University of Cambridge INT Academic Career Development Fellow 2026 in Global Politics and International Relations (Middle East, North Africa, or South Asia)

The University of Cambridge has announced applications for the prestigious INT Academic Career Development Fellowship 2026 in the field of Global Politics and International Relations, offering an exceptional academic opportunity for early-career scholars specializing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) or South Asia.

Hosted by the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) in collaboration with Girton College, this highly competitive three-year fellowship provides scholars with the opportunity to advance cutting-edge research, contribute to world-class teaching, and engage in one of the most intellectually vibrant academic communities globally.

Supported generously by the Isaac Newton Trust, the fellowship is designed to nurture outstanding emerging academics with strong research potential and a compelling future vision in politics and international studies.

The position will begin on 1 September 2026 and is non-renewable after the completion of the three-year term.

About the University of Cambridge POLIS Fellowship

The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge is internationally recognized for excellence in political science, international relations, public policy, and area studies.

The Academic Career Development Fellowship aims to support scholars whose work contributes significantly to understanding global politics and international relations, particularly in relation to:

• The Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
• South Asia

The successful candidate will also become a Fellow of Girton College, one of Cambridge’s historic colleges known for its dynamic and inclusive academic environment.

This dual appointment offers fellows the opportunity to engage deeply in both departmental and collegiate academic life.

Fellowship Structure and Responsibilities

The role is structured across two academic institutions within the University of Cambridge system:

Allocation of Responsibilities

• Approximately 70% of the appointment is based within POLIS
• Approximately 30% is based at Girton College

Within the POLIS portion:

• Around 40% of the time will be protected specifically for research activities
• The remaining time will focus on teaching, examinations, and academic service responsibilities

At Girton College:

• Fellows will undertake agreed teaching responsibilities
• Supervision duties will normally not exceed 80 hours annually

Research and Academic Expectations

The University is seeking candidates with a strong and promising academic profile.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Expertise in global politics and international relations related to MENA or South Asia
• A strong publication and research record appropriate to career stage
• A compelling future research agenda
• The ability to contribute to the academic development of the subject area at Cambridge

The fellowship is particularly suitable for emerging scholars aiming to establish themselves as leading academics in international politics and regional studies.

Teaching Responsibilities

The successful fellow will participate actively in teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Responsibilities may include:

• Delivering lectures
• Conducting seminars
• Supervising students
• Directing studies
• Participating in examinations

The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic environment.

Collegiate and Administrative Contributions

In addition to research and teaching, fellows will:

• Participate in departmental governance and administration
• Contribute to the collegial life of POLIS
• Engage in academic activities at Girton College
• Collaborate with scholars across the wider University of Cambridge network

The fellowship offers a rich environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and academic networking.

Benefits of the Cambridge INT Academic Career Development Fellowship

This fellowship provides substantial professional and academic advantages for early-career researchers.

1. Prestigious Cambridge Appointment

Successful candidates become part of one of the world’s leading universities.

2. Dedicated Research Time

The fellowship includes protected research time to support scholarly productivity and publication development.

3. Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Participants gain valuable teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

4. Fellowship at Girton College

The successful applicant will join a supportive collegiate academic community.

5. International Academic Exposure

Cambridge offers access to leading researchers, global academic networks, conferences, and collaborative opportunities.

6. Career Advancement

The fellowship is specifically designed to strengthen the academic career trajectory of emerging scholars.

7. Competitive Salary

The salary range for the position is:

• £37,694 – £46,049

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrate expertise in global politics or international relations related to MENA or South Asia
• Show evidence of strong research achievement
• Possess excellent teaching and communication skills
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Be capable of contributing to a multidisciplinary academic environment

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Eligibility Requirement

The University states that all employees must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.

International applicants should therefore ensure they meet UK immigration and employment requirements.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment portal.

Applicants should:

1. Register an account on the recruitment system
2. Complete the online application
3. Submit all required academic and professional materials

Applicants should quote the following reference number in all correspondence:

• UE49748

Important Dates

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is:

Midnight on Thursday, 4 June 2026

Expected Interview Date

Interviews are expected to take place on:

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Contact Information

For questions regarding the role:

• Professor Duncan Kelly
  Email: djk36@cam.ac.uk

For application process inquiries:

• bom@polis.cam.ac.uk

Why This Fellowship Is Highly Competitive

The University of Cambridge fellowship ecosystem is globally respected, and this opportunity provides an ideal platform for emerging scholars to develop independent academic careers.

The combination of:

• Protected research time
• Teaching experience
• Collegiate fellowship
• International recognition
• Access to Cambridge’s scholarly network

makes this one of the most attractive early-career academic opportunities in political science and international relations.

Scholars focusing on geopolitical dynamics, governance, international diplomacy, conflict studies, regional politics, or comparative political systems in MENA and South Asia are especially well-positioned for this role.

 

Apply here

 

Learn More

For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here