Job Description

The Board of Electors to the Miriam Rothschild Professor of Conservation Biology invites applications from people whose work falls within the general field of conservation biology, to take up appointment on 1 June 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Zoology seeks to appoint a scientist of outstanding calibre. Our new colleague will be recognised internationally for the originality and impact of their research. They will provide leadership in research and teaching in conservation biology at Cambridge.

The Miriam Rothschild Chair is the University\'s premier position in conservation biology. It is central to collaborative work in conservation science at Cambridge - spanning the Department of Zoology, the University\'s Conservation Research Institute (CRI, which includes academics from 14 Departments), the School of Biological Sciences and the exceptional consortium of international and national NGOs within the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI, which shares a building with the Zoology Department). The new Professor will broaden and further strengthen work by this world-class group of conservation scientists, which is currently focused on addressing key global challenges: the extinction crisis; the effects of climate change; and food security.

The appointment comes at an exciting time for the Department of Zoology, and for conservation science at Cambridge, coinciding with recruitment of several new professors and senior research leaders in this globally impactful research area.

Candidates will be evaluated against several selection criteria including:

An outstanding research record of international standing in conservation biology.

The scientific vision, experience, enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to shape the direction and emphasis of conservation biology research, teaching and impact in Cambridge.

Commitment to provide academic leadership in conservation biology not only in the Department and within the wider University, but also nationally and internationally.

A passion for working in partnership with conservation practitioners based in, and beyond, Cambridge to ensure their research and training has tangible impact.

An awareness of the importance of, and the willingness to promote, the recruitment and training of the next generation of conservation biologists.

The Professor will be based in Cambridge. Standard professorial duties include teaching and research, examining, supervision and administration. The Professor will be expected to take on a senior leadership role in the Department at some point in the future. A competitive salary will be offered.

Applications, consisting of a letter of application, a statement of current and future research plans (of up to 4 pages), a curriculum vitae and a publications list, along with details of three referees should be made online no later than 11 September 2023.

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our institution.

Further information on the University and the Professorship is available at: and or contact the Human Resources, University Offices, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 1TT, (email: ).

Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Rebecca Kilner, Convenor of Board of Electors and Head of the Zoology Department from 1 October 2023 email: .

Please quote reference PF37459 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.

Competitive Salary

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