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:
- Register an account on the recruitment system
- Complete the online application
- 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.
Learn More
For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
