undergraduate degrees in Archaeology and in Assyriology, and the MPhil in Assyriology, with a diverse body of archaeology, assyriology, and classics 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 successful applicant will benefit from the outstanding facilities offered by the University and the generous support of research and teaching provided by the Department and McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research as an Assistant Professor of the Department. The post-holder will take a full share of teaching in Mesopotamian Archaeology within the range of core and thematic papers offered by the Department. The expected teaching load is ca. 50 hours lecturing per year. Duties of the role will also include examination and assessment of both undergraduates and Masters students, as well as contribution towards administration.

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 Mesopotamian Archaeology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Experience in the formulation and submission of research funding applications commensurate with stage of career.
• Ability to initiate and engage in international collaborations commensurate with career stage.
• Ability to play an effective role in the life and work of the Department and University as a whole.
• Ability to work co-operatively with academic colleagues and support staff.

Desirable

• Experience in the supervision of undergraduate and graduate research projects.
• Experience in small-group teaching.
• Experience in outreach activities and engagement with the public dissemination of research.
• Engagement with the wider international scholarly community of Mesopotamian archaeologists and Assyriologists in the form of journal editorships, conference organisation and other measures of esteem.

Applications should include:

• a brief covering letter;
• a statement outlining current and future research aims, and how these intersect with the Department's undergraduate and graduate teaching in Mesopotamian Archaeology;
• a proposal for a specialist 16 lecture course aimed at final year undergraduate and masters students;
• a curriculum vitae including an up-to-date list of publications;
• the names and contact details of THREE referees.

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

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

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 at the end of April 2023.

Closing date: 6 April 2023.

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

Please quote reference JD34863 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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