Assistant Professor in Sociolinguistics

The Theoretical and Applied Linguistics Section (TAL) of the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cambridge (MMLL) is seeking to appoint a full-time University Assistant Professor in Sociolinguistics from 1 September 2025.

We invite applications from candidates who have a record, or clear potential, for outstanding, broadly sociolinguistic research using science-based methodologies (e.g., data science) and who have a strong formal linguistics background (phonology, morphology, syntax). The appointee will take an essentially cross-disciplinary approach to sociolinguistic issues such as language variation and contact, consistent with the ethos of TAL and its central role within the broader Language Sciences network within Cambridge.

The appointee will be required to contribute to the delivery of a distinctive intellectual programme in Linguistics and the Language Sciences at the Master's and PhD levels in their field of expertise, as well as to contribute to undergraduate teaching and small group supervision. The role also includes an active contribution to the administration of the activities of TAL and the Faculty.

We welcome applicants with a record of excellence in research, commensurate with their career stage, and a strong trajectory. Candidates will have relevant teaching experience, have successfully completed a PhD in a relevant field by the start date for the post and be able to demonstrate active, collegial engagement in research, teaching and outreach in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. A fluent or near-fluent command of English is essential.

For your application to be considered please ensure that you upload the following documents to your online application:

•  A covering letter
•  Your Curriculum Vitae, including a full list of publications
•  An article-length example of your written work (max 8,000 words, e.g., a previous publication or thesis chapter)
•  Three references are required, and applicants should ask their referees to send their reports to references@mmll.cam.ac.uk by the closing date.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Friday 31 January 2025. We plan to hold interviews and selection activities in person during March-April 2025, subject to change.

Prospective candidates are welcome to seek more information beyond the Further Particulars by contacting Professor John Williams, Director of the Linguistics Section, at jnw12@cam.ac.uk. On questions of procedure, please contact the School HR team on MMLLPersonnel@admin.cam.ac.uk.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please quote reference GP44019 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and we particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background for this vacancy, as people from these backgrounds are currently underrepresented at this level in our Faculty.  Details of some of the family-friendly policies operated by the University are at: https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/pay-benefits/cambens-employee-benefits/family-friendly

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

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