University of Cambridge - Assistant Professor in Japanese Visual Culture (Fixed Term)

H Net; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Cambridge seeks an Assistant Professor in Japanese Visual Culture for a fixed term of 5 years starting from September 1, 2026. Candidates must hold a PhD by the time of appointment and possess a strong record in teaching and research. The role involves high-level research, undergraduate teaching, and active participation in course development. Applications must include a cover letter, writing sample, CV, and references. The closing date for applications is January 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in dealing with visual culture historically.
• Experience in undergraduate teaching of Japanese Visual Culture.
• Competency of visual culture in Japan across different periods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-level research and publish in the field.
• Deliver undergraduate teaching to high standards.
• Engage in innovative course development.

Skills

Research in Japanese Visual Culture

Outstanding teaching ability

Engagement with relevant scholars

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

University of Cambridge - Assistant Professor in Japanese Visual Culture (Fixed Term)

Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Applications are invited for a 5-year, fixed term position of Assistant Professor in Japanese Visual Culture in the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Cambridge UK, starting on 1 September 2026. We welcome applications from scholars of art history, media, as well as visual popular culture. The era of expertise is open, but a demonstrated ability to deal with visual culture historically is needed.

The successful applicant will engage in high-level research and publish in their specialist field. They will deliver, to the highest standards, undergraduate teaching of Japanese Visual Culture, and are expected to contribute to all aspects of the teaching in the undergraduate Tripos in East Asian Studies (Japanese Studies pathway) and in the MPhil by Advanced Studies (Japanese Studies and East Asian Popular Culture Across Time).

The post-holder will be expected to engage in innovative and integrative course development at the undergraduate level, facilitating the offering of content papers to all students in the department and their borrowing by other faculties and departments. The post-holder is also expected to offer supervisions (small-scale tutorials), supervise postgraduate students, and be an active participant in the administration of the East Asian Studies programme.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field by the time of appointment in September of 2026, and will have a record of, or clear potential for, outstanding teaching and research. They will be expected to have competency of visual culture in Japan across different periods, to contribute to our efforts to broaden and strengthen interest in Japan, and to engage and collaborate with relevant scholars and institutions in the United Kingdom.

Interested candidates should submit a Cover Letter, A writing sample in the form of an article or chapter with a word count of 12,000 words and a CV. Please also provide the names and contact details of three referees who are familiar with your work. References will be requested at the next stage of the recruitment

The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Thursday 15 January 2026.We expect to hold interviews with shortlisted candidates in mid March 2026, subject to change.

Click the 'Hiring URL' below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please quote reference GX47910 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.

Contact Information

For questions about this vacancy please contact:

Prof. Mickey Adolphson ( [e-mail] ) , Keidanren Chair of Japanese Studies

For questions about the application process, please contact the Deputy Faculty Manager: