Professorship of Theoretical Linguistics

About the role

The Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, within the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics, is appointing to the Professorship of Theoretical Linguistics, first established in 2000. The chair will fall vacant on 30 September 2027 and is one of the flagship professorships of the School of Arts and Humanities. The post is based in Cambridge, and the Professor will be expected to serve as Head of Department for a minimum of three years.

Key responsibilities

• Teaching and research: deliver a maximum of 48 hours of lectures or classes per academic year, present research at major conferences and organise departmental and faculty seminars, and apply for major grants.
• Supervise research and advanced work, and assist students through supervision or informal instruction.
• Take part in university examining as required.
• Play a significant role on the Faculty Board and Faculty and University committees, and share administrative duties with other teaching members.

Required profile

• A PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• An outstanding, world-leading research record in Theoretical Linguistics.
• Vision, leadership experience and enthusiasm to maintain and develop a leading research presence, such as a track record of winning major research grants.
• Ability to contribute to the academic planning and strategic development of Theoretical Linguistics, and to manage staff and students at all levels.
• Commitment to recruiting, training and mentoring the next generation of researchers, and to departmental and faculty activities.

Applications, including a letter of application, research statement, CV, publications list and three referees, must be submitted online by 30 November 2026. A competitive salary will be offered.